Ask Lafeber

Red rumped parrot vs Ringneck

Hi Lafeber team!
I’d like to ask for some advice about my red-rumped parrot. I’m thinking of adopting a baby ringneck soon, but I’ve already had a red-rumped parrot. I spend a lot of time with it, taking it out of the cage to fly and play. I really love it and I talk to it all the time! Anyway, my concern is how I should handle both the new member and the red-rumped parrot. I don’t want to make the red-rumped parrot jealous, but I also want to ensure I give enough attention to the ringneck. Can you give me some advice, please? Also, could I let them out of the cage together? Their cages will be seperated, of course.

Thanks in advance!

Hi,

Many people have multiple birds. As far as jealousy, it will happen. I find it best to handle each bird out of view of the other one. This definitely helps with jealous behavior. It’s hard on one bird to watch another get attention. But if you do your best to give equal time to each bird, they learn to adjust. I would not have these birds interacting. A ringneck has a much larger & stronger beak. And frankly the red-rump males can get a real attitude! If he gets jealous and tries to take it out on the ringneck, the ringneck could hurt or kill him. Different species tend to get along when they are young. But once hormones are a factor, you can’t predict how a bird will react. And if they ended up bonding as companions, you might be the one who gets left out. Mainly be careful not to give extra attention to the ringneck when you bring it home. It’s tempting to dote on a new bird, but this is exactly the type thing that can cause jealously and aggression from the existing bird. If anything, give the red rump some extra attention when you bring home the new bird.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda