Ringneck Parrots are highly intelligent and, for the right owners, can make excellent pets. They must be handled consistently in order to remain tame. If not sufficient interaction is provided, they will quickly revert to their wild behavior. However, well socialized Indian Ringnecks generally have pleasant personalities.
They learn concepts quickly and like to perform tricks, such as untying knots, ringing a bell, picking up objects and even stringing beads,
The Indian ring-necked parakeet, also called the rose-winged parakeet, has been kept as a pet for centuries and remains a favorite companion bird today. A devoted owner will do best with this temperamental bird that requires a great deal of attention to remain tame. However, the Indian ring-necked will charm and delight the person who takes the time to appreciate its other qualities — a playful exuberance and a remarkable talking ability.
These energetic parakeets love to fly and explore; and are very playful. They need lots of toys to keep them entertain. They particularly like chew toys. The toys that should be provided to them are wood chews, perches, swings and assorted bird-safe toys that you can get hold of that is appropriate for their size. Small toys that they can easily hold in their claws are good choices.
Besides flying, which is important for all parakeets, these birds love to chew! Be sure you provide them with lots of assorted toys and wood chews, perches and swings.
Although mimicking speech is not their strongest point, they can be taught to speak, whistle and mimic other sounds. They can be very vocal and noisy — rivaling their noisy larger cousins. They can also develop screaming habits, if teased. Their piercing, high-pitched calls can annoy intolerant family members or even close neighbors.
There is a general misconception that males are friendlier than females, but there is no real basis for this. However, we have noticed in the past that some – more than other parrot species – tend to pick their favorites amongst genders. Some bond more easily with males and others with females – and often it appears that they are showing a preference for the opposite sex (male ringnecks favoring female caretakers, and vice versa).
In summary, Indian Ringnecks are enjoyed for their amazing beauty and fun personalities; but they are not the easiest parrots to keep. We only recommend them to people who have had experience with larger parrots and are willing to put in the time and effort to keep them well socialized and entertained.
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.