A Indian Ringneck with a Quaker Parrot.?

Question

I've had a Quaker parrot for 16 months. 'Q' is his name. He's approximately 3 years old.

In my household is my husband and I and my 2 boys (ages 9 and 6). 'Q' has chosen my husband and I as his people.

My husband and I have been discussing getting another parrot. Over the weekend we were looking and are really interested in getting an Indian Ringneck. He is a lovely bird who stepped up and hung out with the two of us and the kids. I was amazed since my 'Q' always bites any other hand if it's not mine or my husbands.

I know that in general most birds get along if supervised but could anyone tell me if these two birds would make a good pair? I'm just curious about any comments you may have.

Thanks. :D

Answer 1

You might be risking turning your Quaker into a one-person bird by getting an Indian Ringneck. You'll have to make sure that you and your husband share your attention equally between both the birds. Another thing that is extremely important is the Indian Ringneck's personality and upbringing; if it had a good upbringing, it won't feel jealous of the Quaker. The same goes for the Quaker -- if the Quaker is aggressive towards any member of the household, it will very likely be aggressive towards the newcomer parrot as well. So first work in correcting the Quaker's personality if needed. "Guide to a Well-behaved Parrot" and "Guide to a Quaker Parrot", both by Mattie Sue Athan, are great books for this purpose.

If you are going to get a pet bird, don't buy, adopt one instead. This way, you'll get your bird for a fraction of the pet store (or breeder) price, and also know the personality of the bird you're going to get. But best of all, you'll be helping a bird in need -- there are so many good abandoned pet birds out there in parrot sheltesr needing good homes, and breeding or buying fresh birds worsens the situation for them and their future generations. Visit http://www.avianwelfare.org to find the nearest parrot shelter. They are dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming abandoned, neglected or abused pet birds in good, forever homes. So it's a great all-around source to get your pet bird from.

Answer 2

Ali is right about some things. The Quaker will not accept the new IRN without a lot of work. Quakers are just hard wired that way.

But be careful about the rescuse, do a lot of research on them.  There are as many bad rescues as there are bad breeders. Anytime there is money involed there will be "Make A Quick Buck" people. I have seen to many scarmmer both in Rescue and Breeders.