I am adopting a male ringneck. He is around 2 years old. I currently have a 2.5 year old (approx.) GCC, and 2 female quakers (both 6 months old). Looking for any advice or tips for a first time ringneck owner.
He is my sister and brother in laws bird, and he has been basically a caged bird, only being handled a few times when they first got him when he was a few months old. Since then, he has been in the cage, gets clean water and food.. sometimes gets fresh browse for enrichment, and I made sure when they got him, they gave him a variety of real wood perches. His diet is mostly seed and apple. So I will be transferring him to chop ASAP, but need a recommendation for a pellet.
I use safflower seeds for training, and slivered almonds for high reward treats. Fruit is minimal and provided to my current birds on skewers weekly, as well as scattered apple/plum/blueberries through their chop. As a rule, they dont get alot of fruit. More veg and greens.
He won't be coming out of the cage until he is comfortable to do so. I am not rushing anything. Dont want to stress him out.
He also won't be coming out of the cage with my smaller parrots until I know he is comfortable, they are comfortable, and even then it will be strictly monitored as I know he is much larger therefore could be very dangerous to my little ones.
So basically I am asking for advice on:
- a healthy choice for a pellet for IRN
- any good ways to help transition IRN onto chop and new pellet, from an all seed diet
- any training tips for IRN
- any tips for a smooth transition to his new home
Thank you for reading :)