Decisions - what would you do?

[Thoroughbred]

Hi Guys,
A breeder that I have bought from before contacted me asking me if I wanted one of her IRN's and she will mark the price way down if I decide to take it. She is basically trying to sell her older stock to make room for the babies that will be pulled from the nest in a few weeks.

I wouldn't consider her older stock old at all - they are 4 months old and were hand fed babies, however they are no longer tame due to not being handled much. There are 7 available and she said I could pick which ever one I wanted.

Now I just need to make a decision if I want to take on an untame IRN and work with it to make it tame. I know some people might say go see what is there and if you click with any of them. Knowing me if I go to see I will come home with something. I need to make the decision before I even go because if I really don't want one then if I go I more then likely will still come home with a bird.

What are your opinions on getting an untame IRN - would you guys go ahead and do it or would you pass up this offer?

A little about me: I have owned many IRN's over the years and they are by far my favorite species. I have lot's of ringneck experience. A little while ago I had to rehome all of my birds because of my job - I was working way to much and did not have time for the birds and it just wasn't fair to them. I am now working from my home and trying to make my flock bigger again.

I am just stuck and don't know what to do - what would you guys do if this offer came to you?

[Addicted to Tequila]

I would do it. You clearly want one, and have enough experience to know what you are getting into. Look at the fact that they are a little nippy as a dry run on what will happen when they hit their first breeding season at sexual maturity! LOL

Not to mention, getting one that has gone just a bit wild lets you know which ones are prone more to being a bit stubborn and willing to actually bite HARD (there is a difference IMO between a bird that bites and may even draw blood from fear, dominance, etc... and one that really lunges after you and puts his all into it. Some of the latter just never seem to be able to control themselves well enough to be trustworthy.)

Look for one that, although he/she will be a bit weary and nippy, displays the qualities you desire. Outgoing... or more reserved? Vocal (may be better talker)... or quiet? The nice thing about these guys is that you get to see inherent traits... not learned ones. In my mind... that is a blessing, not a curse!

[xafsmom]

4 months old is nothing, especially if hand-fed. Take a chance, take it slow, earn its trust and you'll have a great new companion! Some of the best birds I've had were 'let go' after hand-feeding. They were a bit wild in the first week then they went "Oh hey! I remember hands! They bring the eats! Yay eats!" Take the chance!

[Tom Lawless]

It could be a great deal if this is what you want but if it isn't the right time or the right situation then no deal is good enough. Not that money doesn't matter, I certainly can respect limited budgets and appreciating a good break, but it should be a secondary or tertiary factor when getting a bird. If this is the right time, it's what you wanted and you think you have the skills to work with an untamed bird then think of the lower price as gravy on an already good situation but there is nothing wrong with realizing that you need to wait. I'm not a bird expert, and it's only in the past year that I've gotten them again after a seven year hiatus, but I've already found that birds needing good homes are constantly being offered and available. I believe, based on my own experience, other opportunities will find their way to you if you feel like this isn't the right one.

If it is the right one, go for it and enjoy it.

[Kathy]

I got mine at 4 months- he was not hand fed and wild. At the time- i did not know better- thought all birds were tame!
It only took a couple of months before the first real step up.
Ps... I just love the big guy!

[Thoroughbred]

Thanks for the input - I have been thinking about this all night and just cannot decide on what to do. I think of the pros and think sure I think I will do it then I think of the cons and rethink the whole decision. I am just not sure which way to lean - I'm basically at a 50/50 right now.

I have decided that I am going to go visit my breeder Saturday and see what she has and what not. I know by doing this I will more then likely come back with one, but I keep saying to myself only if there is a good match. Maybe if I keep telling myself that I will be able to walk out if there is nothing that fits. Not likely, but one can only hope.

As for the money part - money is not at all a factor in my decision. I probably wasn't completely clear on the situation at first. But - this breeder I have worked with before she has 7 youngsters that are about 4 months old - they were hand fed, but haven't been handled and have gone untame. She has already marked down all of there original prices since they are no longer tame. She contacted me asking if I would be interested in one as she knows I love ringnecks and have the experience with them. She wants to try and get them homes before they get older (people usually wants sweet youngsters) and even harder to sell. She basically asked if I was interested in giving one or however many a home and would mark down there price even more as she knows me and such. The lower price has nothing to do with my decision, it is that she contacted me asking if I wanted any - the lower price was just something extra she was offering.

Anyway, I guess it is off to bed and then I will see a bunch of ringnecks once I awake. I will keep you all posted on what happens.

[Aces Wild]

I would go for it!

HOnestly, 4 months old is not considered old at all, and if the babies were hand raised, you will probably have a very bonded IRN in a matter of time. There is nothing more rewarding then building trust with your FID! Ace is just turning 4 months August 1st, he is still a baby with still alot to learn.

Keep us updated on how it goes!

[Addicted to Tequila]

Meredith...
So what exactly are the cons? What is holding you back? Not their age and "wildness" I should hope! They would be going through one of their "phases" right about now anyway... what with the first molt coming on and all!

[red192]

I say do it!