Should I get a Ringneck?

[juhason]

I am looking to get a new parrot and right now Indian Ringnecks are at the top of my list.
I was just wondering what some of the pros/cons are of this species.
(Are they loud, cuddly/friendly, do they learn tricks easy, etc.)

I know they are amazing talkers and clowns, but was wondering overall how good of a pet they are. I am bouncing back and forth between a ringneck and a conure (most likely a Green Cheek, possibly a Sun) so if anyone wants to tell me the pros/cons of Green Cheeks also, that would be great! (For the Sun Conure, the only thing stopping me is noise... is there an easy way to control it? It would be very hard for me to make a schedule as I am home at different times everyday.)

 

[Kalel]

I have a sun and wouldn't trade him for the world, BUT if you are worried about noise I would NOT recommend a sun. Yes, there are ways to make it better, but he will sometimes be loud no matter what you do. Only get a sun if you are prepared to accept that. They get rehomed far to often for this very reason. Great little birds, though! And if being clowny is important well my little guy is as clowny as you can get. He is really well behaved and barely vocalizes but when he wants to, watch out. Your ears will literally ring if he's on your shoulder. I hope my advice helps in your decision.

 

[LeaKP]

I love my green cheek. He's not very loud ( only complains if I've not covered him at bedtime) and a really sweet and energetic pet.

 

[SilverSage]

With these questions I would say you need to do a LOT more research before buying.
-every bird is individual but there are some general characteristics that apply to most members of each species.
-HOW THE BIRD IS RAISED THROUGH FLEDGING AND WEANING HAVE A HUGE IMPACT!
-Training is key no matter what.
-IRNs are basically not considered cuddly at all. There are exceptions, I have not met any.
-IRNs have a louder voice than conures and can be just as noisy.
-As a general rule, a bird who is screaming all the time is MISERABLE, sun conure or not.
-conures are considered cuddly, but are also known for being nippy, which will not magically disappear. Some birds need to be corrected their whole lives for this.
-ever heard of "bluffing"? That great IRN stage where most owners cry and fret and can't figure out what turned their sweet baby into a vicious biting machine?
-birds are flock animals, you say you have no schedule, how do you plan to keep your bird occupied, sane, happy, and healthy?
-all parrot can learn trick, most daily easily. This is much more a question of your training ability than their intellect.

 

[juhason]

I have a sun and wouldn't trade him for the world, BUT if you are worried about noise I would NOT recommend a sun. Yes, there are ways to make it better, but he will sometimes be loud no matter what you do. Only get a sun if you are prepared to accept that. They get rehomed far to often for this very reason. Great little birds, though! And if being clowny is important well my little guy is as clowny as you can get. He is really well behaved and barely vocalizes but when he wants to, watch out. Your ears will literally ring if he's on your shoulder. I hope my advice helps in your decision.

Yes thank you for your advice

I love my green cheek. He's not very loud ( only complains if I've not covered him at bedtime) and a really sweet and energetic pet.

Sounds perfect!

With these questions I would say you need to do a LOT more research before buying.
-every bird is individual but there are some general characteristics that apply to most members of each species.
-HOW THE BIRD IS RAISED THROUGH FLEDGING AND WEANING HAVE A HUGE IMPACT!
-Training is key no matter what.
-IRNs are basically not considered cuddly at all. There are exceptions, I have not met any.
-IRNs have a louder voice than conures and can be just as noisy.
-As a general rule, a bird who is screaming all the time is MISERABLE, sun conure or not.
-conures are considered cuddly, but are also known for being nippy, which will not magically disappear. Some birds need to be corrected their whole lives for this.
-ever heard of "bluffing"? That great IRN stage where most owners cry and fret and can't figure out what turned their sweet baby into a vicious biting machine?
-birds are flock animals, you say you have no schedule, how do you plan to keep your bird occupied, sane, happy, and healthy?
-all parrot can learn trick, most daily easily. This is much more a question of your training ability than their intellect.

Yes, there is always more research to be done! I have already read about the bluffing stage, but I was getting mixed information on everything else, which is why I came here so I could get some advice from people with personal experience. If they are just as noisy and EVEN louder than a Sun Conure, then I don't know if it's the bird for me, as amazing as they are.
I am fine with noise, my parents not so much.

Also, are you saying that if I don't have a set schedule my birds can't be happy? Even if I am spending lots of time with them everyday??

 

[Ann333]

I agree it sounds like you have A LOT of research to do. I spent about 7 months pouring 8nto every bird article, blog, and YouTube video I could find before narrowing it down to a green cheek then spent another 2 months researching green cheeks specifically before ever looking for a bird.
I don't know anything about IRN or suns, but the pros of green cheeks is that they are typically pretty cuddly and very playful and hyper which leads to a very entertaining friend. But they are also a lot of work for the same reasons. They bond strongly and would not be happy to be left in the cage alone. They want to be where the action is, as a part of the family. They crave interaction especially from their favorite person. They can get a bit loud, not really volume wise but it can be persistent 9f you are busy doing something when they decide it is playtime. They are very opinionated and stubborn, which again can be a pro or a con. It is kinda funny how clearly they can express exactly what they want. It is very easy to read their body language too. Over all I wouldn't trade Pumpkin for any other bird or amount of money. This was the right first bird for me but may not be for you. Please do your research and make an informed decision! Good luck in your search and I can't wait to find out what you decide.

Edit : also of course no bird is guaranteed to talk. Pumpkin tries, but he's not very clear. Please don't get any bird based on talking ability.

 

[itchyfeet]

I spent years of research, looking into Grey's initially, before getting my ringneck. This is a great place to start, but keep going and going and going some more. Don't rush it. It's hard but the ground work is worth it.
He's got a 'leave me alone' yell, but that only comes out if his space isn't being respected. He's the quietest of the 3 I've had here in recent times, the other two being a 'tiel and a budgie.
He's not cuddly, he is person happy but he's not velcro. Full credit to his breeder and first owner - he's hand reared and was taken in to a polytechnic classroom every single day, to sit on numerous different shoulders. As a result, he also loves pens. Can you socialise a ringneck well? What craft groups etc do you belong to that he could come too?
He's currently bluffing. My mum and mum in law both have 'too's, so I'm more than confident in handling this behaviour. Are you? Do you know what bluffing is? Google it if not
My ringneck is super chatty. He's only 14 months and he's saying 'peek a boo', 'whatya doing?' 'whoopsadaisy', 'kiss kiss' and whistles to call the dog. I've with him close to all day every day though. He can target, come, and turn around with the clicker. So can many conures
As for a schedule, we don't really have one. I'm careful to mix up things regularly, and he seems to cope well. I'm hoping it'll have us cope with any sudden changes that may come up in the future.
He's amazing. Small parrot in size, big parrot in personality, but I did strike it lucky with his previous owners skill, and I'm experienced with big parrots. I can see your dilemma, I wouldn't mind a maroon bellied conure myself But after loads of reading, lurking on forums, visiting other parrots and watching youtube videos I settled on a ringneck.
I think they're awesome birds, but they're not the curling up type. And they have a good set of lungs! The bluffing isn't fun. They're character and elegance are key strengths, but as for character, every bird is different. From what I understand about the conures, they may not talk as clearly, but no bird is guaranteed a talker anyways. They are a little quieter, and more likely to be affectionate. After you've done your research, if it's still a close call, keep on eye on listings for both species and go and see what you bond with. My IRN, when I visited him in the classroom, came straight up on my shoulder, rubbed his cheek on mine, went to my husband, tried to nick his glasses then fell asleep on his shoulder. For us, that experience was the decision that sealed our commitment.

 

[Kiwibird]

Our landlords have a IRN I've 'babysat' numerous times while they were out of town. That tiny little bird gives my amazon a run for his money noise-wise and vocalizes a lot! He has a very shrilly voice. He says quite a few things too. He isn't so friendly with me (I'm essentially a stranger though), but he does love his owners! He is very bonded to them, but they let him out of his cage a lot, spend a lot of time with him ect... Any species of parrot will be a bonded, social creature who makes a good companion animal IF you put in the time and effort.

I don't have any real personally experience with conures.

 

[SilverSage]

Also, are you saying that if I don't have a set schedule my birds can't be happy? Even if I am spending lots of time with them everyday??

Nope, but you need a PLAN your bird does need some sort of schedule, so figure out what in your life can be MOSTLY REGULAR for the bird. Also, remember your bird needs enough space and enough toys and enough other distractions to keep him busy while you are gone. IRNs are especially clever and in my experience require even more interaction, structure, toys, and training than a conure in order to stay friendly and sociable.

 

[juhason]

Ok thank you everyone!!!! I think the bigger more demanding parrots are not for me at this moment in my life since I am working and going to school. I mean, I do have time for them but I already have 2 cockatiels so I think adding another parrot seems unrealistic at the moment. But thank you all for giving me this revelation!

 

[SilverSage]

It's hard to say no once the thought has come up, isn't it? But the truth is even some of the small guys like conures and Ringnecks can be quite demanding I personally am obsessed with my tiels; they are so sweet and amazing without a lot of the issues that come with some of the other birds

 

[itchyfeet]

Tough call but good on you! I'm quite surprised by just how much time my IRN can take, I was in the market for a big parrot anyway so that's fine by me but it sounds like you've done whats right for your situation I still think your best bet is to not give up! Keep following the forums passionately and doing your research, so that when the opportunity arises at a time that you're more ready for it, you can take that bird and thrive. Good Luck!

 

[Ann333]

I am also in school right now and college keeps me so busy during the week that I struggle to find enough time for one small bird! I think you have made the right decision. It is so hard to deny the urge! Good for you!