Feathered Family Inc.
Parrot Rescue and Adoption, Erie CO
Beautiful and playful the Indian Ringneck Parakeet (Psittacula k. manillensis) is a sight for sore eyes. Delicate looking little birds who come in an amazing array of colors. Although the normal coloration is green, even that has a flare with hints of blues and yellows. With striking red beaks and flashy long tails it isn't suprising that their popularity as a companion parrot is growing.
With a reputation of being aloof many people do not fully appreciate the qualities of these wonderful little birds. They are capable of speech, and some have been known to obtain excellent vocabularies. When properly raised and cared for the Indian Ringneck Parakeet can be very affectionate indeed, soliciting for scratches and enjoying being cuddled. It can be darling to watch a beautiful Ringneck asking for attention, and the soft clucking that goes with this behavior is soothing to the ears.
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Unfortunately, not all Indian Ringneck sounds are soothing. They do have a rather peircing contact call, but one becomes used to it with time. Ringnecks are very intelligent parrots, picking up tricks quickly and seeming to enjoy performing. When at play they can appear very regal and are always eyecatching. They are excellent climbers who seem to greatly enjoy having ropes and other items for play. Ringneck's talented beaks can untie knots quickly, and are very strong making many toys unsuitable for them. Another important consideration is caging, with their long tails Ringnecks require far more cage space than other birds of their size. Once set up properly and given the attention they require an Indian Ringneck makes a outstanding companion parrot. |
Ringnecks thrive on fruits and vegetables in their diets, and cannot live on a seed only diet. One must also take extra care to be sure that companion Ringnecks have well clipped wings, excellent fliers they can easily get into trouble with minor feather growth. Due to their tightly knit feathers they do not enjoy the same kind of petting as most other birds, instead preferring to be gently stroked in the direction of and on top of their feathers.
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Taking a Ringneck into your home can be a exciting and wonderful experience that will bring you many happy years. Ringnecks live aproxamatly fifteen to twenty years, and some have lived longer with excellent care. Breeding of Indian Ringnecks should not be undertaken lightly, as it can be dangerous for the male bird. Also, one should consider carefully before breeding as unfortunately there are many Indian and African Ringneck crosses, which dilutes the bloodline and in time could very well remove the possibility of attaining a pure Indian Ringneck.
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The males and females of the Ringneck species are easily sexed, unlilke many other parrots, by the black or pink band around the male's neck which appears as he nears sexual maturity. It is commonly believed that the Male IRN is a more gentle parrot, who is less inclined to "get into trouble". My personal experience is that our Male IRN is a bit more gentle than our Hen, but that could also be due to being raised completely by us instead of having been a second or third home bird. Taking in an IRN who is a many home bird can be a complicated proccess, with much work ahead of your. It is also an investment which pays back rather well, I think.