Ringneck Parrot?

My cockatiel just died I miss not having my friend. While they are great birds, I read that Ringneck parrots are a step up from them? I watched a few youtube videos and they do seem like they are more intelligent, bigger, and speak great. Are they terribly demanding? How much time do you have to spend on them each day? I'm self employed and I work at home so I'm home all the time. How much do they typically cost? I read $200? Is that right? Are ringnecks the best next step up from cockatiels, or are there other good parrots that are one step up from cockatiels and are not too expensive? I can't pay $1000 or more right now. A few hundred dollars is it. Can I just use a fairly small cage as long as I let him out almost all the time? I let my cockatiel out almost all the time.

I would suggest a Green cheek conure. They are extremely active, playful, and cuddly (for the most part) They have the ability to speak although it is never a guarantee and there voices are very "gravelly". Im not sure how much they cost in your area but I know its not even close to $1000. As for time spent, the more the better. My Chia is never alone (my mom doesn't work and is home all the time). Green cheek conures are also small and relatively quiet. Good luck with your choices

Another option might be a Senegal or Meyers. I have conures and a Senegal. Conures are cling-on birds but my Senegal can play on his own, loves a head scratch, rolls around on his back and is pretty quiet. I have Alexandrines (relative of IRN's) and unless you are prepared to spend regular out of cage time with them, they can get nippy.

Most any parrot needs a large cage, especially IRN's and Conures.

My mom wanted an IRN but I was set on getting a conure, and I later found out that IRN's are illegal in my state anyway (so it wouldn't have worked out), but I LOVE my conure!! He's the cutest little bugger ! I just posted a thread with lots of pictures of him in it. He's about the same size as my conure, maybe even a little smaller since my cockatiel looks pretty fat in comparison. They're about the same length though I would say. I think IRNs are beautiful, but I don't like the eye-pinning thing that some parrots do . Maybe I'm just not used to it, but I think it's kind of weird lol! But anyway, I can't make a suggestion to you for either, but I would recommend a GCC!! I think green cheeks are also quieter than IRNs.. someone correct me if I'm wrong.

People around my area sell their tame IRN babies for 50$ each(or at least I've seen them for that price) I've also seen them up to 200$ tho so the price varies quite a bit. So sorry to hear you lost your bird :/ I know how that feel and its the worst feeling ever. I could sleep well, I lost weight and I didnt even want to go out when my baby died. You can PM me if you need someone to talk to. Something that helps me is that my brother turned my Linius's leg band turned into a necklance. I always wear it and feel he is with me sometimes now. If its not too late maybe you can still get your babies leg band?

An IRN can make an exellent companion.Our female is a year old today.
Very beautiful and very tame.She has never learned that biting gets her what she wants, so she doesn't bite.She has a true bond with my wife.
But everyone in the family can handle her.I read alot of bad stuff about IRN's online, and was a little leary to buy.. But I wouldn't change a thing now.She is truly a part of our family now.She's not a great talker.(I've read the males are better talkers)She says a few words now and then, but whistling is her fortay.
She's alone for about 7 hours a day, but out of her cage from when we get home till bedtime.She has dinner with us most nights and loves her tv time downstairs.
As with most parrots, she does need a fair size cage as she is quite active.Lots of diff toys are needed to keep her happy, and we rotate them every few days.
IMO..... A great little parrot!!! Not too noisy as well. Except if you ignore them. Then they will let you know what they think.
We paid 150 for ours from a breeder..They go for up to 3 or 400.00 around here.
Hope this helps a little