different ages

Tweets · Post by **Tweets** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 7:59 am

hi guys..

I am debating whether or not to get another ringneck tomorrow (either yellow or green - I havent decided), but the problem here, is that Skye (blue), is already almost 2 years old! The petshops I have called (there were many), only have babies (7 weeks old).. The one or 2 shops I called that had birds around 2 years old are wild.. That would obviously make Skye less tame than she already is now.. and I cant afford to go backward with her.. Also, there is a risk that she wont like the new bird if its her age, and then there will be some serious problems

So, speaking to the woman at the petshop, she told me that if I bought a baby bird, Skye would probably look after it etc and there shouldn't be a problem..

I dont know much about puting birds together.. My first question is:

1) in later years (if for example the new bird is a boy), when he reaches sexual maturity, will they mate? or will they not mate due to the fact that he is younger?
2) can I introduce them together on the first day or do they have to be separated in order to get used to eachother?
3) any other info will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a mill guys!!

**Sami & Skye**

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 11:55 am

First step if you do get another bird, baby or not is quarantine. 30 days minimum in another area of the house. Always take care of Skye first, cage cleaning, handling, etc. And wach your hands before handling Skye.
This is especially important if you get a bird from a pet shop.

But once that's over, you can introduce Skye and the new buddy to one another. I'd start with them just hearing one another, then if interest is shown let them chill together on the same playgym. That way one can escape if needed. Don't put one inside the other's cage. It's just a bad idea. They should get a long, but even my Tsume and Hane, though brothers aren't cuddly or anything. They accept one another's prescence. And that's about it.
If you get a male, they very well may mate when he matures. In fact, it's better to have a female older than the male.
If you want to keep Skye as a pet, I wouldn't let her mate and would keep her in her own cage.

In my experience, it's better to let a new bird bond to you (for at least three months) before letting it spend time with other birds. I've noticed this helps keep them more pet-like. Hane prefers me over his brother. ^_~

Tweets · Post by **Tweets** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 1:16 pm

oopsie..
this post came a bit late.. Checked to see if there were messages before going to the pet shop this morning, as well as when I got back today..
They have already come within a foot of eachother.. thats about the closest thus far..
Skye seems to be "weary" of the new baby.. i guess it will take time for her to get used to it..
yesterday the woman at the pet store said the babies were 7 weeks old.. This poor baby cant be older than 5 weeks old..
its adorable tho!

ok, now, what do I do about the quarantining thing now?
Also, Skye doesnt sleep in a cage.. I have a cage for her that she eats and drinks water in, sometimes she sits ON the cage, but never IN the cage..
She has a "tree" that I built for her that touches the cage.. so she kinda spends her days between the 2.. so its kinda difficult..

Right now, the baby (Kiwi) is sleeping in a plastic thing - sorta the bottom of a small cage - with a towel underneath it.. all very cuddly.. on my desk.. Going to have to take the baby to work with me for the next couple weeks and make sure it eats on time etc..

whew.. its a hard job being a bird mommy to 2 birds.. I honestly dont know how some people manage 5 and more!!

anyhow, ok, so I've made a mess with the quarantining thing..

where to from here?

Thanks again for your input

**Sami, Skye, and Kiwi**

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 5:51 pm

Hey Tweet:

I recently went through exactly what you are going through but in reverse. I have a baby and I obtained a 2 yr old. The baby is more dominate and pushes the 2 yr old around.

As Melika said, quarantine is a good idea since it came from a pet store or anywhere for that matter but especially a pet store. This is due to disease but you knew that. Considering they have already been hanging out, dont sweat keeping them seperated (unless you feel the need too or if the store is less than respectable) in other words, dont beat yourself up for not knowing better. That is what we are all here for, knowledge. HOWEVER dont let them eat together at the very least.

I didnt have to do this because I was familiar with my older birds home and owner. So, I was lucky enough to have been able to introduce immediately. Until you are really sure (I have had my babies for a few weeks and Im still not ready) please dont leave them alone together.

Also, remember that if Irns are caged together, they are known to form a bond for eachother, thereby not bonding with you. Of course this isnt always the case but more common than not.

I am so happy and excited for you, feel free to post often and let us know how everything is going. PM me if you feel more comfortable about certain questions or for any other thing I can help you with.

Heres a big welcome birdie kissy! Save us to your favorites :!:

I assume you are hand feeding? I recommend the syringe technique and Exact brand formula. My bird has unbelieveable color and I attribute it to that.

Remember, the formula temperature IS VERY IMPORTANT. It can not be under 105 or it can cause infection and it can not be more than 110 for obvious reasons. I recommend a digital thermometer. This is very important. Also, NEVER heat the water and formula. Only heat the water then add the formula when the water is about right, temp wise. If it is only a couple of degrees off after adding the formula you can pop it in for a few seconds but try to NOT heat the formula at all. After a few times, you'll have it down. Only thing that sucks is your work microwave is probably different than your home microwave so you'll have to heat it for different amounts of time. If it happens to be too hot, drop in an ice cube but a whole one usually makes it too cold again so just hold it in there a little bit, take the temp, so forth.

Hope this helps! Please post pics soon. Please let me know if you are unsure about how many CC's or how often to feed. Sometimes pet stores know very little about the product they push.

ScarletKnight · Post by **ScarletKnight** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 12:35 am

i would try to keep them apart as much as possible till the lil is weened. birds tend to get jelious, and something tell me ure kiwi is not capable of defending or escaping if need be . irn can be teritorial at times so please be careful you have to introduce them lil by lil but if i were you i would wait before i go threw with introduction. Plus it can be quarintine time as well so my advice is keeping them apart for a while. another mickela is correct about formula. temp has to be right plus keep an eye on the crop. and you think he is ready to be weened cherrios can be introduced soggy though, mashed patotoe, carrots, etc you get the idea.
scarlet

Tweets · Post by **Tweets** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 7:45 am

Thanks for the info guys..
Kiwi went to work with me today.. and it will keep doing so until she can feed herself.. ooi - another 6 weeks.. shame man - its been very good tho.. sleeping and eating oh so much.. hehe..
I have hand reared a birdie before, so its all good - I appreciate the advice tho..
I used a syringe for Skye.. but cant find it now.. so we are spoon feeding kiwi.. thats how they fed them in the pet store..
The pet store also looked very clean

im glad about that at least!
Kiwi is nice and plump.. feels like a nice chicken in my palm.. hehe!!
Will get the pics up as soon as possible!

Guys, another quick question tho..
If I feel kiwi is getting lonely or bored - what do you suggest?
I have put a little teddy in the bed..
also, is it wierd that kiwi keeps pushing its head into corners and blankets etc?
almost like its "cuddling".. hehe.. TOTALLY adorable.. cant even walk yet..

O, and I NEVER leave kiwi and skye alone together..
but I do let skye sit on my shoulder when I walk around with kiwi., Want them to get used to eachother and not get scared etc

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:15 am

Your are doing GREAT!

ScarletKnight · Post by **ScarletKnight** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 7:17 pm

what kiwi is doing is normal for baby irn they do it from tiem to time. I never meant not to have them together what i meant was make sure you have a way to call off skye if need be adult irn can be mean at times but that great, and if you can find a lil time between feeding i would love to see a pic of ure babies.
scarlet

Tweets · Post by **Tweets** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 2:52 am

thanks guys!
As soon as I get batteries for my digital camera (I will go get some this weekend).. I will post up some pics!
I have already taken STAX!! hehe!!

Is there a way that I can "play" with kiwi or is she still too small?
Do you suggest I put a toy of some sort in her bed with her to cuddle/bite?

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 3:14 am

Dont forget.... www.photobucket.com... I find that one the easiest probably because its the free'est HA!

Tweets · Post by **Tweets** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 7:44 am

yep.. I use photobucket as well..

tnx!!

Kiwi is so cute! Been preening herself all day long.. she is becoming nice and very very green!! hahahaha!!
Eating nicely as well.. and very very adventurous.. TRYING to walk around (failing hopelessly).. lol.. exploring.. sitting between my neck and the chair.. hehe
Crazy bird!!

MWAH!!!!

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 8:27 am

We cant wait to see that baby!