Continued from page 1Diet: A good well-balanced diet is readily accepted by the Indian Ringneck. Lots of fresh vegetables and fruits are enjoyed daily. Dandelion greens, spinach, chard, romaine lettuce and broccoli are all good sources of vitamins and minerals. Apples, oranges, grapes, peaches, pears, pomegranates, are just a few of the many fruits the ringneck will enjoy. Zucchini, peas, green beans, yam, carrot and corn on the cob are just a few of the many nutritious vegetables that should be fed. Pasta, rice and bean mixes add good protein and carbohydrate sources. The use of one or more pelleted diet will help assure the intake of needed vitamins and minerals. Many of the commercial parrot and cockatiel mixes contain a nice mixture of seeds that the birds will relish. Peanuts and almonds are known to be favorite treats. They like diversity in what they eat. Change their choices daily for variety.
Mutations: There are over 80 documented mutations currently known, and many more are sure to come. The stunning lutino and blue mutations have been around for quite awhile so they are well-established in aviculture. Other mutations include, but are not limited to, the turquoise, albino, grey-green, cinnamon, grey, yellowheaded, lacewing, fallow, dark green, and last, but not least, the cobalt. When purchasing a mutation it is best to know what you are buying. Many of the current variations are so new that some of the rarer ones are poorly understood. With the prices ranging from $100.00 to $25,000.00, there can be a lot at stake monetarily. The phrase "buyer beware" should be heeded.
Behavior: The Indian Ringneck has taken a bad rap in the behavior department for a long time. Originally thought of only as an aviary bird because of their independent nature, many people now are finding that they can and do make wonderful companions. Even in the wild, the ringneck is a more solitary animal. They do travel in flocks, although their pair-bonding is not as strong as in many other species. Mutual preening and sitting side by side is not generally seen. However, there is always some type of interaction. Ringnecks are highly intelligent, able to observe and learn behavior very easily. Curiosity is always peaked when something new is introduced into the environment. Their need to explore and discover is very strong. When setting limits and boundaries, the care-giver must be ever vigilant because the ringnecks will always see just how much they can get away with. Ringnecks can become territorial in regards to their cages or other play areas. Their vocalization can be very grating if they are frightened, or something doesn't seem right in their environment. With proper guidance, they can learn to have a quieter noise lever (well sometimes, they are birds , after all) and even mimic the human voice very well.
The Indian Ringneck is not a bird for everybody. If the desire is to have a bird that cuddles in your lap and is totally dependent on you, you should look elsewhere. If you want a bird that is independent with an incredible sense of dignity and beauty, then maybe you should look a little closer at this gem. They can and do make wonderful companions when properly socialized.
| David McKain |
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