Need some info on Derbyan ringnecks

[Cece4]

Hi all, just some basic info like cage size, food and how old when they are weaned.What kind of toys do they like etc...How do you train them and are they big biters?
Im very interested in getting one.It wouldnt be until next spring or later but I like to plan in advance.
A book recommendation would be great too.

[Addicted to Tequila]

MAJOR chewers! Destructable toys are a MUST!

They eat like birds twice their size.

They truly are a bird that you will get out what you put in. They can turn feral without daily interaction... or be sweethearts if worked with enough.

Pellets and fresh foods... seed as treat.

LOUD honking noises are the standard... and can be rather persistent. They especially like to out-noise the vacuum! LOL

[red192]

My ringneck is BIG biter and I have the scars to prove it!

[Addicted to Tequila]

The 2 Moustaches (little cousins to the Derbians) and the Derb I fostered where not "snuggly"... but all liked to be with me and to be stroked a bit. At least they did by the time they left. I would not say that any of them were "biters". But I don't call it biting unless bloodloss occurs. The Derb was the easygoingest of the bunch actually.

[Cece4]

I would be able to get a baby so Im hoping that would make a difference with biting.Would they be good for taking outdoors on a harness....I really dont want a cuddly bird.My tiels are demanding enough, scritches and more scritches.
I want a fun bird that I can hang out with thats pretty active and maybe has a little attitude..I like the idea of being able to teach it talk too. I would like to be able to step up and sit on my shoulder.Not big on trick teaching or anything but intelligent would be nice too.
I have a greencheek that is a major biter (blood or bruising is always involved)so im hoping for a nonbiter.Actually my greencheek hates me but thats okay we have an understanding I give her food,water, clean cage and she bites the heck out of me any chance she can(LOL).

[Addicted to Tequila]

Derbians are not terribly active. Ever consider a conure or caique?

My new Mitered Conure fits your bill to a "T".

[Ringneckmom]

I have a male derbyan and he is a pretty nice bird. He is not big on the cuddly thing at all - tolerates rubbing, but does not care for it too much.
He is a major chewer and will destroy most things including untying the rope toys and letting the beads and stuff hit the floor then he pulls the rope out as well. he prefers the smaller pieces of wood so if you think a macaw toy will make it last longer then you are probably right - he won't chew much on it! At least mine doesn't.
I have my guy in a 32 x 24 inch cage and he does very well in that. Think of him as a small Timneh grey as he is close to that size.
As far as biting, he is not really much of a biter at all. If he is in his cage at night and I bother him then yes I might get bit but other than that he is pretty good. When grooming - well lets just say I am VERY careful!!

He can eat the nuts in shell, but he has problems shelling some of them. He does fine with walnuts and almonds. The filberts are a little of a challenge and the others well..... just too hard for him.

Oh and I wouldn't say he is a couch potato either - mine is quite active in one way or another.

For a diet, I reccommend a type of pelleted diet and then supplement with some seed, fresh veggies and fruits, nuts in shell or shelled and all the other good treats like Nutriberries, birdie bread, etc.

They have a call that kind of reminds me of an airhorn, but it is not too bad and they don't do it all the time.

[Cece4]

Thanks for the info.I would love a caique but they are way out of my price range.
Anyway by active I mean just doesnt sit there but likes to be where the action is or is at least curious about stuff and likes to investigate.
Mitred conure is pretty cool but I dont want to get any bird shipped, so local breeder is best for me.There just happens to be a local breeder of Derbyans and Redcaps.

My biggest concern is I dont want a fearful nervous bird.I would like something on the braver side.I do live a quiet life but it would be nice to walk around the block and take it with me on a harness, or even in the car on occasion...I dont know I might never do that either but It sounds nice.I do have a 7yo and he is really good with animals but the kids get noisy in the yard on occasion and he does run through the house like any kid would.
One of my tiels is not at all nervous the other is a bit,but my conure is scared of the outside world and wont go on the porch at all(she is a rehome and older).

[Sprecker]

Getting the bird while it is young will help with how with it being interested with what you are doing. Also how much time you spend with it will also play a factor in it. My Moustache love to be where the action is. Loves exploring the aviary and destroying whatever he can. He has pretty much bonded with my Alexandrain and you will always find them perched and destroying the same toys.
Charlie doesn't care for the physical attention at all. He will perch on my finger but I I go to give him a scritchon the head it will always end with him bitting me. He will sit on my shoulder and travel from room to room with me. When he lands an the floor he will come to me to give him boost. If I have something he wants to check out he will call and all that stuff. Plus he is a great talker. Will spout off for hours in the morning and evening.
If the Derbyan you are looking to get turns out anything like my Charilie than it will perfect for you.

[Lucky Feathers]

I don't have a Derbyan, but I do have a moustache. My Moustache is not one that like to be touched - head scratches and such, if you try he will snap at you, but that is the only time he ever bites. He will step up and perch on you find he just doesn't like being touched on his body much. Even though he is not a cuddly hands on bird, he is a cuddly hands off bird if that makes any sense. Meaning - he will hang out on my shoulder all day long and put his face really close to mine so that his beak is touching my cheek and he will hang out like that for hours. You can give him kisses all you want and he will not try to bite - he just doesn't like hands on his body.

He is not terribly loud - he does make adorable noises. I have found the ringnecks tend to be more loud and shrill then him.

He is not terribly active like say your conures, but he doesn't just stand around. He will play with toys and move about, but not a crazy all over the play player.

They also love to chew and will chew just about anything!!!!!