How do you decide which species? IRN, Eclectus, African Grey

Newbsi

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Jul 18, 2015
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Saratoga Springs NY
Parrots
Gollum - Senegal
Hatch Day- 5/8/15 &

Dobby- Indian Ringneck
Hatch Day- 7/16/15
I have been doing research. I have read four books, forum posts, online information.
My decision is to get another parrot now, while Gollum is young. I have narrowed it down to IRN, Eclectus, or African Grey. The breeder I got Gollum from has IRN babies that will be weaned in October.
This decision is hard for me because I want only two parrots. It would be easy if I knew I would add more later.
As far as the diet for the Eclectus, I already make the fresh chop for Gollum. Making sure the diet is right is not a issue.
We have a large home and I am home all day. So space and time are not issues.
Honestly if I was not a beakophob I would get a Macaw. I just know I am not ready for that and I do not want to set myself or a innocent bird up for that.
You watch videos which are small moments in time. A snippit of something cute. However that is not reality. No parrot is always rainbows and unicorns. LOL

My hesitation for the IRN is the puberty time. This is a quote from a webiste...
"It's called the "bluffing" stage, and while many parrots go through it, a few species -- most notably Indian Ringneck Parakeets, Senegal Parrots, and Macaws -- are more prone to bluffing behavior than others."
Since I ALREADY have a Senegal and would add a IRN that is only a few months younger, they would go through their sexual maturity at the same time. Now that same website said that parrots go through this between 4 months and 1 year. I thought it was around 2 years old.

I love the larger size of the Eclectus. It is larger than my senegal but not too big for me. Both sexes are gorgeous. I would probably want a female because I have a green sennie and I would want a different color (I know that sounds silly). However what I have read is that males are easier than females.

I had started out wanted a Grey. Because of their speech clarity and ability to mimic voice tones as well. Not all Greys will speak. I like the size, again larger than my sennie but not too big. I also read that the greys like to interact with you without being cuddly. This sounds appealing to me because between cleaning, art, computer time, etc. My hands are occupied and it would be great to be able to take him from room to room (play area to play area) and be able to interact from a distance. However, you read so much about greys being neurotic and being emotionally damaged if you do something wrong.

The simple answer is the IRN because I have a trusted local breeder. I want to make sure i am making that decision because the IRN is right for my family, not because it is what is available right now.
Any advice would be appreciated :)
 

Dopey

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How to decide. Well, the birds kind of found me.

I can tell you about my Ekkies. Mine are the sweetest things and I owe it to the previous owners. Both of them talk. They don't say much but they do talk and very clearly. They say their names, they both do the wolf whistle, and they both say "pretty girl." :31: I have a Lesser Sulphur cockatoo that talks up a storm and VERY clearly. She is a hoot. I have a Severe Macaw that talks too. I'm just telling you this to confirm to you that it really depends on the bird...and I think the human too. I have no problem carrying on a conversation with any of my birds...or my cats for the matter. :D

I don't regret getting my Ekkies and the female loves to be on me and next to me for only periods of about five minutes...then she wants back on her perch or her cage.

If you have the chance though go and see which bird picks you.
 
OP
Newbsi

Newbsi

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Parrots
Gollum - Senegal
Hatch Day- 5/8/15 &

Dobby- Indian Ringneck
Hatch Day- 7/16/15
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Thank you. Gollum chose me, that is for sure. She had Ekkies and IRNs on eggs at the same time but only the IRN hatched. I could wait for her ekkies to have another clutch next year but then Gollum would be much older. The other option is having a Grey or Ekkie shipped. Then I wouldnt get to meet them before hand or really know what conditions they are coming from. Decisions, decisions
 

Dopey

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You are right about that but why don't you spend time with a grey and a ekkie where you live? Then you will get to know a little bit about the species at least.

There is something about the look of a grey that both intimidates me and intrigues me. I can look at them on line and think...wow I really would like one of those. Then when I get to the store and see one...I'm not as interested. Even the babies give me that look.
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Research is important but can lead to "analysis paralysis." Do lots of reading, soliciting opinion, and narrow down to a few species. Then spend time with a few of each and you'll probably click with one.

Later, MBS will kick in and you'll get runner-ups of the other species, and perhaps more!!
 

MyFlock

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Apr 15, 2015
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Conures, 2 Red bellied parrots lovebirds.
You could go to a rescue and meeti these species of birds to see which one appeals to you the most? I tend to like African Greys the most and have met some at a local shop but they live a long time and would probably out live me which is why I decided not to get one.

There's a good rescue called A Helping Wing I believe it's called in New Jersey that might have some nice rescues for you to look at. Maybe you'd fall in love with a species who is totally different from those three? After having parrots and researching about all the unwanted birds who needs homes I would never get another baby, I would get a bird in need like my two red bellies, unfortunately there are no rescues places on the island I live on but they do have a pet shop here that sells no longer wanted or surrendered birds which is as close as I can get and where I got my two red bellies from.

MBS certainly isn't a crime if you have the time and can afford the expense of caring for them, just don't get in over your head and know your limitations :).
 
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Newbsi

Newbsi

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Jul 18, 2015
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Saratoga Springs NY
Parrots
Gollum - Senegal
Hatch Day- 5/8/15 &

Dobby- Indian Ringneck
Hatch Day- 7/16/15
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You could go to a rescue and meeti these species of birds to see which one appeals to you the most? I tend to like African Greys the most and have met some at a local shop but they live a long time and would probably out live me which is why I decided not to get one.

There's a good rescue called A Helping Wing I believe it's called in New Jersey that might have some nice rescues for you to look at. Maybe you'd fall in love with a species who is totally different from those three? After having parrots and researching about all the unwanted birds who needs homes I would never get another baby, I would get a bird in need like my two red bellies, unfortunately there are no rescues places on the island I live on but they do have a pet shop here that sells no longer wanted or surrendered birds which is as close as I can get and where I got my two red bellies from.

MBS certainly isn't a crime if you have the time and can afford the expense of caring for them, just don't get in over your head and know your limitations :).

The rescue here has parakeets, cockatiels, finches, two conures and a pair of umbrella cockatoos.
As far as knowing my limitations, that is why I am saying two max. I think it really comes down to how they get along and how much out of cage time they can have. If they have to be taken out one at a time, that really maxes me out. Granted Gollum is out of her cage 10 hours a day. That is a lot of out time, anyhow Im rambling, sorry. My mind is all over the place
 
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Newbsi

Newbsi

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Jul 18, 2015
533
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Saratoga Springs NY
Parrots
Gollum - Senegal
Hatch Day- 5/8/15 &

Dobby- Indian Ringneck
Hatch Day- 7/16/15
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I will go with the IRN. It is the same breeder. She has been wonderful. That way I do not have to have one shipped. It is the color I wanted (blue/aqua/turquoise mutation range). The IRN is capable of speaking well like the Grey and it has the beautiful kind of feathers the eclectus has. It is smaller than those two but still larger than the sennie (not by much from what I can tell in pictures. Seems the tail being really long is about it).
 

itchyfeet

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Nov 1, 2014
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Ethyl the cockatiel, Henry & Clarke the IRN's, and Skittles the lovebird (my daughters)
Exciting!

I was torn between the grey and the IRN, and may yet get another, later down the track. I think I got lucky with Henry and his bluffing - being firm with him obviously, but also, he was brought up in a tertiary level classroom, and spent his days stealing pens off students.

He's funny to watch, has a swing off a shelf by my desk where he's happy if I'm working, talking up a storm and just started trick training. His cage isn't massive in our lounge, although admittedly between my shoulder and his play stand he's not in it all that often, and every single member of my family can hold him with confidence.

Have firm routines, get him out and about, get him on everyone who'll take him with confidence and you'll be sweet as :)
 

itchyfeet

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Nov 1, 2014
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Ethyl the cockatiel, Henry & Clarke the IRN's, and Skittles the lovebird (my daughters)
If they have to be taken out one at a time, that really maxes me out. Granted Gollum is out of her cage 10 hours a day. That is a lot of out time, anyhow Im rambling, sorry. My mind is all over the place

Nah, if you've got a play gym, one can be out having their 'self entertain' time, while you're working with another in a different part of the room, or in a different room if someone can keep an eye on the bird being independent.
 

SilverSage

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Sep 14, 2013
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Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, Maximilian’s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
I have been doing research. I have read four books, forum posts, online information.
My decision is to get another parrot now, while Gollum is young. I have narrowed it down to IRN, Eclectus, or African Grey. The breeder I got Gollum from has IRN babies that will be weaned in October.
This decision is hard for me because I want only two parrots. It would be easy if I knew I would add more later.
As far as the diet for the Eclectus, I already make the fresh chop for Gollum. Making sure the diet is right is not a issue.
We have a large home and I am home all day. So space and time are not issues.
Honestly if I was not a beakophob I would get a Macaw. I just know I am not ready for that and I do not want to set myself or a innocent bird up for that.
You watch videos which are small moments in time. A snippit of something cute. However that is not reality. No parrot is always rainbows and unicorns. LOL

My hesitation for the IRN is the puberty time. This is a quote from a webiste...
"It's called the "bluffing" stage, and while many parrots go through it, a few species -- most notably Indian Ringneck Parakeets, Senegal Parrots, and Macaws -- are more prone to bluffing behavior than others."
Since I ALREADY have a Senegal and would add a IRN that is only a few months younger, they would go through their sexual maturity at the same time. Now that same website said that parrots go through this between 4 months and 1 year. I thought it was around 2 years old.

I love the larger size of the Eclectus. It is larger than my senegal but not too big for me. Both sexes are gorgeous. I would probably want a female because I have a green sennie and I would want a different color (I know that sounds silly). However what I have read is that males are easier than females.

I had started out wanted a Grey. Because of their speech clarity and ability to mimic voice tones as well. Not all Greys will speak. I like the size, again larger than my sennie but not too big. I also read that the greys like to interact with you without being cuddly. This sounds appealing to me because between cleaning, art, computer time, etc. My hands are occupied and it would be great to be able to take him from room to room (play area to play area) and be able to interact from a distance. However, you read so much about greys being neurotic and being emotionally damaged if you do something wrong.

The simple answer is the IRN because I have a trusted local breeder. I want to make sure i am making that decision because the IRN is right for my family, not because it is what is available right now.
Any advice would be appreciated :)


As for IRNs bluffing, most do, but almost no co parented IRNs do, so if you can find a coparented one, that usually eliminates that. Also, bluffing is VERY misunderstood by internet experts and even breeders. Leaving an IRN flighted virtually eliminates the biting associated with bluffing in most birds.as for sexual maturity, it depends on species. Budgies are mature at 4 month, and according to the Toronto zoo, Hyacinths mature at 7-8 years. IRNs are ready to breed at about 2 years old. These guys are a personal favorite of mine :)


Eclectus are also a favorite of mine, but the females are VERY different than males as pets. I have both, but both of mine are rescues who are very much still in recovery. I will STRONGLY URGE YOU to find and interact with serval ADULT specimens before buying or adopting one, and BE SURE YOU HEAR HER SCREAM FIRST. There is nothing in this world like the scream of a female Eckie. While male eckies are considered great pets, the females are considered more challenging. I'm not sure that taking on one of the harder species would be my first choice if I were only getting two birds, but that is clearly a personal preference.

As for greys, honestly, my male Eckie talks better than any grey I have ever met in person, and makes far fewer annoying beeps, whistles, and other sound effects that can get on a persons nerves. IRNs can also be excellent talkers, and I have heard them ranked up there very close to greys. They tend to have a higher pitched voice so maybe YouTube Cody and Marnie and other IRNs to see if you are ok with the voice. Honestly, all three birds you have mentioned TEND to be less cuddly interacted, though in all three species you find snugly individuals. I find a lot has to do with how they are raised. Greys are known for being very highly emotional birds who can become neurotic if something goes wrong. Of the three species you mentioned greys are seen plucked the most often, but that can also be caused by nut jobs buying them because they are more popular and easier to get, and then not taking care of them.


I really suggest going out there and finding as many of these birds as you can and interacting with them as ADULTS. Babies are fine but you really learn very little by hanging out with them.

Oh and you might want to consider lifespan. IRNs live around 30 years. I don't know how old you are, but if you are concerned about your birds outliving you, perhaps the shorter lifespan of the IRN is attractive over the potentially 70+ years that the other two species can live.
 
OP
Newbsi

Newbsi

New member
Jul 18, 2015
533
0
Saratoga Springs NY
Parrots
Gollum - Senegal
Hatch Day- 5/8/15 &

Dobby- Indian Ringneck
Hatch Day- 7/16/15
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #13
I have been doing research. I have read four books, forum posts, online information.
My decision is to get another parrot now, while Gollum is young. I have narrowed it down to IRN, Eclectus, or African Grey. The breeder I got Gollum from has IRN babies that will be weaned in October.
This decision is hard for me because I want only two parrots. It would be easy if I knew I would add more later.
As far as the diet for the Eclectus, I already make the fresh chop for Gollum. Making sure the diet is right is not a issue.
We have a large home and I am home all day. So space and time are not issues.
Honestly if I was not a beakophob I would get a Macaw. I just know I am not ready for that and I do not want to set myself or a innocent bird up for that.
You watch videos which are small moments in time. A snippit of something cute. However that is not reality. No parrot is always rainbows and unicorns. LOL

My hesitation for the IRN is the puberty time. This is a quote from a webiste...
"It's called the "bluffing" stage, and while many parrots go through it, a few species -- most notably Indian Ringneck Parakeets, Senegal Parrots, and Macaws -- are more prone to bluffing behavior than others."
Since I ALREADY have a Senegal and would add a IRN that is only a few months younger, they would go through their sexual maturity at the same time. Now that same website said that parrots go through this between 4 months and 1 year. I thought it was around 2 years old.

I love the larger size of the Eclectus. It is larger than my senegal but not too big for me. Both sexes are gorgeous. I would probably want a female because I have a green sennie and I would want a different color (I know that sounds silly). However what I have read is that males are easier than females.

I had started out wanted a Grey. Because of their speech clarity and ability to mimic voice tones as well. Not all Greys will speak. I like the size, again larger than my sennie but not too big. I also read that the greys like to interact with you without being cuddly. This sounds appealing to me because between cleaning, art, computer time, etc. My hands are occupied and it would be great to be able to take him from room to room (play area to play area) and be able to interact from a distance. However, you read so much about greys being neurotic and being emotionally damaged if you do something wrong.

The simple answer is the IRN because I have a trusted local breeder. I want to make sure i am making that decision because the IRN is right for my family, not because it is what is available right now.
Any advice would be appreciated :)


As for IRNs bluffing, most do, but almost no co parented IRNs do, so if you can find a coparented one, that usually eliminates that. Also, bluffing is VERY misunderstood by internet experts and even breeders. Leaving an IRN flighted virtually eliminates the biting associated with bluffing in most birds.as for sexual maturity, it depends on species. Budgies are mature at 4 month, and according to the Toronto zoo, Hyacinths mature at 7-8 years. IRNs are ready to breed at about 2 years old. These guys are a personal favorite of mine :)


Eclectus are also a favorite of mine, but the females are VERY different than males as pets. I have both, but both of mine are rescues who are very much still in recovery. I will STRONGLY URGE YOU to find and interact with serval ADULT specimens before buying or adopting one, and BE SURE YOU HEAR HER SCREAM FIRST. There is nothing in this world like the scream of a female Eckie. While male eckies are considered great pets, the females are considered more challenging. I'm not sure that taking on one of the harder species would be my first choice if I were only getting two birds, but that is clearly a personal preference.

As for greys, honestly, my male Eckie talks better than any grey I have ever met in person, and makes far fewer annoying beeps, whistles, and other sound effects that can get on a persons nerves. IRNs can also be excellent talkers, and I have heard them ranked up there very close to greys. They tend to have a higher pitched voice so maybe YouTube Cody and Marnie and other IRNs to see if you are ok with the voice. Honestly, all three birds you have mentioned TEND to be less cuddly interacted, though in all three species you find snugly individuals. I find a lot has to do with how they are raised. Greys are known for being very highly emotional birds who can become neurotic if something goes wrong. Of the three species you mentioned greys are seen plucked the most often, but that can also be caused by nut jobs buying them because they are more popular and easier to get, and then not taking care of them.


I really suggest going out there and finding as many of these birds as you can and interacting with them as ADULTS. Babies are fine but you really learn very little by hanging out with them.

Oh and you might want to consider lifespan. IRNs live around 30 years. I don't know how old you are, but if you are concerned about your birds outliving you, perhaps the shorter lifespan of the IRN is attractive over the potentially 70+ years that the other two species can live.

That is the first I have heard about the coparenting thing. Also leaving him/her flighted lessens the biting. Thank you!
I have decided to go with the IRN.
As far as the IRN voice... OMG I love it! It is one of the things that attracted me to the species! Of course, my luck, mine will never say a word LOL!
 
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Newbsi

Newbsi

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Jul 18, 2015
533
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Saratoga Springs NY
Parrots
Gollum - Senegal
Hatch Day- 5/8/15 &

Dobby- Indian Ringneck
Hatch Day- 7/16/15
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #14
If they have to be taken out one at a time, that really maxes me out. Granted Gollum is out of her cage 10 hours a day. That is a lot of out time, anyhow Im rambling, sorry. My mind is all over the place

Nah, if you've got a play gym, one can be out having their 'self entertain' time, while you're working with another in a different part of the room, or in a different room if someone can keep an eye on the bird being independent.

That is good to know. I figured if they didnt get along, I would have to have one caged while the other is out.
 
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Newbsi

Newbsi

New member
Jul 18, 2015
533
0
Saratoga Springs NY
Parrots
Gollum - Senegal
Hatch Day- 5/8/15 &

Dobby- Indian Ringneck
Hatch Day- 7/16/15
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #15
He's funny to watch, has a swing off a shelf by my desk where he's happy if I'm working, talking up a storm and just started trick training.

I have a play area set up in my art room but Gollum will have NO PART of it! She ALWAYS glides over to my table and tries to chew my paint brushes. I put her in her cage the other day because I was so afraid she was going to lick the paint or try and drink the water I rinse my brush in. It really scared me. Im not sure what I am going to do about that.

I need videos btw....
 

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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San Antonio, TX
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
Well, I can tell you the TIME part of macaw ownership is a critical factor with those guys. They are attention hogs. If you don't have the time, don't get one.

CAGS - my personal opinion is that a lot of people don't raise them right.

Eckies - you just need to understand diet related issues. They are otherwise pretty easy to deal with.

Irns - I honestly haven't had much experience with them.
 

MyFlock

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Apr 15, 2015
340
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Conures, 2 Red bellied parrots lovebirds.
I will go with the IRN. It is the same breeder. She has been wonderful. That way I do not have to have one shipped. It is the color I wanted (blue/aqua/turquoise mutation range). The IRN is capable of speaking well like the Grey and it has the beautiful kind of feathers the eclectus has. It is smaller than those two but still larger than the sennie (not by much from what I can tell in pictures. Seems the tail being really long is about it).

IRNs are nice birds too! I love the soft blue on them. I don't know too much about them except for a girl at a local shop who brings hers into work with her, he's always on her shoulder and I've held him before, he was a nice bird :)
 

itchyfeet

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Nov 1, 2014
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Ethyl the cockatiel, Henry & Clarke the IRN's, and Skittles the lovebird (my daughters)
Lol I've been TRYING to get you videos - but the little blighter knows it. Shutting up for the camera is one of his favourite games. I'll keep working on it :p Might be 5 lots of 3 second ones to catch his vocab - more than happy to rattle it off pre-coffee though! (My coffee obviously, not his).

Silversage that's good to know about the bluffing! Newsbi I think you're one up there already. The rehomes I was groaning on about the other day - they were describing the behaviours with no clue that was normal for an IRN. If you know about it, you'll recognise it, know how to deal with it and know it will pass. No biggie.
 

SilverSage

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Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, Maximilian’s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
It's amazing what passes for knowledge about birds, especially negative traits in small birds. The IRN is a badly misunderstood bird, and I still feel like I barely know anything. They have a reputation for bluffing and for "going wild" no matter what you do, but it's because people insist on treating them just like they would any other parrot and they aren't. So here are some things I have learned from those wiser than me, and observed in action:

IRNs do not handle clipping well at all. If you can leave them flighted, do. If you already know you are going to clip, I highly suggest a different species of bird, to be perfectly blunt. Not saying they can't learn to cope, just that in general they do not handle it nearly as well as other birds do.

They have a natural fear of fingers. It's weird. And it leads to bluffing. Ever seen a flighted IRN bluff? Guess what? It looks completely different. Instead of biting you get a bird who tries to escape every time you reach for them. Guess what fixes it? Offering a fist instead of fingers. That and bribes, patience, etc. if you work through it gently, hide your fingers, slowly introduce them to your fingers again, you magically get your bird back like nothing happened, and no need to get the stuffing torn out of your fingers in the mean time.

And they aren't cockatiels. You can't leave them in a cage for a month and come back to a tame bird. They are not very forgiving, so if you don't have time for them, don't get one.

And they are AMAZING. I love them.
 

MyFlock

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Conures, 2 Red bellied parrots lovebirds.
Interesting post SilverSage! They seem like complicated little birds. I think I would be a little scared of the bluffing, dunno. Not sure it would be anymore scary then Doobie ( red belly) sitting on my shoulder and trying to take my gum out of my mouth. He has also done the 'I'm going to bite you' threat but then put his head down to have it scratched.' However he has nailed me once since I've gotten him.
 

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