The Indian Ringneck Parrot
The Indian Ringneck parrot is not a shy bird, and does best with an owner who appreciates an outgoing companion that is not afraid to demand what it wants! Indian ring-necks can also be quite talkative.
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – White
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – Indigo Blue
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – Lavender
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – Harlequin Pied Yellow
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – Harlequin Pied Grey
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – Grey
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – Yellow Oliver
Indian Ringneck Parrot – White/Yellow Cremino
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – Harlequin Pied Blue
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – Blue/White Lacewing
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – Yellow
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – Violet
Indian Ring Neck Parrot – Blue/Cobalt
Native Region / Natural Habitat
As its name suggests, the Indian ring-necked parakeet originates from India, where it is still found wild in great quantities, even in urban areas.
Care & Feeding
Indian ring-necked parakeets are sensitive birds that need lots of play time and time out of the cage to remain happy; if not, expect your bird to develop neurotic disorders that many be very difficult to reverse.
Because of the long tail, Indian ring necks need a larger cage than another bird of the same relative size. Ring necks love their toys, and will hang on them and toss them around the cage, so be sure to have lots of toys on hand to replace the ones your bird destroys — this type of destruction is a normal, healthy part of being a companion bird. If you can handle a good deal of chattering, some of it ear-piercing, and you have the time and energy to spend with this beautiful bird, consider welcoming an Indian ring-necked parakeet into your family.
Indian ring necks tend to have good appetites. As with any bird, make sure to feed a balanced, nutritious diet that includes pellets, fruit, veggies, and healthy table foods. This way you can be sure that your bird is nourished and will not become bored with his diet. Nutri-Berries, Avi-Cakes, and Premium Daily Diet are some of the Lafeber foods that offer optimum nutrition that encourages interaction.
These birds are reported to live for more than 30 years.
Personality & Behavior
Indian ring-necked parakeets can make sweet, tame pets but will not remain so if neglected. If played with every single day, these birds can be loving, loyal companions. If neglected, you can have a biter on your hands. These might not be the best birds for children, as ring necks tend to be sensitive to commotion, including night frights (thrashing around the cage during the night as if startled). Ring-necked parakeets are not shy birds, and will do best with an owner who appreciates an outgoing companion that is not afraid to demand what it wants!
Speech & Sound
These are chatty birds, especially when they learn to talk. You may delight in hearing your Indian ring-necked says its first few words, and then shortly realize that he won’t shut up! Be careful what you teach him, because you will be hearing it loudly and often for many, many years. They are great whistlers too, but try to teach words and phrases before whistling, or your bird may fancy whistling over talking and never learn many words.
Health & Common Conditions
Indian ring-necked parakeets are relatively healthy birds; however they are susceptible to Polyomavirus, pssitacosis, apergillosis and bacterial infections. Indian ring-necked parakeets are excellent fliers and are capable of flying even after a recent wing-feather trim, so time outdoors should be in a harness or in a travel carrier to prevent them from flying away.
Indian Ring-Necked Parakeet Populations In The Wild
Indian ring-necked parakeets can be found in pet stores, avian-specialty stores and from bird breeders. They are also sometimes available for adoption from avian-rescue organizations.
The Indian ring-necked parakeet is 16 inches long and is available in a variety of mutations stemming from the nominate green bird, including blue, yellow, pied, albino and others. This bird is dimorphic, meaning that there are visible differences between the sexes. The males of this species have a distinct ring around the neck at maturity, making them easily discernible from females. Dimorphism is great for breeders, as no mistake can be made as to who’s who in the couple-this makes for easy pairing. The color of these birds is the most striking-it seems almost airbrushed on, so that you can hardly distinguish individual feathers.