Adopting a friend for my IRP

[Wendy Lynne]

Good morning Indian Ringneck Parrot experts,

I have logged on to ask a question: I am considering the adoption of a second IRP to be company when I cannot be at home for my much-loved IRP Rosie. Rosie is a 2 1/2 yr old rescue with some social skills, but is not hand-tamed. The bird I would be adopting can be described very similarly. Do I have any reason to worry that--properly introduced over a period of days where they can see and hear each other in different cages--(and Rosie spends some time out of her habitat as well) they would be a danger to each other? Can IRPs share a habitat (suitably large, of course)...is this a good idea? My aim is company and additional stimulation for Rosie--but I want to make sure I'm ging about this the right way.

Thank you!

Wendy

[Fah]

You will find very fast how your birds will react with one another by placing the two in nearby cages and watching their reactions. If you see it "mock attacking" the bars, then you are in trouble, else its generally pretty safe.

I have regularly put two older birds in together with no problem at all... only once have I seen a ringneck "chase down" another for a fight, and it was quite unique to my other experiences.

Play it safe, see how it goes, and honestly I would be suprised if you dont get some rather nice almost "swooning" type noises from them when they first meet, the awsome head bobbing and "flirty" chats new ringnecks is quite nice to watch.

They are a flock bird, and enjoy "limited" company (ie; no more than 2) in any given gome invironment. Every time I have seen someone with 3+ birds in a home, unless your mother theresa and have nothing to do except entertain, you get "fractions" in the house.

Good luck

[Wendy Lynne]

Dear FAH,

Thank you so much for this helpful response! I am very excited about this new adoption, and really hope that this can bring some new value to my Rosie's life!

Thanks!

Wendy