Housing a Ringneck with Another Species

LKF · Post by **LKF** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 6:37 am

Hello, everyone. I am new to your world of Ringnecks -- in fact, I don't even have one yet but have made a deposit on a baby just born about a week ago.

I have some questions, since I have been reading some of y'all's posts for a week or so. Is the lovely Ringneck suitable to house with other pet birds, providing, of course, there is the regular quarantine at first and a period of adjustment with the new baby in his own cage next to my other bird.

I had a beautiful Princess of Wales for 18 years and he was caged with a 7-year-old Princess of Wales after his mate of 12 years passed away. Two weeks ago, by 18-year-old died, leaving the single 7-year-old Princess all alone and sad.

I would like to have a different species of bird and some say the Ringneck is an easy-going type of bird that would do well with other species; these words are, in fact, from the gentleman who has been helping me understand the world of Ringnecks is the breeder I have a deposit with at Out of Africa Aviaries.

Since I have just gotten to know this man (and he seems wonderful and honest in his own experiences), I thought I should check out the situation from the viewpoint of an unbiased group, like y'all.

Thanks a million in advance for all your help!

Linda Kay First

Post by **kyria** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 2:39 am

I wouldn't say that an IRN is a good choice for an easy going bird, that title would apply to say, a cockatiel. IRN 's are very territorial even to their own kind. So if you are going to get one, please do house it separately to the princess, they can spend time together but ONLY while supervised.

Only today, even while supervised, my IRN quickly got a hold of our cockatiel and bit off a blood feather, leaving us with a bloody wing to get cleaned up and corn flowered quick smart.

These guys play often and have known each other for well over a year now. The IRN can be a little unpredictable with their moods and attitudes to other birds. And yes this was my hand raised baby IRN now 6 months old that came to the flock well after our cockatiel, so introducing a baby will not see it become lower in the pecking order.

These are just my thoughts and experiences.

Just know that you will totally enjoy an IRN as a pet, they are amazing, but they are not really good pets to house with other species.

Cheers !

LKF · Post by **LKF** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 8:09 am

I cannot adequately thank you enough, kyria, for your thoughtful response to my question. I figured I could get a good answer to my question on this site, realizing all of you know and love the IRN and have them in your homes as precious pets.

Since I wrote to y'all, I have heard from my avian vet who had necropsied my precious 18-year-old Princess who died March 6. He finally got results back (even having sent him to Auburn University here in Auburn, Alabama!) and it appears that he had the avian form of chlamidia, a very contagious disease. So now, in addition to finding out that an IRN is not the species to house with my remaining 7-year-old Princess, I must take this little darling to be tested for the disease. The vet actually thinks he could be a carrier and has harbored the disease all this time and ultimately gave it to my 18-year-old. Strange diagnosis...we will see.

Anyway, thank you so very much for your kind and honest response. Maybe I have lost my deposit on the hand-fed baby IRN but maybe not. I thought I had done my research before making the decision...and there are many, many people on the internet who say the IRN is the perfect choice for housing with other species...but I must lean to the more conservative opinions and not take the chance. Right now, though, I must concentrate on getting my remaining Princess well.

Take care, all of you, and enjoy your beautiful babies for ME!

Highest regards to you all!
Linda

Post by **Lauren** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 2:35 pm

A vet told me Chlamidia was rare over here. But, we can never be sure of that. And I think he was wrong. I hope your birds are treated for this soon. Sorry to hear this tragedy.

I'm am always cautious since Jibby never got along with the tiels in the past. Some 'click' some don't. Just now I read a post about 4 lil love birds and a new IRN. Very sad, but a good lesson to us all. Never trust they will just get along.

IRNs make great pets, don't let some opinions of IRNs put you off. They can be affectionate, playful and a companion for life. But, I don't think they are easy going with other birds.

Great post Kyria. Agree, 100%.

Post by **kyria** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:40 am

aww darlin I hope things work out with your princess .. keep us in touch about how it all goes, I am sure we would all love to hear and learn from you about your experience/what you learn from this, that is if you have time and feel inclined to share.

Hope things work out.

Cheers!