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Rock Pebbler/Regent - Male or Female?

august8pm

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After lots of research, I've decided the Rock Pebbler/Regent Parrot is the bird for me. No question at all. Deposit is paid. I couldn't be happier.

Recently, I found out I may be in the position to choose whether I get a male or female. There are a few apparently reliable resources that say outright that the male is a better choice for a pet. I tend to be wary of blanket statements like that, but information about pet Regents is pretty scarce. One thing is likely, some might feel the golden color of the adult male is more desirable than the mostly olive female. Personally, I couldn't possibly care less, but that might make them more in demand.

I know there aren't many owners out there, but I'm curious if anyone has information (first-hand, second-hand, whatever) that they would like to share.

Before we get started, I do want to say that I understand we are speaking in generalities. I know that when it comes to parrots, nurture – not nature – is going to influence behavior more than anything else.

Thanks to all.
 

birdle

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Rock pebblers aren't very common in the US from what I've seen. So I'm not sure if anyone can say anything.

A few years ago I was very interested in rock pebblers and spoke with a bird store that sold them and they said that in general people want males because of coloring. I think some males tend to be talkers but not sure if it's both sexes. Why don't you go meet the babies and see which one clicks?
 

Stormcloud

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After lots of research, I've decided the Rock Pebbler/Regent Parrot is the bird for me. No question at all. Deposit is paid. I couldn't be happier.

Recently, I found out I may be in the position to choose whether I get a male or female. There are a few apparently reliable resources that say outright that the male is a better choice for a pet. I tend to be wary of blanket statements like that, but information about pet Regents is pretty scarce. One thing is likely, some might feel the golden color of the adult male is more desirable than the mostly olive female. Personally, I couldn't possibly care less, but that might make them more in demand.

I know there aren't many owners out there, but I'm curious if anyone has information (first-hand, second-hand, whatever) that they would like to share.

Before we get started, I do want to say that I understand we are speaking in generalities. I know that when it comes to parrots, nurture – not nature – is going to influence behavior more than anything else.

Thanks to all.

First and foremost, I'd like to point out that both Princess Parrots and Regent Parrots are referred to as Rock Pebblers so you might want to check out exactly what it is you're getting. While they are different species, they both come from the same genus Poytelis. It is why people are generally better to call them by their actual name "Regent Parrot" than a generalised name, such as "Rock Pebbler". If well handled and socialised they make great pets, but make sure that they have plenty of toys and due to their long tails I'd recommend a tall cage.

The area I've highlighted in bold doesn't always hold true, especially with many of Australia's grass parrots and those that come from open woodland. Many become hand-shy once they reach maturity and become better suited aviary life. Major Mitchell's Cockatoo is also a bird that falls into this category.
 

birdle

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That would be my preference. My breeder isn't local, though, and it seems unlikely I'll be able to make the trip. Thank you for your response!
that's always a bummer :( maybe have your breeder pick out the most outgoing and friendly?
 

august8pm

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Florida Keys
First and foremost, I'd like to point out that both Princess Parrots and Regent Parrots are referred to as Rock Pebblers so you might want to check out exactly what it is you're getting. While they are different species, they both come from the same genus Poytelis. It is why people are generally better to call them by their actual name "Regent Parrot" than a generalised name, such as "Rock Pebbler". If well handled and socialised they make great pets, but make sure that they have plenty of toys and due to their long tails I'd recommend a tall cage.

I am lucky to have found a breeder that breeds a variety of Australian parakeets, including both Princess and Regent; so getting the correct one shouldn't be an issue. And it's very helpful to learn that Regent Parrot is the most accurate name.

Thank you very much for the advice about toys. I know they are important, of course, but it's good to know that I can justify a bit of splurging. And I really appreciate your remark about cage height. I'd been leaning towards them anyway, but this info ensures my purchasing a dometop.

The area I've highlighted in bold doesn't always hold true, especially with many of Australia's grass parrots and those that come from open woodland. Many become hand-shy once they reach maturity and become better suited aviary life. Major Mitchell's Cockatoo is also a bird that falls into this category.
I apologize for the error and appreciate the correction.

Thanks again for all the valuable information!
 

august8pm

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Florida Keys
that's always a bummer :( maybe have your breeder pick out the most outgoing and friendly?
That's exactly what I'm hoping! I wasn't sure if it was a silly thing to ask. I have no experience with weaning, so I wasn't sure when the chicks really start exhibiting their personalities.
 

birdle

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it won't hurt to ask your breeder right now, when will they be weaned?
 

CheekyBeaks

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I have to agree with @Stormcloud and say that a lot of our Aussie natives are going to be less suitable as pets being prone to being flighty, shy and become quite independent (meaning they show little interest in interaction with people) either at weaning or when maturity hits. Of course this doesn't apply to all but in many cases no amount of love and socialisation will effect some of these species.
Regents are pretty rare here in QLD as owners need to have a licence to keep them and only specialist native aviculture lists tend to keep them so I haven't had any direct experience with them but have read that they are a placid any peaceful species. Princess parrots do make lovely pets when raised and socialised well.
As with any Aussie native grass parrots they need a lot of space so a cage that offers room to fly us a must, as lack of flight excersize will lead to behavioural issues.
As or male vs female it really to me comes down to individual personality ask the breeder to reserve the one they feel has the personality traits closest to what you are looking for.
 

august8pm

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Joined
3/1/14
Messages
48
Location
Florida Keys
I have to agree with @Stormcloud and say that a lot of our Aussie natives are going to be less suitable as pets being prone to being flighty, shy and become quite independent (meaning they show little interest in interaction with people) either at weaning or when maturity hits. Of course this doesn't apply to all but in many cases no amount of love and socialisation will effect some of these species.
Regents are pretty rare here in QLD as owners need to have a licence to keep them and only specialist native aviculture lists tend to keep them so I haven't had any direct experience with them but have read that they are a placid any peaceful species. Princess parrots do make lovely pets when raised and socialised well.
As with any Aussie native grass parrots they need a lot of space so a cage that offers room to fly us a must, as lack of flight excersize will lead to behavioural issues.
As or male vs female it really to me comes down to individual personality ask the breeder to reserve the one they feel has the personality traits closest to what you are looking for.
Thank you for your response! I wish I could update my original post and remove the inaccurate comment.

I'll be sure to get the biggest cage I can. It seems like 32-36" is about as wide as I can find with bar spacing under 1". Even then, I'm not exactly spoiled for choice. Fortunately, I'm home most of the day, so my bird will have many hours out of the cage. I intend to arrange cage, stands, and playpens at a distance from each other to encourage flight and exercise.

And I'll be sure to work with the breeder, as you and @lukeykee mentioned, to find a good match.

Thanks again!
 

expressmailtome

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august8pm

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I do not know what price range that you are looking at, but there are cages called double flight cages. Here is an example: Discount Bird Cages : Flight Bird Cage with Divider - 65"W x 21"D x 62"H parrotlet cage, finch aviaries, Parakeet cages . The dividers on must are removable.

Matt
Thank you for the link and suggestion. That same cage was recommended to me by someone else, too. It's exactly what I need, but I'm having trouble finding a way I can reconfigure my furniture to accommodate that 65" width. (And that's not near an air conditioner or in direct sunlight, etc.)
 
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expressmailtome

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Thank you for the link and suggestion. That same cage was recommended to me by someone else, too. It's exactly what I need, but I'm having trouble finding a way I can reconfigure my furniture to accommodate that 65" width. (And that's not near an air conditioner or in direct sunlight, etc.)
If you have a size that you would like I can try to find one.

Matt
 

expressmailtome

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So far this is the largest that I can find that less that 48": Flight cage aviary for small birds . There was another that I saw but it did not have good reviews.

Matt
 

august8pm

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Florida Keys
So far this is the largest that I can find that less that 48": Flight cage aviary for small birds . There was another that I saw but it did not have good reviews.

Matt
Thank you for your help! At first I thought it was 42" wide (which would be great), but that must be with the seed guards not shown – they say the cage width is 37". Still, that's the biggest one I've seen with narrow spacing that wasn't that double flight cage.

I really appreciate the assistance!
 
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