Timneh vs. Indian Ringneck Parakeet

[mabird]

Hello! I'm hoping that perhaps someone could help me a bit with choosing a bird as an addition to our family.
Originally I was SO sure I wanted an Indian Ringneck... however, somewhere I "bumped into" an article about Timneh Greys... now I'm not so sure which bird would be best as a pet to spoil in our family. I would like a bird that will be decent with supervised children, happy to travel (just across town) to grannie & papa's house for dinner & lovin' & enjoy just hanging out as a family. I want a bird that would think he/she had died and gone to heaven with this type of life-style... you know, truly enjoy almost every minute of it's life. I don't want a bird that needs to be held all day, because I do have errands to run, and TONS of house work to do. So a bird that could entertain its self on a cage top gym for a bit would be nice.
I'm sorry if this isn't the type of question you would normally answer, however I am well aware of the commitment of a bird & want all involved to be as happy as a kid on Christmas morning .
Now if I'm WAY off base with both of these birds, please let me know, and please feel free to suggest whatever breed you think would be best.

Thanks so much for your time. I really do appreciate you taking the time to read this.
Thanks,
Melissa

[featherduster]

I'm thinkin' you need a young bird that will conform to your familly life.
Maybe none of them exist?
Birds are birds and they are not as moldable as say a dog or cat.

My female timneh is very social, but even she does enjoy her freedom to just be a bird.

I have had the great experience of Ringnecks too. In my experience, They are not even close to what you are looking for.

Though, I'm not sure a TAG is either...

[isoscelestri]

I don't own one, but I've heard good things about Poicephalus parrots. I've read they can be playful, like to cuddle, but are also independent and can entertain themselves and that most have a pretty even temperament. Species of Poicephalus parrots include Meyer's Parrots, Jardines, Senegal, Red-bellied, and Uncape parrots.
It's hard to pick out a new parrot, there are so many out there and all of them have some nice traits... you just have to find the combination of traits that work best for you (sometimes you'll find several different birds that fit). Keep in mind that each bird is an individual and may not behave exactly like their species profile (for better or for worse). Hopefully you're in a position where there are places near that you can visit and meet the bird before you decide.
I have a Parrotlet by the way. If you don't mind a very small parrot you could look at those as well. Mine has a good temperament and is well socialized, he lets lots of different people handle him without a fuss, he never seems traumatized by traveling (even if it's to the vet).
So many options...

[Matt]

There are a few more things to consider...

Would the dust from a TAG be a problem for you or anyone in your household?

Are you wanting a cuddly bird or one who just likes to hang out near you with the occasional head scratching.

Is talking a high priority or do you not care.

What kind of noise level are you comfortable with? Constant chatter, loud screams or looking for a quiet bird.

How old are the children? Do they have a desire for a bird or is the bird mainly for you? Is your husband ok with birds?

[mabird]

Wow this is a great lil' forum! I just joined last night and am very impressed with everyone's replys/help! Thanks to all...
The dust from a TAG wouldn't be a problem. Cuddly sometimes would be nice, however I have no wishes in becoming a pirate. ( I have a lovebird at home & I have a hard time getting him off of me just to get down on the table to play with him!) Noise really isn't an issue for us... however a bird that can tollerate some noise would be nice, the boys are 6 & 4.5. Talking isn't a priority... it would be wonderful, however when we look at the big pic, it isn't going to make us love him/her any less & a bird that has a chance at being as happy with us as we are with them is our aim. My oldest son is very good with animals of all kinds... he seems to have a "natural-ness" about him that animals can sense, and feel quite comfortable with. My youngest isn't really as into the animals as my oldest and I. As far as my hubbie, he has never really googled over animals UNTIL I recently started taking him around birds at pet stores, etc and we seem to have really found "his kind of pet" within the bird kingdom. Even he was suprised at how much he enjoys them!
Thanks again all... looking forward to more comments.

[Matt]

I am not sure how to answer this question but I will give you some info that could lead you to a decision. I would get a bird from a very good breeder who socializes the babies with multiple people and fledges them. Almost any bird you get will be better because of this and will more likely stay that way if you continue to expose them costantly to proper training, new people and places.

Here are some ideas on species I am familiar with. I don't want to comment on ringnecks since I have very little experience or knowledge of those.

Eclectus- sounds like a great bird for your family except may not be cuddly at all, cuddly ones do exist for every species of bird has tendencies yet every bird is a individual. These birds are often great talkers and if you consider these, I would get a male.

Conures- Great birds overall. A bit noisy but I have loved every conure I have ever owned which is about 5 conures. I still have a cherry head for 16 years now. I am partial to the Blue-Crowned conures, wonderful birds such as the one in the Paulie movie.

Cockatoos- Very dusty and clingy usually. I only would tell people with bird experience, no aversions to the loudest screams they have ever heard, no breathing or cleanliness issues and no job to consider one of these. These are not rules but tendencies within the species. I will say that a cockatoo was the best bird I ever owned, so loving but someone was always in the house with her. We loved her even though she chewed EVERYTHING!

Macaws- I would say no way would I get a Macaw without spending A LOT of time with many of them. They can be wonderful, but require much time, space,patience, training and money for toys,etc. I like the mini macaws looks but find the conures more desirable for that size of bird. These tiny macaws have the attitude of the big boys often.

Amazons- Much like the female Eclectus, Amazons can be loving you one minute and biting you the next if you fail to learn to "read" them. Experienced bird owners only in my opinion. They love to sing odd key and talk often so they are entertainers.

Greys- I would say I would go with a TAG over a CAG but that is just me. I find the CAG's a bit more sensitive and more likely to be neurotic but with proper raising both species can be wonderful. You MUST make these birds part of the family even through when they hit adolescence and get a bit "hormonal". I would read tons of material on greys before I got one. They can be independent sometimes if you don't spoil them with too much attention at first. If you only can give them 1-4 hours a day attention for the next 20 years then don't give them more than that when you bring them home. Teach them to entertain theirselves with many toys in their cage while you are away at a young age.

Well, all of my statements are based on MY experience and knowledge of these species. I would suggest you elimiate a few species you definitely don't want, maybe narrow it down to 3-5 you might want and just let the baby choose you. Since every bird is a individual, its hard to know what you are getting until you get it. Keep in mind though, they don't stay babies for long so research whatever species you are looking at and see what is typical of the adults. I have seen so many greys that were sweet babies turn to neurotic pluckers because people lost interest in them when the cuteness wore off. Good luck in your research, hope something here helped a bit.

[Amie]

I have no experience with the Ringnecks, so my opinions are going to just ignore that part of your question.

I am a huge fan of the Grey. I have been owned by a Congo, and he was one of the most rewarding "pets" we've ever had. I think, with the young children, a Timneh would be best for your family, and you'll probably have better luck with a newly weaned baby.

I would stay away from cockatoos with your young children. I've only dealt with fostered, older cockatoos, but they've always been a little "rougher" and more. . .easily offended?. . .than any of the other species. Of course, that's a generalization, but that's a pretty big beak and they love to use it. But they are a species of cuddle bugs--I just don't usually recommend them as a first parrot as they are one of the most demanding species. . .they just LOVE their humans!

You're looking for a family bird, I'm assuming, and eclectus parrots, Greys, and Amazons do very well with family from my experience. I'm a fan of the lilac-crowned amazon, too. I don't think of the Amazon as an "experience only" type of bird, as Matt does. The Amazons we fostered were some of the easiest guys we've ever had go through our house. Much easier than my ekkie. You have to deal with the "love you one minute bite you the next" with every bird. And the Grey is famous for a technique we like to call the "bait and switch." This is how it goes. . ."Oh, mama, I want you to give me some ear scritches. . .PLEASE give me some ear scritches. . .Oh, thank you Mama, I need some ear scritches. . ." CHOMP. But all birds have some quirk, and when you're around them, you learn the body language quickly.

You'd be surprised at how much he/she will enjoy car rides and short trips. My CAG and my ekkie were/are as enthusiastic about car rides as my schnauzer.

I don't know where you are, but it's Bird Fair Season in the Gulf South. Why don't you take your husband (I'd leave the kids at home for the actual decision making run) and handle as many birds as you can. Decide what species you want to go with, make contacts with the breeder, and get a young one after the bird fair. I don't suggest buying the bird at the bird fair. . .It's a pretty hectic day for the baby. But other people have great experience purchasing AT the bird fair. I just don't like to make rash decisions (because if I didn't control myself, I'd take home the first bird I saw!!) Pick a species or two, go home, do more research, make an appointment for a week later. If you don't change your mind in that week of research, and you find a baby that loves you, go with it.

[Oscars Mom]

I love tags and always reccomend them as great pets! Id consider the conures too if noise isnt a problem cause I think there great birds for kids. Id start with a baby and wait til you find the right bird cause its going to be baby season soon and youll have plenty to choose from.

[mabird]

Thanks again everyone! Now, if possible I'd really like to hear something from someone with a decent amount of Indian Ringneck experience... I've only really read great things on sites, however I'd like to hear something first hand if possible.
We live in NH so I believe the bird fair would not be an option, at least not this year...

Thanks again,
Melissa

[Matt]

Originally Posted by amiestgermain

I'm a fan of the lilac-crowned amazon, too. I don't think of the Amazon as an "experience only" type of bird, as Matt does. The Amazons we fostered were some of the easiest guys we've ever had go through our house. Much easier than my ekkie. You have to deal with the "love you one minute bite you the next" with every bird.

That is a good point. Your experience with Amazons is more extensive than mine. I have only known blue fronts and double yellow heads that were wild caught. I guess I shouldn't have said experience only, maybe learn to read the moods of a amazon would have been better but that applies to most birds. Respecting a birds moods is important for new bird owners. Many tend to think of pulling out a bird even in the middle of the night to show friends is ok because the bird is there to entertain them 24/7. By just treating the bird with respect can avoid many problems such as bites.