Indian ringneck?

[liz]

I thought the whole idea of you getting an IRN was to rescue the one you found that needed help. If she was cared for properly she would not care how much time you have for her. She would just be happy with good food and good conditions with a kind voice talking to her.

Rescue was the only reason I thought you should. You found one that needed help.

At this time in your life I don't think you should get a baby. You could do that in the future.

You did come in the forum and ask our opinions.

[AnimalAffinity]

I think I'll get the older one then, thanks guys. Any tips on care, I think i know a lot from research but any tips would still be appreciated.

[shiraartain]

Don't do it! I also live at home and go to college. I know how you feel. but the reality is your college schedule changes from semester to semester. I had to put off getting my bird until Summer, as I had to wake up at 6 am, leave immediately, and wouldn't get home until after dark. Now I wake up at sunrise and spend 3-4 hours with my bird before leaving, and my mom spends all day with him until our family members start coming home at which point he spends the rest of the day with whoever he feels like.

In college, you don't just attend classes, you make friends and establish a social life as well. It just doesn't work out if you're the one who is going to be spending time with the bird, ESPECIALLY if the bird is a bird as high-maintenance as an IRN . I know the temptation of wanting a bird whom you can interact with.

I also know from experience the temptation of ignoring people's advice just because of the intense desire in your heart, so I'm going to tell you this:

Since your heart isn't really set on the mother bird, but rather you want a bird to be your companion, wait for a semester after you start college to think on this again. By that time you will know what kind of schedule you have and what amount of free time you will have for this bird. In the meanwhile you can volunteer at a rescue and research further.

EDIT: whoops, I only read the first page, forgot there was a second. I agree that the rescue is the best choice in this situation, but you're going to need your family's assistance in putting her to bed at sunset on days you're out late

[Wolf]

After watching and reading all of your posts and the various replies to them, I must in all honesty advise against getting a bird at this time. I really think that you should at least wait until you have some idea of what the demands on your time will be. I also understand the desire for a thing and how it pulls at you, so if you really feel that you must and have the help from your family, go for the older bird who needs a good home. She will probably be the more difficult to socialize, but she is also the one in the greatest need. There is no shortage of babies and they have a much easier time in finding homes and if you go this route and get the older bird, you will be much more prepared for when the time comes to acquire and raise a baby IRN and all that will be required.

[AnimalAffinity]

Are they really that hard to take care of??

[Wolf]

In my opinion, no they are not that hard, they just need that much attention and interaction.

[Pajarita]

Let me put it this way, they are harder than other species of parrots and all parrots are real hard to keep healthy, happy and tame to begin with.

[AnimalAffinity]

I really think I am ready I know my family would help if need be and if I go to college it's only for two years I have one I really want and all supplies necessary I think I am going to get one. I was wondering if my budgies could be out at the same time as the irn?

[Pajarita]

You would have to supervise them and see if the budgies don't bother the bigger bird or that the bigger bird doesn't attack the budgies.

I still think you are making a big mistake - you don't go from kindergarten to 6th grade and you don't get a parrot unless you know, for a fact, that you will have the time, resources and infrastructure to provide it a good life.