Introduction

[JenniferP]

Hello, I'm Jennifer I'm from pietermaritzburg South Africa (My First Ringneck)

I bought my baby ringneck when she was about 3 weeks old, she is now about 9 weeks old. By the name of Echo.. Echo is a Violent grey green Indian Ringneck.
She is very adorable and loveable she's the happiest sitting on my head not sure why always my head :04:


I'm a bit worried about Echo since she won't eat much solids or formula but looks healthy though, please any advice would be great.

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to the family! Echo sounds wonderful!

 

[Scott]

Welcome Jennifer and Echo! Can I assume you took possession of Echo at 3 weeks, or did you purchase while the breeder continued feeding until more recently? My concern is you may have bought an unweaned baby and are having issues with acceptance of food. I don't want to assume too much, but for now please read this thread written by one of our breeder-members. May not completely apply, perhaps some clues within: http://www.parrotforums.com/breeding-raising-parrots/74363-so-you-bought-unweaned-baby.html

Do you have a sensitive scale measuring grams? Weight of a developing parrot is critical and you can detect issues long before they are evident by appearance or behavior. I am not familiar with Ringnecks, but other members may be able to share appropriate weights by age.

 

[wrench13]

Lets hope that she is Violet and not Violent, which would be bad if she is perched on your head! LOL.

Welcome and be welcomed!

 

[JenniferP]

Hi Scott, yes I took possession of Echo at 3 weeks.
I will definitely read the thread thank you so much..

No unfortunately I don't have a scale, but will get one asap.

 

[JenniferP]

Hi, Wrench13, what a mistake lol. Definitely violet

 

[wrench13]

Re: Kitchen scale, you can get them with a wooden T stand that has a suction cup in the bottom, to fit on the scale. It makes weighing parrots much easier.

Here is one

https://www.amazon.com/W-C-Redmon-Digital-Scale-Animal/dp/B000WP6LRY

 

[JenniferP]

Hi wrench13, thank you I'll definitely get it asap.

 

[Laurasea]

Hello welcome! Hope to picture of yiur beautiful bird

 

[JenniferP]

Echo 9 weeks old.

Is there a way that I can discourage her sitting on my head?
Because as soon as I take her she goes straight to my head and I can't read her body language and can't feed her up there

 

[Littleredbeak]

She is such a cutie!! I think she wants to be in the highest position. Do you have a play stand to stick her on? Or table?

 

[JenniferP]

Hi Littleredbeak, no unfortunately I don't but I'm currently looking for a play stand.

 

[Scott]

Nice pics, Echo gives the vibe of supreme satisfaction atop your head! They love high places!

We can include standing on head with "shoulder privileges" as earned result of good behaviors. Primary reason to discourage is potential damage an untrustworthy bird can inflict on face and neck. In this case, it appears Echo is not a threat. Quickly remove with a stern "NO" and place elsewhere as desired. He should get the idea fairly quickly.

 

[JenniferP]

Hi Scott, yes she is quite satisfied on my head, she'll just sit there or playing with my hair.. She's not aggressive, except when you try to take her off then she'll try to bite and hold onto my hair.

I'll definitely include shoulder privileges thank you...


I did order a large perch stand with toys for her, I think she'll love it.

 

[Laurasea]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing pictures

 

[smbrds]

What a cutie! Welcome to you and Echo!

 

[JenniferP]

Hi everyone, I just got my scale, but I don't know what the average weight is for a 10week old IRN, I did weigh Echo she's 105g

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[Scott]

Hi everyone, I just got my scale, but I don't know what the average weight is for a 10week old IRN, I did weigh Echo she's 105g

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Found this older IRN thread discussing weight. Links still work for comprehensive look. I'm guessing that weight for a 10 week old is good, but our IRN members would know far better!
http://www.parrotforums.com/indian-ringnecks/37614-healthy-weight-male-2-yr-old.html

 

[JenniferP]

Thanks Scott, I'll have a look.

And thanks for your opinion. [emoji846][emoji847]

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[GaleriaGila]

Welcome, welcome!
I love your open mind and friendly spirit. I am glad that you and Echo have joined our Community.
I have a little collection of hints I usually offer new folks. Here ya go.


Here's some reading on bonding for you.
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
General Parrot Information - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community
http://goodbirdinc.blogspot.com/2012...n-parrots.html

Most of us swear by our avian vets in the event of health concerns.
Certified Avian Vets
https://abvp.com/animal-owners/find-an-abvp-specialist/
If none are near you...
Avian Veterinarians
http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803
In my opinion, any of the vets listed here should be better than a regular vet.
International contacts, too.

What's the diet going to be, long term?? That's critical for health. Too many are kept on seeds or other poor-nutrition things. They need veggies, legumes, grains... pellets are a good staple. Here's what I use.
http://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/
I feed Harrison's, supplemented by fresh healthy treats. My first, and later, my current avian vet recommended it. My bird loves the pellets now, but to get him converted, my avian vet suggested putting pellets out all day, and putting seeds (his old diet) out for two 15-minute periods a day. That would sustain him but leave him hungry enough to try new stuff. I presume the same technique could be used to get him to eat other healthy stuff, like fruits and vegetables! My guy was eating pellets in a couple of days, and now I can feed a good variety of other stuff, knowing he has the pellets as a basic. Pellets are out all day... fresh treats a few times a day. I also like Harrison's via mail because I never have to worry about out-of-date products.

Since you're a new parront, I'll just drop a note about avoiding teflon pans, which can be lethal to birds if overheated.