Are ringneks better then cockatiels and budgies?

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 2:16 am

Hey, I have not yet got a ringneck but I am wondering if they are better then the cockatiel and budgerigar? I have four budgies and have hade two cockatiels and loved them. Pleas tell me about your overall experiences. Thanks….. :?:

Dani03 · Post by **Dani03** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:00 am

Hi! I personally have owned all three types of birds you are talking about. First off if you like quiet tame birds that rarelly bite and don't go trough a stage called 'bluffing' then stay with a tiel or budgie! IRNs are very tempermental and can be little terrors when they want to be. Their attitude changes daily (some hourly!) and they may be nice and sweet when they are young but improper raising on the owners part can turn them into complete terror birds.

Now don't get me wrong I love my own IRN (Princess) and I wouldn't trade her for the world but I am just letting you know that a ringneck is a far different bird experience than a budgie or tiel. They are larger (of course) and do require a form of discipline and patience on your part. My own girl is moody and tempermental at times. She can be happy and content to sit around one day and the next be the monster from the black lagoon! However she has never bitten me save one time and it was an accident.

If you still are interested in getting an IRN please look for a breeder that not only hand feeds but also ask if they hand raise them! You see a hand fed/raised IRN is the sweetest thing. Hand raising and hand feeding at the same time means they are laid back around different people and don't freak out at situations. My Princess is this way. She was both and right now the bluffing stage is going pretty easily for us. Sometimes a breeder who is only interested in getting your money will tell you that they did hand feed and expect you to just take for granted that your are getting a well socialized bird...wrong! Most of these birds did get hand fed but they were only touched for the amount of time for feedings.

For the first four months (if you do get the bird) please DO NOT leave it in it's cage all day. During this time it must be out of it's cage for atleast a hour at a time. If they remain in their cages them will become cage bound and will refuse to come out and will revert to being a wild state bird. After the four months you can, I suppose, leave it in it's for a day or so at a time but I personally don't do this. Prinny is out wheneve I can let her.

Hope this helps and anymore questions please feel free to ask. This board is a great source of information and we have some of the nicest people on here... :wink:

Dani and Princess

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:57 pm

Ditto, pretty much.

I would like to add though that Hane, my IRN, has a lot more personality than my 'tiel. He just does funny things and plays- my 'tiel never really did any of that. Killer just sits there and whistles most of the time. But Hane does whacked out things and gets himself into all kinds of trouble.

If you want a lovable bird who loves his head scratched but a small size and personality plus, I would reccomend a green-cheeked, black-capped, or marron-bellied conure (or any conure of the Pyrhurra genus). And they're quieter than IRNs, lol.
I'm not making this saying you shouldn't get an IRN. I think IRNs are fabulous, but if I didn't have Hane I would so own a little black-capped conure! They are just too cute and loaded with fun. Plus they'll roll over to be scratched and love every minute of it. And quieter, lol. Did I mention that?

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 10:54 pm

Thanks so much guys you have answered all my questions on that topic "now ill have to think of another lol" I have a friend from school. His mum and dad have been breeding ringnecks for a long time. They hand feed and hand raise the little chicks and they sell the greens for only $50 Australian dollars "That’s cheap" normally you can pick up a green for about $100 Aus. Thanks again for your help :mrgreen:

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 9:59 pm

Hane fell into my lap one day (friend asked if I wanted a chick, free) and I grasped the opportunity. I had already erased ringnecks off my list of birds I wanted to have. And if I had had my mind set on a different bird at that time, I probably wouldn't have accepted little Hane. I don't think I'd be unhappy with my decision not to have him, but I'm not unhappy I took him either.

I just know there are small birds who like to cuddle, and they're not ringnecks (generally, I've heard of some exceptions though few).

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 5:18 am

Melika is so right.

Here is an exception. This is my Peek-a-Boo. She lives to love. Again... HUGE EXCEPTION.

Uhm, get the chin Ma.... THE CHIN! Ahhhh yeah, thats the stuff!

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 6:50 pm

Thanks for da replies, I so hope my IRN will be like yours (an exception) lol :wink:

IMR4N · Post by **IMR4N** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 4:28 am

I don’t think there are such things “exceptions” as it has been put. I think that sometimes people loose their patients with these birds since they do go through different stage and moods. Because they’re not docile and trusting of everybody (take for example the umbrella cockatoo). Any way they start to neglect or abuse the trust of the bird because progress is slow with these birds thus you rarely find a cuddly IRN.

(Lets just clear up my name while we're here its Imran)

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 4:55 am

IMR4N wrote:I don’t think there are such things “exceptions” as it has been put. I think that sometimes people loose their patients with these birds since they do go through different stage and moods. Because they’re not docile and trusting of everybody (take for example the umbrella cockatoo). Any way they start to neglect or abuse the trust of the bird because progress is slow with these birds thus you rarely find a cuddly IRN.

(Lets just clear up my name while we're here its Imran)

I tend to disagree. I have a 'tiel which for six years and counting refuses to be touched. I can get him on my hand, but he will not allow touching. Never did and never will, even though I continue to work with him. He will sit on my hand, that was a vicotry in itself. There are birds that just don't want to be touched. others who crave it. Just like some dogs will not cuddle and others who want all of their eighty pounds in your lap at all times. That's what makes animals so wonderful- they are individuals.

selma · Post by **selma** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:17 am

Melika that's so sad to hear. Our bird also does not want to be touched but i thought that after some time he would come around to letting us pet him.. But 6 years! Phew that's a long time. I don't think i'll be holding my breath anymore for that to happen. But who knows? He just might surprise us.

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 3:13 pm

I want to add though, that some people do give up too early when they're told "these animals don't like [blank]". I consider IRNs to beloving, but not cuddly. In some circumstances people do have potential lover IRNs but give up before they get to that point with their bird. But I know this isn't true for all people, many do their best but don't get the results they may have expected. We just never know how our animals will turn out.

And my 'tiel was given to me, when I first got him he wouldn't even sit on my arm. I quickly got him to sit on my arm or wrist, and sometimes my hand but as far as touching him nothing has changed. He's happy just whistling with us and no touching. So that's our relationship.

IMR4N · Post by **IMR4N** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 3:49 pm

Ahhh melika that’s the beauty of forums to put opinions forward and have discussions. The thing is no-matter what the animal or bird no-matter what shape or size they yearn to be groomed or to groom others so it is in their nature to yearn to be touched but only by what they consider to be their partner or someone they really trust take does for instance yeah not all off them like to be touched and its usually down to abusive owners others demand it when they want it and that’s usually due to over easy and lenient owners.

Maybe your cockatiel is just frightened of hands or not as trusting of humans how old was it when you got it????

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:57 pm

I am SO glad we can all bat stuff back and forth in a mature way. Even when we disagree.

I hope that means alot to everyone and it always remains this way.

Post by **ringneck** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 12:20 am

I agree. It’s nice to disagree in an adult manner.

Okay, as ringnecks and affection go. I must admit that I am very happy with Archimedes. He is such a snuggle bug with everyone. Loves it when I hold him near my face and pet him. Just talks and talks. It’s obvious it’s very enjoyable for him. His brother Anikin is even more affectionate.

I would imagine he developed this because as a chick I always worked with them. Always snuggled and interacted with them.

I just knew there was something special about him—that’s why I did not sell him. LoL!!!

Gosh I enjoy my ringnecks—especially Archimedes!
:wink:

Best Wishes,

Imran Chaudhry

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:25 am

IMR4N wrote:Ahhh melika that’s the beauty of forums to put opinions forward and have discussions. The thing is no-matter what the animal or bird no-matter what shape or size they yearn to be groomed or to groom others so it is in their nature to yearn to be touched but only by what they consider to be their partner or someone they really trust take does for instance yeah not all off them like to be touched and its usually down to abusive owners others demand it when they want it and that’s usually due to over easy and lenient owners.

Maybe your cockatiel is just frightened of hands or not as trusting of humans how old was it when you got it????

Killer (came with the name) is of an unknown age but we know he was a few years old at least when he was given to me. He loves other birds (his favourite colour is yellow), just not hands. I know what he fears so I don't force it upon him. We're happy just whistling to one another. ^^

I just know that with dogs (my experience with dogs is far greater than my experience with birds, so I can more easily relate to them) Geronimo isn't a cuddly dog. Most of the time you can pet him for a little bit and then he'll go walk away, he takes what he wants and leaves, lol. Zoe is a little love-monger. If you start petting her, she'll ask for more. Socrates is our fifty pound lap dog, lol. And Molly just wants to be inside of you, next to you isn't enough.
My babe, Geronimo, makes a great pillow but the others won't stand for it. All the dogs are very well mannered and obedient (to me at least, since I was the trainer, lol) but they have all different personalities. Molly used to snap at people who tried to pet her, after wagging her tail and giving all the signs to wanting to be pet. But she's 17 now and isn't snappish any longer. They all prefer different levels of interaction.
With the IRNs, Hane likes to watch the family and chase the dogs around. He'll accept scratching and petting but no cuddling. Tsume will only let your hands near him for step-up. He'll even attack you when you hold food for him. We're working on Tsume, his behavior just isn't acceptable. But even with the budgies some were always more tame than others. Even in added to the aviary some would prefer being with me, others would decide not to like me anymore.
I have one literally phobic budgie. And really phobic, not just behavior issues. I ran into the same thing with a pair of lovebirds who were afraid of people. Every single chick (several clutches) from that pair was phobic towards people, no matter how young they were taken from the nest.

Anyway, my point is that even though they may yearn to be touched, all creatures have their preferences. Some are in between, like Hane. I just don't believe everything can be fixed with training when dealing with wild animals. And parrots are still wild, they aren't domestic by any means.

I'm not being antagonistic, am I? I'm soing my best not to be. :oops:

I just like having discussions...

IMR4N · Post by **IMR4N** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 6:15 am

Not in the least bit antagonising I also love discussions. Now I’m not suggesting that training can change a bird at all what I’m trying to say is that bonding with the animal is important if not crucial. As you said about molly before may be she just needed to get use to ya’ll being part of the pack I mean you have got other dogs so she probably considered her self as part of their pack (or was she the first???). the way they are approached is also important don’t for get most animals are easily intimidated especially the ones that live in groups in the wild. Dogs are usually not social with those outside of their pack that is probably why your dogs were well mannered and obedient to you.

DarinA · Post by **DarinA** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 2:28 pm

I am a new irn owner. I bought Jade two weeks ago today. I had two cockatiels for five years. I already have a more cuddly relationship with Jade then I did the tiels, he loves to be held, touched under the wings and to have his beak rubbed. He was just weaned two weeks before I got him and I dont know if that is why he is so loving or not, I do know that the breeder hand feeds and raises them. I hope that he keeps progressing the way he is now.

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 5:48 pm

IMR4N wrote:Not in the least bit antagonising I also love discussions. Now I’m not suggesting that training can change a bird at all what I’m trying to say is that bonding with the animal is important if not crucial. As you said about molly before may be she just needed to get use to ya’ll being part of the pack I mean you have got other dogs so she probably considered her self as part of their pack (or was she the first???). the way they are approached is also important don’t for get most animals are easily intimidated especially the ones that live in groups in the wild. Dogs are usually not social with those outside of their pack that is probably why your dogs were well mannered and obedient to you.

That's just how Molly was. I've run across other dogs with the same issue- pretends to want petting and then WHAM snaps. She is 17, and we've had her the longest of our current pack. Oh, and the dogs are well mannered to all, that's how I trained them. It's just a family joke that I can veto anyone else's command because I was the trainer, lol. Dogs are my... speciality. ^_^ My father likes to call me the "dog whisperer" when he introduces me. I just understand dogs. They make so much sense, you always know what they're going to do. Except for those ones who give all the signs of being nice and then snap, lol. Our solution: no petting by strangers for Molly, until she got to know them better. We have a feeling she was abused by her previous owners during her first year of life. Happens. I have a special interest in dog behavior modification. I've been able to work with quite a few dogs with fear and/or aggression problems. Mostly I just train the human how to retrain the dog, lol. Humans have the most confusing body language to a dog, so you have to train the humans how to react through body and voice. It's fun. I want to foster animals with bahavior problems and rehab them for adoption.

Anyway, though I have issues with some of what you said about dogs and their nature, they aren't what we're really talking about.

IM4RN wrote:Now I’m not suggesting that training can change a bird at all what I’m trying to say is that bonding with the animal is important if not crucial.

It is important, I very much agree.

Neokireina · Post by **Neokireina** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 11:11 pm

Cockatiels are the strangest things. Some I have actively tried to tame I usually end up giving up.

When I had Jirra My second tiel I bought him from a store and tried to get him to sit on my hand. I gave up after a while. Three days later he decided he wanted company and from then on he was a snuggle bunny. He was the greatest pet I ever had.

Now I have 5 cockatiels in various stages of "tameness" I havent tried taming these birds at all really. They just live in the bird room.
Trill wants to be near my suns so he decided to be with them he had to be with me. He jumps on my head and shoulders and will step up. Just by living with them they fear me less. By offering them treats they begin to trust me. They arent affectonate but they arent afraid.

I dont mind, besides. With 3 sun conures, a cockatiel and an IRN on me and now two babies in my lap there isnt really any room left for more cockatiels

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 6:29 pm

And 'tiels are so dusty too. I wish someone had told me about the dust before I accepted Killer into my life. Mom is allergic to him so he's outside with the budgies.

I can get him out after much flapping and he'll be fine, I just can't touch him and he hates fingers. He'll come out and whistle to me all sweet-like and I'll share some food with him. He loves attention just not fingers. He's happy at least.

IndianRingNeck.com

Are ringneks better then cockatiels and budgies?

Are ringneks better then cockatiels and budgies?

Hi and welcome