Alexandrine or IRN??

Blancaej · Jul 8, 2016

I've been thinking about eventually adding one last bird to my flock. I've considered an Amazon, Caiques, Sun Conure, Alex & IRN.

I think I'm going with an Alex. But still not sure between an Alex or IRN. I'm not planning on adopting until next year. This will be my last bird. I'm just having a hard time deciding which to go with! I like the size of the Alex and have read their temperaments are better then IRN's but there bluffing period is worse! I'm not sure how accurate any of that is. I would like my kids to interact with them, too. So I figured I would ask the members of this forum your thoughts. Any advice and info would be appreciated that you think might help my decision! I do realize neither species generally likes being petted and that's OK with me!

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide that will help with my decision!

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Terry57 · Jul 8, 2016

They are both awesome birds, and you will be thrilled with which ever one you choose.
Xander, my Alex, is awesome...he loves attention, but when he doesn't get enough he honks...and honks...and honks. He talks and now Kodee says the same things Xander does, in the exact same voice. It's adorable. They stand face to face and take turns saying "Oh, hello!"
Kodee and Luna, my IRNs are not tame. Kodee is still a sweetie though, and one of the few of the flock who can always be trusted to either stay on either his or Xander's cage when out. He also goes back into his cage the best, I just have to say Kodee, time to go home and he goes right in.
Luna is a plucker, and lived the first few years of her life in a tiny budgie cage, seed only diet, and never given any attention. She only joined our flock a couple of months ago, but has already stolen my heart.

I can't wait to find out who you pick (or who picks you)! Whoever it is will be a very lucky birdie.

Raixalotto · Jul 9, 2016

I think whichever you choose you'll be happy with. My IRN enjoys getting head scratches, and likes being out with all family members. Though not all birds will fit what can be read online. We have 2 Alexandrines at work, one loves being with people the other is more standoffish

Blancaej · Jul 9, 2016

Terry57 said:
They are both awesome birds, and you will be thrilled with which ever one you choose.
Xander, my Alex, is awesome...he loves attention, but when he doesn't get enough he honks...and honks...and honks. He talks and now Kodee says the same things Xander does, in the exact same voice. It's adorable. They stand face to face and take turns saying "Oh, hello!"
Kodee and Luna, my IRNs are not tame. Kodee is still a sweetie though, and one of the few of the flock who can always be trusted to either stay on either his or Xander's cage when out. He also goes back into his cage the best, I just have to say Kodee, time to go home and he goes right in.
Luna is a plucker, and lived the first few years of her life in a tiny budgie cage, seed only diet, and never given any attention. She only joined our flock a couple of months ago, but has already stolen my heart.

I can't wait to find out who you pick (or who picks you)! Whoever it is will be a very lucky birdie.

Thanks for all the great insight Terry! Sounds like your Alex and IRN' are awesome! I will post once I decide!

Raixalotto said:
I think whichever you choose you'll be happy with. My IRN enjoys getting head scratches, and likes being out with all family members. Though not all birds will fit what can be read online. We have 2 Alexandrines at work, one loves being with people the other is more standoffish

Thanks! That is helpful!

Blancaej · Jul 13, 2016

Anyone else have any input? It would be appreciated.

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Dinosrawr · Jul 13, 2016

I think when it comes to Alex's vs. IRN's, the main different just becomes size preference. Alex's are much larger in beak size and body weight, whereas IRN's really are just their smaller counter part. So at the end of the day, it just comes down to which size you prefer!

Honestly though, I think the most important aspect is where the bird is coming from. Birds that come from breeders that focus on socialization, hands-on interaction, and work to develop a bird with a healthy mindset is far more important (if you aren't rescuing or have a trusted bird store). Genetics obviously plays a certain role, but I would say that how the bird is raised around people in its first crucial months of trust building are a large factor.

Anecdotally, my IRN Shiko came to me knowing how to step up but arrived bluffing. I've had him for two years and he's never once bit me. He loves to cuddle, play, and be around people - especially women. His breeder was a woman with hair very similar to mine, and as a result he flies to anyone who has medium to long length brown hair! It's quite hilarious. At the moment I wouldn't be surprised if he's undergoing hormonal changes, or at least he's exceptionally cranky and moulting something horrible (FYI: All Ringnecks moult SUPER EXTREMELY! It shocked me at first)... but he's still as sweet and gentle as could be. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that he was handled by my breeder's young children and herself consistently until he came to me. Both species are incredibly smart, and you'll love either one I'm sure.

I would personally say that just because you already have larger birds that adding an Alex would be a great idea, that way he's not undersized in comparison to the rest of your flock. IRN's are very, very small in comparison to all the other lovelies you have... in fact I think they're even smaller than a BCC. My IRN only weighs in at 120g. That way, should any bad beak interaction happen by accident, he won't be severely injured by accident.

Blancaej · Jul 13, 2016

Dinosrawr said:
I think when it comes to Alex's vs. IRN's, the main different just becomes size preference. Alex's are much larger in beak size and body weight, whereas IRN's really are just their smaller counter part. So at the end of the day, it just comes down to which size you prefer! [emoji14]

Honestly though, I think the most important aspect is where the bird is coming from. Birds that come from breeders that focus on socialization, hands-on interaction, and work to develop a bird with a healthy mindset is far more important (if you aren't rescuing or have a trusted bird store). Genetics obviously plays a certain role, but I would say that how the bird is raised around people in its first crucial months of trust building are a large factor.

Anecdotally, my IRN Shiko came to me knowing how to step up but arrived bluffing. I've had him for two years and he's never once bit me. He loves to cuddle, play, and be around people - especially women. His breeder was a woman with hair very similar to mine, and as a result he flies to anyone who has medium to long length brown hair! It's quite hilarious. At the moment I wouldn't be surprised if he's undergoing hormonal changes, or at least he's exceptionally cranky and moulting something horrible (FYI: All Ringnecks moult SUPER EXTREMELY! It shocked me at first)... but he's still as sweet and gentle as could be. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that he was handled by my breeder's young children and herself consistently until he came to me. Both species are incredibly smart, and you'll love either one I'm sure.

I would personally say that just because you already have larger birds that adding an Alex would be a great idea, that way he's not undersized in comparison to the rest of your flock. IRN's are very, very small in comparison to all the other lovelies you have... in fact I think they're even smaller than a BCC. My IRN only weighs in at 120g. That way, should any bad beak interaction happen by accident, he won't be severely injured by accident.

Love the advice! Thank you so much. I do prefer the larger size of the Alex. I finally met one in person and loved the size. There was a blue crown Conure to and the Alex was slightly bigger. Finding a breeder is the tough part. I have a couple in mind. Closest one so far is 5 hours away. :/

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SilverSage · Jul 18, 2016

My personal preference is IRN, but that is because of my own personality. The BEST advice I can give you is to make sure to find and spend time with several ADULTS of each species, and each gender, before deciding.

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Blancaej · Jul 18, 2016

Great tip Dani! Problem is I can't find any in my area. But when I travel I may come across one and then I could interact with them.

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SilverSage · Jul 18, 2016

It's hard then! Honestly there are sooooo many birds I thought I wanted until I spent time with adults. It's weird things that make the difference that I can't even explain, so those things can't be discovered through research.

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Blancaej · Jul 18, 2016

SilverSage said:
It's hard then! Honestly there are sooooo many birds I thought I wanted until I spent time with adults. It's weird things that make the difference that I can't even explain, so those things can't be discovered through research.

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I have interacted with an adult male Alexandrine just last month and fell in love! He is what made me change my mind from IRN to Alex! So I have had some handling just not a lot. I'm not adopting until next year so there is time.

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Bundiibird · Jul 19, 2016

Blanca, I can post bundii over to you to play with if you like. [emoji1]

Nah just kidding I would miss her too much.

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Blancaej · Jul 19, 2016

Bundiibird said:
Blanca, I can post bundii over to you to play with if you like. [emoji1]

Nah just kidding I would miss her too much.

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LOL! I would love that! :04: But I know you are a little attached!

Alexandrine or IRN??

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Love for the cage

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