I'm not a very experienced 'bird person'. Over the years, I've had several parakeets, but that's it. I've been looking for a bird to rescue, but I'm not really sure what the next 'step' would be for me bird-wise. There is an Indian Ringneck in my area who needs to be adopted. I would love to give him a home. I would love some thoughts/feedback as to whether or not this would be a good idea for someone with little bird experience.
I am not sure about the whole idea of a ladder or 'steps' of parrots.
My boyfriend and I got a ringneck as our first bird and we are delighted with him (had him since november).
We had a number of reasons why we thought a ringneck would suit us.
Having time to dedicate to the bird every day, time and inclination to learn how to train it to fit into your household (not tricks necessarily, just what you expect in day to day life), are in a position to make a longterm commitment to a pet and live in a suitable home is the basic essentials for owning any type of parrot. I believe personal preference does play a part too.
Ringnecks can be very, very loud. (our little monster likes to practise his talking at full volume if we ever have a nana nap- and they can screech even louder)
Are not renown for being cuddly.
Will get 'untame' if they are not handled regularly.
Parrots can bite (I haven't been had the pleasure of a hard bite, but I have heard ringnecks can hold their own with the best).
Parrots are not easy pets, and require tons of attention. They can be compared to toddlers that never grow up in some ways (like needing constant supervision when they are out of their cage).
For us, we found that reading almost every old thread on this forum, especially the sticky ones, reading everything we could find on parrots in training and behaviour (I am a huge fan of Pamela Clark) and keeping our bird flighted has helped us adapt to our bird and build a great relationship with him.
I think it's important to understand the potential problems to learn how to you can endeavour to avoid them from the start.
Also read up on foraging in advance, it is the best thing ever.
I really admire that you are putting in the research for a second hand bird before you decide, rather than just getting a ringneck because you like watching Bowie on YouTube!
Good luck with your decision!
Regards,
Claire
Ps I don't know if this will be helpful, but I am a glass half empty kind of person, one of my deciding factors in wanting a ringneck is that I personally don't find ringneck screeching that annoying (now we know how to minimize it anyway, but when we were researching birds by looking at pet shops that really was a factor for me!)
