How to Keep Ringneck Parakeets?

How to keep ringneck parakeets? Ringneck Parakeets are also known and referred to as Rose-ringed parakeets. These birds are native to Asia and Africa and can live up to 30 years! They are highly intelligent, energetic and fun creatures which makes them a great choice as pets. How to keep ringneck parakeets? These parrots had been around since 200 B.C., and because of their mimicking ability they were highly regarded by wealthy Indian royals as sacred beings!

Ringneck Parakeet Pets

These birds love to fly and mimic human speech, although mimicking is not their strongest asset, they can quickly learn to speak, whistle and imitate other sounds. Aside from flying, they are also fond of chewing and can be taught to perform tricks! Now that’s entertaining! How to keep ringneck parakeets? Ring-necks are sexually dimorphic; males can be identified by the three bands of color or rings around their necks, while females may be seen with a very pale ring, however, they usually do not have a colored band like males. Ring-necks generally have a slender body with smooth feathers and a shiny beak.

How to keep ringneck parakeets? These parrots are not picky eaters but they are strictly herbivorous and usually feed on vegetables, seeds, flowers and fruits. In terms of reproduction, Ringnecks only brood once a year; females’ clutch size ranges from 2-6 but on average they lay 3-4 eggs and incubation lasts for about 22 – 24 days.

Basic Bird Essentials

It is ideal that you have different sizes of perches otherwise your bird’s feet will not be properly exercised. This could also prevent sores and foot related health issues. You’ll also need at least 3 different types of perches such as wood dowel, natural branch type, a therapeutic perch or a cement perch as well as Eucalyptus branches, just make sure that it is not poisonous. These perches could be used as ropes and swings for your pet. Keep in mind that anything you put inside the cage will be chewed. Do not also put the perch above the bird’s bowl or dishes otherwise the food and water will be contaminated.

Feeding Ringnecks

How to keep ringneck parakeets? Some Ringneck owners feed their birds only with seeds, while some only provides a pellet diet; this however could limit the nutrients your pet is receiving. Experts suggest that parrots should be given a variety of food for a balanced nutrition. These kind of parrots tend to have a good appetite, most Ringnecks will devour fruits and vegetables as well as seeds, they can easily be converted to a healthy diet if you provide them with all this nutrition.

You will need a good supply of packaged pellet diet, to be mixed with seed. Then you can slowly add fresh foods and other vitamins needed. Conversion takes about a week or so depending on your bird and how well you feed them.

Ringneck Parakeet Tricks and Treats

Ringnecks love to do tricks once you trained them, and it always comes with a price! You can give your pet different types of treats such as fruits, seed and spray as well as Do-It-Yourself (DIY) treats like pretzels, popcorn or something healthy that your bird can munch on. Later in this book, you will be provided with a list of recommended treats as well as treats you should avoid.

Bird Toys

Ringnecks are playful creatures, and like humans they need to have fun once in a while to prevent boredom and keep them happy. You should purchase at least 3 different toys because this will allow you to interchange them. Do not put all of the toys inside your bird’s cage. Otherwise it will become dirty and overcrowded. Rotate the toys at least once a week.

Housing Parakeets

How to keep ringneck parakeets? A relatively tall iron cage, suited for their long tails is the best home for a Rose-ringed parakeet. The ideal size of a cage for a Rose-ringed parakeet is 24 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 36 inches high (60 x 45 x 90 cm). It is ideal that the cage material uses nontoxic paint or else it can cause your pet to be poisoned by metal. It shouldn’t also be made out of brass because it contains zinc which could kill your parrot as well. Ideally the cage should also have at least three doors. One as the main entrance and the other two should be used for food and water.

Your bird will be spending most of their lives inside the cage that’s why it needs to be large so that it can also accommodate lots of toys and perches. The basic rule of thumb is – the bigger the better! The spacing between the bars of the cage should be between 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) and 1.875 cm (3/4 inch).  If the bars are too far apart, your parakeet might try to squeeze through them and sneak out because they just love to fly and be free! You don’t want to lose them right?

Habitat Needs

Your parrot’s cage could affect the health of your pet so it’s very important that you check it daily for any dirt, like the feces and spoiling food left in perches and cups to prevent health problems. Try also change the cage paper every other day as well as check the metal parts & bars of your bird’s cage periodically for chipped paint and rust, because your bird will most likely chew or swallow the flaked pieces.

You should be able to clean the cage thoroughly at least once every month. Make sure to use a mild dishwashing liquid or bleach with warm water for about 1 minute. Then rinse all soap and bleach thoroughly with water before letting your bird inside the cage.

Parakeet Stunts

How to keep ringneck parakeets? A great factor to determine the perfect cage for your parrot, is that it should be big enough to do all of their “bird stunts” such as flapping its wings, going from one perch to another, and being able to relax comfortably without touching the bars of the cage. Ringnecks loves cages with lots of space and will make use of any excess room they have for sure. Most Ringneck parakeets are generally easy to train and have charming personalities as long as you provide them with adequate attention, interaction, and love. They can easily become part of the family and a loving companion if you are willing to put in the time and effort to take care of them.