I Think A Breeder Just Tried To Scare Me? Please help.

[nalukaikamahine]

I just got off of the phone with a SC breeder; I'm broadening my search. I found a breeder about 4 hours from me, so I'm still looking to see if anyone is closer to where I live.

This woman went on and on about how mean IRNs are and how if you handfeed them yourself they'll turn on you once they're fully weaned

But she had nothing nice to say about this breed, how she still has birds from last year that she can't sell because they're too mean etc etc. That the bird will probably attack my husband and sense his inexperience and if I don't handle my IRN for at least 8 hours a day, it will turn wild. [I'm a SAHW, so handling the bird daily won't be an issue, and also, our pets are family members....they come with us when we go places and we spend lots of time with them....even the chickens get a much larger chunk of my time than I feel chickens require....but because I want friendly, happy birds, I spend time with them. An IRN would be no exception.

We chose IRN because I grew up with LARGE birds and I still wanted a breed with the ability to talk, but small enough that my husband [who's never been around them] won't be intimidated by their sheer size.

This woman has me second guessing my choice, but I wouldn't take a bird from her even if she gave it to me....I didn't get a good feeling about her.

Is any of this true? Or is she just a bad breeder?

[sarbee42]

Maybe her birds just don't like her in general? LOL
I think if you treat your animals with respect then they'll do the same back for you. They seem to have a "sense" as to who is good and who is bad..
I don't think I've ever met a nasty IRN although there probably are a few. My breeder pair are very sweet and although not hand tame, they're not mean or nasty in any way at all.

[nalukaikamahine]

I was just really concerned that she didn't have anything nice to say about the breed at all, in general.

I found a breeder in my area, close enough that I could ride a bicycle there And he has 4/5 week old babies right now, so I'm going tomorrow to look and maybe bring one home with me. He, had nothing but nice things to say I'm glad I found this guy, he's been doing it for 40 years and seemed friendly and knowledgeable.



I'm excited to go see his babies tomorrow!

[MissK]

Feh

-MissK

[ellieelectrons]

IRNs can be affectionate and they are also very smart and very individual. There are certain personality similarities that tend to permeate the breed but they are also very individual at the same time. They can also be difficult and they may present behaviour that seems kinda weird to us but is perfectly logical for them. It is helpful to try to "think like a ringneck" to solve any behavioural problems you encounter. This comes with time and experience. You don't have to look too far in this forum to find people struggling with behavioural issues with their bird and trying to figure out what is best for them. The issues are on different levels. For example, mine love doing trick training, they love spending time with me, they'll usually step up onto my hand when I ask.... but about 25% of the time, if they're not interested, I can't get them to step up for me.... and if they are scared by new people or new surroundings I can't get them to step up at all. The latter problem is because I haven't socialised them with other people enough - something I'm trying to work on. Others have birds that freak out when they approach the cage - stepping up is something that is a little way down the track for them, they just need to work on getting the birds comfortable with having them around.

They are extremely rewarding birds to work with. I believe they require lots of kindness, patience, understanding and thinking on the part of the human who wants to help them have a fulfilling life in their home.

Best wishes for your purchase!

Ellie.

[sanjays mummi]

When we vetted prospective puppy purchasers we Always told them all the cons of owning a dog, and of our specific breed, Then IF they still wanted one and asked sensible questions, and only when we were satisfied they would be suitable owners, would we accept a deposit and sign a contract.

[nalukaikamahine]

When we vetted prospective puppy purchasers we Always told them all the cons of owning a dog, and of our specific breed, Then IF they still wanted one and asked sensible questions, and only when we were satisfied they would be suitable owners, would we accept a deposit and sign a contract.

Telling people the cons of owning an animal is one thing, and I agree with informing your clients and prospective buyers that owning an animal is not always a walk in the park, but this lady took it to the extreme.

Telling me how you can't sell your birds because they're too mean doesn't seem the same as informing the owners of the potential speed bumps that could arise during their parrots life.

[Redzone]

I think it's pretty important to let your pet choose you, rather than the other way around, or yes you can have problems.

That's what i've always done, & i've had some awesome pets. If a pet gets stuck with someone they don't really like, of course there will be issues! But dont underestimate the importance of the first 6 months with a ringneck, get them exposed to everything you want to do.