Finally got an IRN - a few general questions.

[alec92]

Hey guys,

I got a 7 month old Indian green Indian Ringneck today which has been handfed since 6 weeks. I'm told it's a female because of the shape of its chest bones or something?
When I got it home she was a bit hesitant to jump up on to my hands but with a bit of apple she started to do as she was told, and now (2 hours later) she jumps on to my hands easily and likes to sit on my shoulders and give me a kiss.

A few questions:
1) The breeder had seeds in the cage all day long and fed her fruit and vegetables 2 times a week. I plan on feeding her a mixture of pellets and parrot seed (does half/half sound about right) at about 7am every morning and about 7pm every night - does this sound okay? Is there a certain amount I should feed her?

2) Should I continue to feed her fruit and veg only twice a week, or more like once a day?

3) She poops every 5-10 minutes. I'm not sure if this is because I fed her a lot of apple, because she's stressed or because that's just what IRNs do? I'll have to work at getting her toilet trained..

4) She's always biting her feathers and toes. I'm not sure if this is because she's stressed or she's just cleaning herself?

5) She sometimes spreads her wings out wide and screams - does this mean anything?

6) Is it okay to keep a cuttlebone in the cage all the time?


Sorry about all the questions, I just want to ensure I'm doing everything right!!

Thanks

[Khaiqha]

1. Do much less seeds, 10% at most. IRNs are notorious seed gluttons. For awhile mine learned to throw out the pellets, just so I would refill the bowl so she could eat the three or so safflower seeds in the pellet mix. She even figured out how to open Tupperware for seeds.

2. I recommend veg every day, fruit sparingly as a treat. Fruit is mostly sugar and water.

3. Fruit goes through the digestive tract really fast, especially apple. I very sparingly give mine apple because of that.

4. She could be preening, or she could be nervous. Post a video of it so we can offer suggestions.

5. Probably just having fun.

6. I do, mine only touches it once a blue moon.

[alec92]

Thanks for such a prompt reply, Khaiqha!

I'm guessing the pellet required is specific to all medium parrots and is not the same as chicken pellets? I'll probably slowly decrease the amount of seed down to 10% as she has never had pellets before

Also, is it okay to feed her twice a day instead of leaving food in there all the time?

How much should I feed her? In the morning I'll have to feed then leave for work straight away so I guess I'll just have to give her just as much as she will eat in one sitting.


Lastly, she is being kept inside the house near the kitchen. Should I cover her cage with a towel at night?

[Khaiqha]

You're welcome. A few more notes-

Chicken pellets are a bad idea. Chickens eat anything they can, so their diet has a lot more protein than a parrot's. Use organic, non-dyed parrot pellet.

Feeding twice a day is fine. Use a lot at first, and gradually decrease until it's the right amount.

Be aware of the dangers of keeping a bird near the kitchen. Teflon from nonstick pans and ovens can kill a bird, as can scent emitters (glade plugins).

I do not cover my bird, but whether you do or not you need to be consistent about it.

[alec92]

Okay, great.

I forgot to ask about baths as well. The breeder told me they have bathed her before. I filled a small container with water and she was very scared of it - should I try something different?

Also, I'm looking at buying a new cage and wondering what size bars are needed etc. I'm looking at one similar to this which has a seed catcher on the sides of it and a large door, but there are variations in bar spacing so was wondering which one to go with?

[MikeLK]

Hi Alec ... That is a nice looking cage you have pictured there. I have one like that for my African Grey and he loves it. The birds really enjoy a play gym on cage top as well. As for the spacing for your bird, 1/2"-3/4" spacing seems like it should work for you. You really want to provide a good pellet diet for your bird instead of seeds along with veggies. I have listed on my website a breakdown of different pellet diet brands and prices for your convenience. Feel free to check into it. You can also research cages and great deals on them when checking food prices. Just search for cages when inside and browse their selection. Hope this helps...
Mike