IRN or Alex? and why?

Drara

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Hello friends...

Well, I know this is most probably a very famous question... but I think it never really gets old to talk about it and discuss over this again.

Well, I'm not new to both of these species but I still wanna get your advice, especially since I would like to make a final decision whether to get a lutino Indian ringneck or an Alexsandrine.

So, Here it goes:

Question: What would you sincerely recommend that I get - an IRN or an Alex?

And main reasons to my dilemma:

1. Which one is really a more easy, laid-back and calm character.

2. Some people claim that both species are not very cuddly and don't like to be touched or patted, but by considering with most cases, which one would you say is most likely to allow to be touched, patted and cuddly?

Thank you for your participation.
 

SailBoat

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Personally, I would find a group of them and whatever one choose me, that would be the one I would go with! Human's greatly underestimate the advantage of having been choose by a Parrot.
 

SilverSage

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If you want a cuddly bird you shouldn't get EITHER of these. Really, I'm not kidding about this. They are not cuddly. At all. As far as slowing to be touched at all that depends on the individual. But seriously, people come to me ALL THE TIME wondering why their bird won't let them touch it other than to pick him up. The answer is that you got an asiatic parrot and he is behaving like one. Don't get one if you want to be cuddling up to them; that's not fair to them at all.

I prefer IRNs. Couldn't really give a written out reason, I just don't care for Alexandrines and I love Ringnecks.


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Drara

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Well, well, well, Mr silver.
I'm not so sure to agree with you on that.
To say not to get any of these species because as you claim non of them are cuddly, is quite frankly a big statement. Well, personally, from my experience, IRN's are definitely allowing to touch them and to be cuddled, you can also clearly see it on hundreds of video's on you tube.
Even Alex's some are cuddly and some very not.
The real question was who from both is better in that term. And what about the first reason, who of both is more a calm and laid back character?
 

SilverSage

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I'm a breeder of Irns and have dealt extensively with many birds of other asiatic species including Alexandrines. You can disregard my experience if you wish, but you came here looking for input from people with more experience than you have, so it doesn't make sense to get upset when you receive it.

Yes, some individuals allow more touching and petting than others, and some do this only as juveniles, leaving you with 1 year of snuggles and 25 of no snuggles.

If snuggling is important to you, why choose between two species where MOST of the individuals don't like snuggles? Is there a specific reason you are stuck on these two?

As far as more "laid back" what do you mean? Both species are EXTREMELY ACTIVE and can "go go go" all day without ever sitting still. I would say Alexes seem to be less hyperactive but also in my experience they are much less likely to enjoy petting.

Or do you mean calm as in hard to frighten? Because that has more to do with early socialization, abundance weaning, and full fledging.

Also an Alex has similar bite force to a blue and gold macaw, and their "bluffing" stage is usually more severe and lasts much longer than an IRN.

I really wouldn't put too much stock in YouTube. You also can see a bunch of videos of dogs riding skateboards and 6 year old girls winning major singing competitions, but neither of those things is reasonable to expect from the average dog or child.

When choosing a parrot, or any pet, it's never wise to ignore the "stereotype" of any species; it's there for a reason.


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SailBoat

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Well, well, well, Mr silver.
I'm not so sure to agree with you on that.
To say not to get any of these species because as you claim non of them are cuddly, is quite frankly a big statement. Well, personally, from my experience, IRN's are definitely allowing to touch them and to be cuddled, you can also clearly see it on hundreds of video's on you tube.
Even Alex's some are cuddly and some very not.
The real question was who from both is better in that term. And what about the first reason, who of both is more a calm and laid back character?

Aaaa, first Mr. Silver? Likely a very big Oooops on that point.

The process is very straight forward, The OP asks for other members opinions, they provide them and everyone gains some insight.

The process is not; the OP asks for other members opinions and then provides reasons that the other member is wrong.

If you have an opinion on a subject, kindly state it as part of your original Thread. This assures an educational exchange, which is what this is really all about.
 

SilverSage

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Well, well, well, Mr silver.

I'm not so sure to agree with you on that.

To say not to get any of these species because as you claim non of them are cuddly, is quite frankly a big statement. Well, personally, from my experience, IRN's are definitely allowing to touch them and to be cuddled, you can also clearly see it on hundreds of video's on you tube.

Even Alex's some are cuddly and some very not.

The real question was who from both is better in that term. And what about the first reason, who of both is more a calm and laid back character?



Aaaa, first Mr. Silver? Likely a very big Oooops on that point.



The process is very straight forward, The OP asks for other members opinions, they provide them and everyone gains some insight.



The process is not; the OP asks for other members opinions and then provides reasons that the other member is wrong.



If you have an opinion on a subject, kindly state it as part of your original Thread. This assures an educational exchange, which is what this is really all about.



Well thank you Sailboat :) yes I'm a woman. Which reminds me that I don't know that info about you! I'm Dani btw.




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SailBoat

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Well thank you Sailboat :) yes I'm a woman. Which reminds me that I don't know that info about you! I'm Dani btw.
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Every now and again, I will be referred to as Mr. Boats here and as denoted, yup, I'm a man. And, a grumpy old man at that. :D Sometimes' I can make it to the front door before Mrs. Boats states: Steven, you are not going out wearing that color combination!
 

SilverSage

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Well that's good to know! I had assumed as much so maybe I had seen that particular nickname used, but I hate to make assumptions. It's made me look silly in the past ;)


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Drara

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SilverSage first of, please forgive me for not knowing that you are rather a wonen :)

Now, I'm so not upset in any way, shape or form. I didn't know your history with birds and I'm certainly ready to listen to every one especially those with great experience.

Guys, there is really no need to get all pumped up on me for just not seeing every thing eye to eye, and despite the fact is that I'm only thinking loud.

Now, the main reason that I'm stock with these two is because that they are fairly good talkers and are not very expensive in comparison to a African gray for example, and besides that I like them.

Well, when I opened this thread I mentioned that I'm not new to these species and I know all about them being not very cuddly and the same for them being very active birds. I didn't even want to get into all the details and having people write these long comments since all this is already obvious to many. All I wanted, is a very clear SHORT and straight to the point answers, like a yes or a no.
After that we know all about the IRN's and Alex's character, if you have to choose between an IRN or an Alex, which one would you get based on which one out of both is a calmer and more willing to be touched? That's all.

Having said that, please don't get aggravated and continue to share your opinions. They are important.
Thank you all.
 
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SilverSage

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The answer to the question of which is calmer and more willing to be touched is simple; the one of either species who is abundance weaned, fully fledged, and heavily socialized as a baby.


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Drara

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The answer to the question of which is calmer and more willing to be touched is simple; the one of either species who is abundance weaned, fully fledged, and heavily socialized as a baby.


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Thank you silver.
Well, and after understanding your view which one would you suggest will make a greater parrot between the two?
And what other type of parrot would you recommend if not either of them? (Considering a parrot with a fair ability to talk)...
 

SilverSage

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Since I I don't know anything about you, your lifestyle, your family, your finances, your schedule, or what traits are important to you other than apparently talking and cuddling I have no way of suggesting a good parrot for you. If you would like recommendations, please provide more details about yourself.


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Drara

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Well, I'll rather do that on PM if that's OK with you.
Thanks
 

khaiqha

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I've had both as pets, 2 IRNs and currently an Alex. All 3 are, to me, cuddly. Not like cockatoo or macaw cuddly, but they love to be petted, kissed, beak rubbed, etc. They dont like to be grabbed or flipped (but oddly enough are completely ok with being toweled if need be).

None of them talked. They could each say a word here or there, but they were definitely not talkers. In the end I would prefer the alex only because they are bigger.

Personality wise, the alex is more laid back, the IRNs more active and mischevious.
 

GaleriaGila

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I did everything pretty much wrong 32 years ago. I bought a bird on impulse because it "chose" me instantly in a crowded bird store (okay, maybe I got THAT right).
He has defied major species stereotypes... Patagonians are generally thought to be cuddly, poor talkers, friendly and outgoing, and LOUD. The Rb is prickly, a wonderful mimic, hates everybody but me, and, okay... LOUD!!!!
I have made a ton of mistakes in our decades together, but one thing I think I did well was this: I accepted him, and made the best of it. Some have sincerely (and understandably) believed I should have re-homed him, but I didn't. Now, finally, it has all worked out.
At risk of sounding preachy (remember the SNL Church Lady?), I just want to hope that even after research and reaching out (and good for you, for doing that here)... that you accept and embrace whoever your precious parrot turns out to be.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Uqu0wXKbGI"]Well isn't that special - YouTube[/ame]
 
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Drara

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Khaigha thank you. Thank you so much. Well, that's the kind of answer I was looking for. Experienced, short to the point, nicely answered with no ego or bullying. This is the type of an answer which instead of being so philosophical and long writing that lives you even more unsure that you were at the begging, you actually granted me an answer that satisfies and let's me make a clear decision.
Thank you
 
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Drara

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Since I I don't know anything about you, your lifestyle, your family, your finances, your schedule, or what traits are important to you other than apparently talking and cuddling I have no way of suggesting a good parrot for you. If you would like recommendations, please provide more details about yourself.


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First, I hope you have seen Khaigha's response...
Well, It seems like that some people just know how to handle an experienced answer without being rude, and instead of going round and round the bush they actually know how to explain themselves just the right way handing a clear and short answer, while being an owner to three of these parrots.

Well, I find it very agressive, and offensive to say the least, when people respond in a rudely manner only because they feel that they have so much experience and so much knowledge that when someone less experienced asks or says something they don't think is smart enough for them, so they immediately jump on him and lay the smackdown on him just because he is slightly more innocent. That kind of behavior is very shameful and suitable to an egotistical person.

Now, to your question regarding me etc...
Well, I am 42, live on my own in a little apartment.
I work a full time job and as mentioned on my thread, I have some experience with both IRN's and Alexandrine parrots.

I have the time to provide for a parrot before I go and when come back home from work and especially on weekends when I'm home through out the entire day.

Yes, I desire a parrot that has the ability to talk, and yes, I also desire a parrot that I can pet and scratch his head or tickle, but not necessarily in need to cuddle.

I hope that this gives you a fair amount of information about my self and what I'm looking for.

Thank you so much.
 
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SilverSage

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Unfortunately it seems that you feel any sort of direct answer is rude and aggressive if it isn't the answer you were hoping for. While I do try to give helpful insight, clearly it is not wanted here. For that reason I will respect your wishes and my own dignity by allowing others to answer your questions rather than subjecting myself to your attitude.


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OutlawedSpirit

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Okay, I'll try to make this short and save Dani from having to answer this. I own Eclectus and Parrotlets and I've fostered just about everything under the sun, and am currently fostering an IRN. I will say if you live in an apartment, DO NOT GET AN IRN. Or and Alex for that matter. Your neighbors will thank me. :D
 

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