Care & Management of Indian Ringneck Parrot

Care & Management of Indian Ringneck Parrot

The Indian Ringneck parakeet – Latin name Psittacula krameria – is a moderately large bird. Slightly larger than a cockatiel, but lacking the characteristic crest, the ringneck parakeet is characterised by a sleek, aero-dynamic body measuring some 30cm or so in length. The common name comes from the coloured ring which extends around the neck of adult male birds. In females, and juveniles of both sexes, this may be more muted or absent entirely. Indian Parrot, also known as the “Ring-Necked Parakeet”, is a gregarious tropical Afro-Asian parakeet species that has an extremely large range. The Indian Parrot originates from southern India. Indian Parrots natively reside in Asia – mainly India and Pakistan. They are forest dwelling animals that will occasionally forage for food on the ground. The parrots are a broad order of more than 350 birds. Macaws, Amazons, lorikeets, lovebirds, cockatoos and many others are all considered parrots. Parrots are found in warm climates all over most of the world. As a popular pet species, escaped birds have colonized a number of cities around the world.

Whilst most wild ringnecks – including escapees – tend to be a rich forest green is colour, other colour forms are recognised. Possibly the two most popular colour morphs are the “lutino”, a stunning yellow bird, and a blue version. The care of all colour forms is identical.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

Just as the name suggests, the Indian Ringneck Parakeets are mostly found in the south of the Indian subcontinent, as well as Ceylon, Nepal, and Tibet. They are close relatives of the African Ringneck, who they’re often confused with. Interestingly, these parakeets spread to many parts of the world as a feral bird, where they’re a common but cherished sight. This occurrence established it as an abundant breed with a “least concern” conservation status.

Overall Description

Indian Ringnecks are large birds. As adults, they can reach an overall length of 16 inches (40 centimeters), which makes them larger than most parakeets. Males have a unique black collar around their neck, a trait that sets them apart from the females. With their large size and elegant, sleek body form, these pet birds earned the nickname of Noble Parakeet.

Speech and Sounds

These parakeets are amongst the best talking birds. Indian Ringneck Parakeets are quick learners and will memorize plenty of words and phrases. And of course, these chatty birds won’t hesitate to show off their impressive skills. This makes them endlessly fun and interesting companions, but fair warning: sometimes they might talk a bit too much. Asides from chatting, Ringnecks will often whistle and produce pitched tones. And in case they’re afraid, angry or disturbed, they might signal with a loud scream.

Colors

The Indian Ringneck Parakeets are almost entirely colored in a temperate shade of green that is unique to them. The males have a distinctive black collar that also covers the chin – like a little parrot beard. And combined with their prominent red beaks, we get a bird that is a perfect example of an exotic and vibrant appearance. In captivity, several different colors have been created. We can see blue, yellow-headed and grey-green Indian ringnecks, but their natural, green look remains the most popular.

Feathers in an elegant shade of green and their sleek black collars give these parakeets a sophisticated and noble look.

Care and Feeding

Like most other big birds, they will enjoy some basic foods that we eat, but it shouldn’t be their main diet. Cooked rice, corn, chicken or beans are a perfect treat for them. The basis of their diet, however, should consist of seeds, nuts, and fruits, most of which are covered by the commercial seed mixes. Offer regular supplements of fresh veggies and fruits, and take good care of their water source.

Every Indian Ringneck Parakeet loves bathing so make sure to take them along for a shower on occasion or provide them a birdbath of their own.

Health and Common Conditions

These large pet birds are stout, strong, and known to have good health. With enough care and attention, all the bigger issues should not be a problem. You need to make sure they have a lot of room. They are big, and with their long tails, they will need a spacious and roomy cage, as well as enough exercise outside of it. Poor hygiene, cramped conditions, and coldness are main threats to the health of an Indian Ringneck Parakeet.

Don’t neglect your companion’s need for exercise. With its large size, it will need to spend time outside the cage.

Personality & Behavior

Intelligent, willful and energetic – the perfect words to describe an Indian Ringneck Parakeet. Aside from being talkative, they are also stubborn and inquisitive. Sometimes a bit too much. If given permission, they will not hesitate to explore every nook and corner, especially if it’s forbidden- these are curious birds.

But it’s not all about mischief and playfulness with these smart birds. Your avian companion will also have a cuddly, affectionate side which they’ll show by nudging you for some head scratches and belly rubs.With their complex but lovable personalities, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never have a dull day with an Indian Ringneck Parakeet!

Ringneck Personalities

As anyone who has observed Indian Ringnecks in the wild will attest, these are highly sociable birds. Despite their propensity for company they can also be noisy and argumentative, constantly squabbling and squawking at one another. This same behaviour has the potential to make them challenging pets for those living in quiet residential areas.

Try watching ringnecks and you’ll also find that they rarely sit still for more than a few moments at a time; they’re always on the go, flying around, nibbling on twigs and searching for food. While this activity level can make them great birds to watch, as pets this means that you’re going to need a very large cage – if not an aviary. Aim to offer as much space as you possibly can if they are to remain happy in captivity.

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While Ringneck Parakeets can survive a cold British winter snuggled up with friends, particularly damp, cold or windy weather is best avoided. When deciding where to place your cage try placing it away from potential sources of drafts – such as external doors or windows. Also avoid the risk of overheating, by ensuring that direct sunlight in the summer months cannot cook your bird alive.

If you have the budget to house your parakeets in an aviary then all the better. The extra space and environmental enrichment that these surroundings offer are greatly appreciated. All the same, ensure that your parakeet has someone dry and secure to hide away from the worst of the weather. A weather-proofed roosting area tends to work well.

Feeding Guide

A variety of the following should be offered to your Indian ringneck parrot on a regular basis.

Seeds:Provide a high-quality bird seed mix; you can make your own with human-grade seeds (organic is best) and mix them up yourself.
Fruit:Options include (but aren’t limited to) apple (remove seeds), banana, kiwi fruit (I peel the skin off), mandarin (no seeds), passionfruit and blueberries.
Vegetables:Options include (but aren’t limited to) broccoli, carrot, zucchini, kale, spinach, green peas, sweet corn and capsicum.
Nuts:I usually offer them almonds as treats throughout the day.
Fresh Water:Preferably, offer filtered water instead of tap water.
Pellets:I provide TOPS Organic Parrot Pellets, which are now available for purchase within Australia.

Try to offer organic if you can. If this isn’t possible, I usually remove the skin. There are a number of foods that are toxic to birds; the main one is avocado, which can cause death. You must be careful and research the foods that are safe before adding them to your birds’ diet.Water should be changed regularly to ensure it is clean.

Housing Guide

Your Indian ringneck will need a cage or aviary that it can call its home. This will be its safe haven, so it is important. The cage should be as big as possible to allow your bird to move about freely without restriction. The bird should at least be able to spread its wings out without them touching the sides of the cage in all directions.

Stainless steel is the safest cage material, followed by powder-coated and then galvanised (after welding). Rust can be dangerous to birds if chewed, so try to ensure your cage is rust free.

How to Clean the Cage

The cage, perches and food bowls need to be cleaned regularly. Be careful with what you use for cleaning as cleaning sprays are generally toxic to your bird.I would suggest using warm water (no chemicals) and a cotton cloth (not microfibre, as tiny bits of the material may break off and possibly be ingested by your bird). Try not to leave any broken-off threads or material within your bird’s reach.

Toys and Entertainment

Toys are a very important part of your birds’ day-to-day life. In the wild, these birds would spend the majority of their day foraging for food and avoiding predators, which would keep them very busy.

When they are kept in captivity, neither of these things are necessary, which leaves the bird with a lot of spare time. If birds become bored, they can take on destructive behaviour such as feather-picking or screaming.

Toy Safety and Household Safety

Parrots need stimulation, and toys are a great way to provide it for them. However, toys need to be very carefully selected as they can pose a danger to your bird in the following ways:

Some toys can contain toxic materials (such as toxic paints or metals) if they aren’t created with your birds’ well-being in mind.
There are also rope toys that can cause your bird to become tangled or, if chewed and swallowed, cause your bird’s crop to become impacted.

It is very important that you research the safest toy materials for your bird before making a purchase. I buy my toys from Pandemonium Parrot Toys, and they are fantastic (made with safety in mind), as well as very reasonably priced. It’s a good idea to have a few toys that you can alternate regularly to keep them interested.

Indian Ringneck Food

Ringnecks will eat a surprisingly wide range of foods if offered. The best “base” to your pets diet is a good quality complete parakeet food. Typically comprised of suitably-sized seeds, combined with dried fruit pieces, these diets are cheap and easy to provide. Your bird should have access to food at all times, so providing a basic seed mix in a food bowl is a good way to achieve this.

Most owners opt to supplement this basic seed-based diet with a range of other foods for interest. Larger nuts – such as monkey nuts – can be offered. So too can a wide range of human-safe fruits and vegetables, from pieces of apple to slices of carrot. Avoid feeding onion, rhubarb or potatoes, all of which can be toxic to animals.

For added environmental enrichment consider “hiding” these treats around the cage or aviary, hanging them from the ceiling and so on. Your pet will then be encouraged to use their brain in order to decide how best to reach their tidbit.

Behavior and Personality

These friendly birds make excellent pets, provided they are handled frequently when young and then throughout their lives. They like being stroked in the direction of their feather growth, and they can learn to do tricks.

When taught carefully, ringnecks are able to learn to talk and their speaking ability can outrank that of the cockatiel or similar smaller birds. They begin talking at around one year of age and can sometimes learn up to 250 words, although their speech may not be as clear as the larger parrots. Most speaking success depends on the amount and quality of time spend with their owner.

Ringnecks are highly intelligent and able to observe and learn behavior very easily. Curiosity is always peaked when something new is introduced into the environment, and they love to explore. Ringnecks can become territorial in regards to their cages or other play areas. Their vocalization can be very grating if they are frightened, or something doesn’t seem right in their environment.Ringnecks live 15 to 30 years.

Housing

Because of their long tails, ringnecks need tall cages, and the cage should be as large as possible. A minimum size for a single pet would be 36 inches by 18 inches by 24 inches. Place their cage where they can enjoy an outside view or where they can watch television, especially when they are alone for long periods of time.

When housing 2 or more together for breeding or display it is strongly suggested that a minimum size would be 6 feet by 12 feet by 4 feet. The females can become very aggressive towards the males, especially out of the breeding season, the added space allows the male to escape if needed.

The ringneck is a very swift and strong flyer and allowing them to fly will keep them strong and healthy. If you have a small cage make sure you have a perch or other play area where the bird can come out to exercise and play daily. Perches of different diameters and shapes will keep their feet in good condition.

Ringnecks are very playful and need to have a variety of toys. Rotate them often to keep them from getting bored. They especially enjoy wood shapes, wood beads, strips of rawhide, cardboard tubes, plastic rings in bright colors, small balls with holes, any of the numerous hand held toys, pieces of wood with nuts, and pieces of rope tied in knots. They love to chew and should have a constant supply of wooden chew toys. A piece of 2 by 4 will allow them the enjoyment of chewing the soft wood thus keeping the beak in good condition as well.

READ MORE : HEALTH CARE & MANAGEMENT OF PET BIRDS

Ringnecks use their feet to manipulate foods and other items in the environment. They will sit and hold a toy and chew on it for long periods of time. They are very intelligent animals and need the stimulation of intricate things to take apart. Be very aware that the toys you buy are “bird safe” because the ringneck will attempt to take almost anything apart.

Grooming

Bathing keeps the feathers glossy and beautiful. Although ringnecks are not usually fond of water, you can spray your pet with warm water from a misting bottle. Ringnecks are capable of great speed, and it is wise to keep their wings clipped to prevent injury and escape and to assist in maintaining their tame nature.

Diet

In the wild, ringneck parakeets eat grain, fruit, berries, nectar, blossoms and some seed. Pet ringnecks enjoy a pelleted diet or standard cockatiel seed mixtures supplemented with pellets. You should also offer fresh fruit and vegetables, cooked beans and bits of table food. They especially like corn on the cob and occasional unsalted pistachios.Provide an adequate supply of fresh water daily.

Breeding

Breeding seasons vary, but usually starts from December to June. It’s best to isolate pairs as they can be aggressive before and during breeding. You should provide a nest box measuring 10 inches by 10 inches by 20 inches or more deep. In nature, they usually take over the empty nesting sites of other birds and chew the opening to enlarge it to their individual liking and, once inside, they chew or mulch the wood to make a soft lining for their nest cavity.

The clutch is normally 2 to 6 eggs. Incubation is 21 to 24 days, and both partners brood. Hatchlings typically fledge in 6 to 7 weeks.

Mutations

The potential for various color mutations is astounding. A new mutation is caused by a defective gene that changes the color and/or pattern of any bird. Establishing a mutation can take years.

One of the most popular in the ringneck is the lutino ringneck, a pure yellow with a red beak and pink eyes. Their feet and legs are flesh-colored and the characteristic neck ring is a rose. The blue ringneck is also becoming readily available; these offer soft muted shades of powdery blue with a soft grayish-white neck ring edged with black. The feet and legs are gray and the bill is red. Pairing the lutino with a blue results in a breath-taking albino. These birds have no neck collar and male and female are identical.

Other notable mutations include the cinnamon, a lime yellow with cinnamon flight and tail feathers; the gray with plumage consisting of shades of black, silver and gray; a cream albino with red eyes and white coloring; and the white-headed blue.

Common Diseases and Disorders

Ringneck parakeets are relatively healthy birds. The following diseases have been reported in this species:

Aspergillosis (fungal disease)
Bacterial infections (pneumonia)
Hypovitaminosis A
Psittacosis

The Indian Ringneck parrot is a popular, medium-sized pet bird species. Indian ringnecks come in a variety of attractive colors, and grow to 16 inches long including their tail. They are extremely intelligent and sociable, and among the parrot species most likely to imitate human speech.

What is an Indian ringneck parrot?

Indian ringneck parrot is the better known name for the rose-ringed parakeet, or Psittacula krameri. They have been kept as pets since ancient Greek and Roman times, and they are still popular pet birds today. They are named for a collar of gray and pink plumage around the necks on male birds with wild-type plumage. But centuries of breeding in captivity has produced an array of other colors too. Amongst all the pet parrot species, ringnecks stand out for their superior speaking ability!

Where does the Indian ringneck parrot come from

Wild Indian ringnecks are native to the south Sahara in Africa, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Since they were first captured and kept in captivity they have been exported all over the world and now they are among the most widespread non-native bird species in Europe and America.

Indian ringneck parrot appearance

Indian ringnecks measure 16 inches from beak to tail-tip, and have a wingspan of 6 to 7 inches. They have short curved beaks, which are ideal for breaking up fruits and the tough outer shell on many seeds. Like all parrots, they also have two forwards-facing and two backwards-facing toes on each foot, which helps them grip onto perches and climb.

Indian ringneck colors

Wild type coloring in sexually dimorphic. Males are green with a red beak and two rings of color around their neck: one black and one red. Females are green with a red beak, but no (or only very faint gray) rings around their neck. In captivity, a kaleidoscope of color mutations have arisen and been perpetuated by excited breeders, including

cobalt blue
violet blue
turquoise
cinnamon
yellow
and gray.

Indian ringneck parrot temperament

Like all parrot species, Indian ringnecks are extremely intelligent. They are often compared to a two year old child in terms of traits like playfulness, curiosity and problem solving ability. Since they are so clever, they benefit from plenty of toys and mental stimulation. If their environment isn’t sufficiently engaging or enriching, they are more likely to display abnormal and unpleasant behaviors. These include screaming, aggression, over grooming and self mutilation.

In a suitable environment they are notable for being exceptionally friendly with their human companions. Birds which are raised and carefully handled from chicks form close emotional bonds with ‘their’ people. This can be extremely rewarding, but also present problems if you need to leave them with someone else for any reason. These parrots are known to pine badly when separated from their favorite people.

Do Indian ringneck parrots bite?

All parrots are capable of delivering a painful bite if they feel threatened. In the wild they are prey species of larger animals, So their instinct is to bite to protect themselves if they are backed into a corner by someone they don’t know. Ringnecks raised around people and gently handled from birth are less likely to bite than ringnecks rescued from the wild, or kept in large aviaries and not handled.

Can Indian ringneck parrots talk?

Yes! Indian ringneck parrots are among the parrot species most capable of mimicking human speech. They’re more likely to be successful at it if they are raised around people and the sound of speech from a chick. Some individuals particularly enjoy learning new vocabulary, in exchange for tasty snacks! They might also learn to mimic other household sounds. Such as doorbells, ringtones, sirens, and radio or television noise.

Indian ringneck parrot health

Rose-ringed parakeets bred in captivity by responsible breeders are usually hardy and healthy pets. Some common acquired ailments of pet birds are:

Respiratory infections.Such as aspergillosis, a fungal infection often picked up from low quality foods.
Gastrointestinal diseases.
Reproductive problems.Including egg binding (eggs getting stuck inside the body) due to insufficient vitamin D, vitamin E or selenium in their diet.
Swelling and damage to the feet caused by standing or climbing in inappropriate surfaces, such as chicken wire.

Since ringneck are a prey species in the wild, they instinctively conceal when they are in pain for as long as possible, since it identifies them as an easy target for predators. Owners need to familiarize themselves with the signs to look for, so they can seek veterinary attention before it is too late. Indications a bird is in pain include:

A hunched, head-down posture.
Fluffed up feathers.
Dull, half-closed eyes.
Decreased mobility, or holding themselves in an abnormal position.
Changes in activity or reaction to you.
Loss of appetite.

Indian ringneck parrot lifespan

Indian Ringneck parrots typically live for 25 to 30 years in captivity. Pet birds are unlike many other domesticated species in that their lifespan in captivity is often shorter than it would normally be in the wild. This is thought to be due to widespread lack of understanding about an appropriate healthy diet for parrots and parakeets. Indian ringneck feeds sold in pet stores often contain a high proportion of small nuts and seeds. This makes their diet unbalanced – Indian ringneck birds should eat mostly vegetation and fresh fruits or vegetables. Furthermore, small seeds are so easy to consume that they can end up overeating.

So, one of the most effective ways to ensure your ringneck has the longest life possible is to feed an appropriate diet. This means including the right ratio of plants and seeds, and serving some of it as whole food or hidden food. This encourages birds to work for their meals or forage for them like they would in the wild. Which is great for their mental wellbeing too!

Indian ringneck parrot care

Caring for parrots of all types is a long term and specialist undertaking. If you’re new to owning birds, find a breeder who can mentor you in getting started. Ringnecks kept in unsuitable conditions are more likely to perform unwanted behaviors, so that you both end up miserable. The basic needs of pet parrots are:

A cage placed at eye height in a corner.This helps them feel secure in their surroundings, because they would be able to spot predators approaching.
12 hours of daylight, and 12 hours of dark in every 24 hour period. If this doesn’t reflect the normal daylight period where you live, you can cover their cage with a blanket in the evening.
A location where they get lots of human company, but not the kitchen.Fumes from Teflon pans, self cleaning ovens, baking bags and frying oils can all be fatal to birds.
Newspaper on the floor of their cage.Not loose materials they can accidently swallow (or throw about!)
A variety of smooth perches to use.Positioned so your bird doesn’t end up soiling their food or water bowl!
Safe toys and environmental enrichments.Such as whole fruit and vegetables, wood with bark on it, pine cones, and hidden foods. No chains or plastic toys which are easily broken, etc.
Opportunities to exercise and explore outside their cage every day.

Keeping Indian ringneck parrots together

As a rule, experienced ringneck owners don’t recommend novice owners getting more than one bird at a time. Female-female and male-female pairings are almost certain to fight – often with fatal consequences for the loser. Male-male pairings sometimes get along, if their enclosure is sufficiently large, and their temperaments lend them to it.

When two birds get along, this can be a great way of meeting their need for social interaction, and take the pressure off you. But, bear in mind they’re very likely to end up more bonded to each other than you. This means they may resist handling, even if one of them enjoyed it when they were a solo bird before. Finally, even for ringnecks who seem to get on, feelings can and do change. So only go down this route if you have space to move one into a separate cage if necessary.

Where to buy Indian ringneck parrot chicks and birds

It’s easy to find an Indian ringneck for sale by searching online. However, it’s worth taking your time to find an experienced bird owner and breeder. This means one who will take the time to help you get set up, and answer all your questions about getting started. This kind of investment in the future of their chicks indicates that they take the welfare of their birds very seriously.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of breeders who raise chicks poorly and sell them quickly to the first interested person. These birds are more likely to be unhealthy, and have behavioral problems. A lot of older birds are also offered for sale by people who underestimated the commitment they made when they bought them. These sellers might overstate how hand tame their bird is, to encourage you to take it away. So, take your time finding someone trustworthy.

Is a Indian ringneck parrot right for me?

For experienced bird lovers, Indian ringnecks are one of the most intelligent, engaging, and beautiful species to keep. But, they are a significant undertaking. Unprepared first time owners are at risk of discovering that they’ve taken on more than they wanted, or that they can provide. Before committing to this avian friend, chat to several breeders about what to expect, and bear in mind the result of your decision could last for three decades!

Physical Features of Parrot
Characteristic features of parrots include a strong, curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs and clawed zygodactyl feet. The Indian Parrot is sexually dimorphic. The adult male sports a red or black neck ring and the hen and immature birds of both sexes either show no neck rings, or display shadow-like pale to dark grey neck rings. Both sexes have a distinctive green colour. Indian Parrots measure on average 40 cm in length, including the tail feathers, a large portion of their total length. It is herbivorous and not migratory.

Habitat of Parrot
They originally lived in semi-desert, wooded or forested areas; but have also adapted well to human-modified habitats, such as farmlands, cultivated agricultural areas and parks and gardens in villages and towns. The social Indian Parrots often congregate in large, noisy flocks at favorite roosting sites. Like all parrots, they are noisiest in the mornings and evenings.

Diet of Parrot
The most important components of most parrots’ diets are seeds, nuts, fruit, buds and other plant material. A few species sometimes eat animals and some small creatures such as insects, while the lories and lorikeets are specialized for feeding on floral nectar and soft fruits.

Breeding of Parrot
Within their natural range, Indian Parrots mostly breed between February and March, although some breeding activities have been observed in April. Indian Parrots reach reproductive maturity when they are about 1 to 1 and 1/2 years old. However, they may not breed until they are 2 to 4 years old. Females may successfully start breeding as early as 1 year and males at 2 years. The pair bonds of the parrots and cockatoos are strong and a pair remains close even during the non-breeding season, even if they join larger flocks. Almost all parrots nest in tree hollows and lay white eggs.

Characteristic Features of Parrot
Many parrots are kept as pets, especially Macaws, Amazon Parrots, Cockatiels, Parakeets and Cockatoos. These birds have been popular companions throughout history because they are intelligent, charismatic, colorful, and musical. Some birds can imitate many non-avian sounds, including human speech.

Conservation of Parrot
Some parrot species are highly endangered. Of the 350 or so living species, 130 are listed as near threatened and 16 are currently considered critically endangered. There are several reasons for the decline of so many species. Parrots are persecuted because, in some areas, they are hunted for food and feathers, and as agricultural pests. Trapping wild parrots for the pet trade, as well as hunting has diminished wild populations, with parrots being subjected to more exploitation than any other group of birds. There are many active conservation groups whose goal is the conservation of wild parrot populations. One of the largest is the World Parrot Trust, an international organization. Zoo and wildlife centers usually provide public education, to change habits that cause damage to wild populations.

NB-Parrots aren’t legal in India unless they’re an exotic or foreign parrot from another country. Any parrot that’s actually from the country is illegal for someone to cage and keep as a pet. This has been the case since 2003, after India enacted the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 as a way to stop the exploitation of animals in the country. However, this doesn’t stop people from being parrot owners. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, it is illegal to cage any Indian bird as they are categorised under wild animals and are thus protected by the law.

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