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Our website is dedicated to Indian Ringneck Parrots and we are your number one resource for everything Indian Ringneck!
What is a Chatterbox Parrot?
We coined the term "Chatterbox Parrots" due to the chatty nature of the species.
They are known by their real names, Indian Ringneck Parrots, or Indian Ringneck Parakeets.
Indian Ringneck Parakeet (Rose-Ringed Parakeet)
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Bird Species Profile, Temperament, Diet, and Care Tips
A beautiful bird, the Indian Ringneck Parakeet is a very popular pet. It may not be right for everyone because it requires a lot of attention and care, but it is a very social bird and can become an excellent companion for the entire family. These birds love to talk and enjoy a good challenge, which makes training a ton of fun.
Species Overview
COMMON NAMES: Indian Ringneck Parakeet, Indian Ringneck Parrot, Rose-Ringed Parakeet
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Psittacula Krameri Manillensis
ADULT SIZE: 16 inches in length including tail feathers and 4 ounces in weight for a medium-sized parrot
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 25 to 30 years; some instances up to 50 years
Origin and History
The Indian Ringneck Parakeet is an Asiatic subspecies of the rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula Krameri). It is an Asiatic parrot originally from Ceylon. Now, you can find it in many parts of Asia, notably India and Pakistan. It also lives in the Western and Southern areas of Sudan and the Middle East.
In the wild, they live in lightly timbered areas, as well as farmed areas of the countryside. They travel in flocks of 100 or more birds, so they are used to having company.
Indian Ringneck Parakeets have been kept in captivity from as early as 200 BC. In India, they were regarded as sacred beings after religious leaders began to recognize their ability to mimic human language clearly. Highly regarded by wealthy Indian Royals, Ringneck Parrots were kept in decorative cages and admired for their colors and charming dispositions.
During the 1920s, Aviculturists began breeding captive Ringnecks, and, with the advent of different color mutations, the popularity of the bird started to explode. Now widely available in the pet trade, Indian Ringneck Parakeets continue to gain increasing popularity as pets. Their relatively small size and beautiful markings help to make the Ringneck the right choice for many bird owners
Temperament
Although the Indian Ringneck has something of a reputation for being nippy and hard to train, it is mostly undeserved. Since they are so smart, Ringnecks get bored very quickly, and will often resort to chewing and other destructive behavior if they feel neglected. They also go through a bluffing stage during adolescence that is difficult for some owners to manage. This stage comes with slight aggression, but the phase lasts only a few weeks or months.
Generally, Ringnecks handled often and adequately cared for have sweet, charming personalities. Their voice is almost comical, as it is very high-pitched yet soft. You will also notice that they're great at alerting you to danger, a wild instinct that is accompanied by loud calls. They do not have a reputation for being very affectionate, though females tend to form a stronger bond with owners while males are more easy-going. They are generally a low-maintenance bird—if there is really such a thing. Despite their aloof personalities, they do require a lot of time and attention.
Speech and Vocalizations
The Indian Ringneck Parrot is one of the best talking birds among the domestic species. They can typically start speaking between 8 months and 1 year old, and they can learn over 200 words. The bird can range from an average speaking level to yelling or screeching, but they are more generally known for their intelligence and quick learning when it comes to speech.
Ringneck Parakeet Colors and Markings
Ringnecks are available in shades ranging from bright yellows, greens, and blues, to albinos, cinnamons, and lutinos. Though the color mutations are common, the typical coloring of this species is bright lime green with blue tail feathers and yellow under the wings.
They are known as a dimorphic species, meaning that its colors and markings can determine a bird's sex. Males sport deep red beaks, black facial markings, and three bands of color around their necks. The black ring develops at about 18 months, and blue and pink rings appear by the time they reach 3 years old. Females, while still beautiful, lack the facial and collar bands, although some do display a slight darkening of color around their necks.
Caring for the Indian Ringneck Parakeet
With adequate attention, handling, and love, an Indian Ringneck Parakeet can quickly become a beloved companion and family member. They enjoy learning new things and are exceptionally proficient with owners who want to challenge their intelligence. That's one reason they develop such large vocabularies and are great at bird tricks.
If you notice any aggressive behavior, it's best to avoid scolding as the bird can develop a lifetime fear of people. The best way to handle this bird is to ignore bad behavior and use positive reinforcement for good behavior.
The cage for this bird needs to be larger than you might expect. It should accommodate its long tail and let the bird hop around and play when you're not around. Make sure the bar spacing isn't large enough for them to get stuck in or escape through; the ideal size is 1/2-inch to 5/8-inch spacing.
Common Health Problems
While the Indian Ringneck Parakeet is generally known to be a healthy pet bird, they are prone to common diseases like Psittacosis, Polyomavirus, Aspergillosis, and a number of bacterial infections. If bored, left alone for too long, or depressed, this bird may turn to self-destructive behaviors such as feather plucking.
Nutrition & Diet
Wild Indian ringnecks usually feast on a diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, and seeds. They also enjoy the nectar from flowers and the flowers themselves.
While most vets agree that it is best for captive birds to eat a nutritionally balanced pelleted diet, a ringneck will appreciate a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet. Leafy greens and vegetables are crucial for any companion parrot to maintain a nutritionally sound diet, and the Indian Ringneck Parakeet is no exception. They can also eat healthy cooked food you would eat and are particularly fond of chicken, though beans, grains, and rice are also acceptable. Avocados, rhubarb, and chocolate are toxic to birds.
See our Nutrition Section in the menu above for a more detailed and in depth guide to dietary and nutrition for Indian Ringneck Parrots.
