IndianRingNeck.com

Hey everybody, I just might be getting my IRN this weekend! I finally found someone 3 1/2 hours away from me that has eight for sale. So my wonderful husband has agreed to make the journey with me to check them out. I was just wondering what you look for when purchasing one? I know what to do to determine if a puppy is a good purchase, but have no clue what to look for with IRNs. If anyone could offer any suggestions or clues I would greatly appreciate it! I would also like to know if anyone could tell me what they might be prone to if stressed? That's a long drive and I don't know if it might freak the bird out or not. So I wanted to know what to watch for. Like pulling feathers? Thanks for all your help and I hope to have a new baby to play with by this weekend. Will keep you posted!

Thanks,
Jen

Hi there. Congrats on hopefully getting your bird. Personally I looked first for personality. If you are getting it from a breeder it should be heathly so that really wont be a concern (unless the surroundings look gross ) Good feather condition is a plus but most weanlings won't look that good 'cause they are still learning to preen. Post pics! WE all love to see other birds. Here's hoping you get your bird! Good luck and let us know...

Hey Dani,
Thanks for the tips! I don't know if they would be considered weanlings cuz four are a year and a half old and four are eight months old. So they might be in pretty good shape? He's got White, Turquoise, Blue and Green. So I'm going to have a lot to choose from. I'm leaning toward Green or the Blues. I'm just fond of those colors. To be honest, yours is the first white one I've ever seen. And he/she is BEAUTIFUL! I am just so in love with the looks of these birds! And the more posts I read from you guys the more excited I get about possibly getting one! I'll keep you posted and if I can figure out how to post pix you know I will. We're all like proud parents! Saturday is so close and I'm getting so excited!

Jen

I would look for the one I felt a bond for and wouldnt settle until I found it. When you see 'your' bird you will know, trust me. If you dont get that feeling, you, in my opinion should keep looking.

Pay special attention to the breeders living conditions first and foremost, making sure it is clean. I, personally, do not recommend buying from a pet store but that is my personal preference. I feel this way for many reason I can note if you are interested. Secondly, pay special attention to the other birds around... how do they look/act? Then it is onto inspecting your baby.

Look closely at the feathers and beak for any signs of disease. I would research this beforehand so I knew what I was looking for. I would get the youngest baby I could but after its feathers have grown in... 3-4 months old at most. Expect babies to be nippy so dont let that sway you. Like I said, this seems like a dawnting task but it isnt, when you see 'your' bird you will know it.

Personally I was looking for a healthy bird. That wasn’t scared of humans. I don’t quite understand what people mean when they say personality but I looked for the happiest bird by that I mean chirpy and active.

I didn’t have much to choose from because the breeder I went to see specialised in budgies, finches, cocktails and other small birds. I didn’t really have to worry much about the cleanliness of the facility because the breeder him self was very clean and looks after other peoples birds (it’s sort of like a hotel).

You say you are going to an aviary if so the birds will be afraid of you if they haven’t much contact with humans in the past. If you are looking for a talker then I suggest that you buy one of the youngest birds because 8 months is about the right time for them to learn how to talk.

if you require a cage then i have found some decent ones online. click the link below

http://www.firstflightbirds.com/shop/index.php?cPath=34

I just love this site! Thank you so much for all of your advice! This is making it much easier. And Mikaela my sister said the exact same thing about knowing when it's "your" bird! How cool is that. She has a Mitred Conure and a Yellow Nape. Well I won't just settle, that's for sure. And I would NEVER buy a bird from a pet store. Even tho' my heart breaks for them. I'll keep you guys posted on what happens!

Yay! Save us to your favorites. *so excited* New babies RULE! I am glad you understood the 'your bird' thing.... you'll know.

They have so much more personality when they're past weaning and a few months old. My sister and I handfed from four weeks and at first they had the personality of grubs. Nothin' much there. But when they could begin to walk around they got cuter.

Who knows, you may walk in and fall in love with one of the older ones, maybe a male, lol. If they've been kept tame there isn't anything wrong with an older bird.

Like those previous to me have said, you'll know when you find the right one. ^_^