| Ringnecks are Asiatic
parrots, or more appropriately, parakeets. They are
found in India, Indochina, Malaya, Sumatra, Borneo, Sri
Lanka, and even Africa. The ringneck parakeets or
Psittacula, include the Indian ringneck, echo parakeet,
moustached parakeet, Derbyan, African ringnecked,
Alexandrine ringnecked, and plum-headed parakeet. While
most of the ringnecks come from warmer climates, the
Derbyans and slaty-headed parakeets inhabit colder
areas. They love chewing so make sure you give them
plenty of toys to destroy. They could also be loud at
times. They are also sexually dimorphic.
 |
Ringnecks or Rose-ringed parakeets
are very beautiful with striking colors and long
tails. The Indian ringneck has many color
mutations. Sexually dimorphic, this dimorphism
may show up as a darker ring around a male's
neck, or in the different coloring of the beak,
or wing bars in the males. Ringneck parakeets
come into their adult plumage at around two
years of age. Excellent fliers, it is very
important that their wings are clipped
regularly. Extremely intelligent, they learn
quickly. Many do so eagerly to please their
owners. They love food, any food and they may
seem to possess a "hollow leg".
They have a reputation as being not as cuddly
or affectionate as other parrots, though I have
found with my ringneck that this is not the
case. Personalities vary from species to species
are well as from bird to bird. Some don't like
to be handled while others want to be very close
to their owners. I know some who ride around on
their owner's shoulders, cuddling as close as
they can get. One even liked to cuddle under its
owner's shirt.
They can be territorial, but not excessively
aggressive. Females tend to be more aggressive
than the males. I know some females that would
even go after a large macaw! Males will mature
at around 2-3 years, females at around 2 years.
They have the reputation of being loud, but
if given enough attention and toys to occupy
them, they may not be noisy. They can be
excellent talkers as well.
More people should consider them as pets,
especially if they want a bird that can be a
little more independent and yet be affectionate.
They are active and interesting to watch in
play. My ringneck loves to surf the drapes,
slide down the cord, and swing. He loves his
birdie bungee cord and spends hours in play.
They are around 14-16 inches in length and
weigh around 110-120 grams.
There are over 100 different color mutations.
The African Rose-ringed is smaller than the
Asian species. They are around 14 inches in
length and weigh around 100-115 grams. They are
hard to find and are not readily available.
Behavior is similar to the Indian ringneck.
|
| Alexandrines love to explore and are
very curious. They are extremely intelligent and
are excellent talkers. Unlike other birds,
Alexandrines do not have the reputation of
forming a bond with one person, rather they
enjoy the entire family. They are the largest of
the ringnecks and can be very destructive. They
love to chew and should be provided with lots of
wood in different hardnesses. They make
excellent pets, particularly if acquired as
handfed babies who were properly socialized.
They were named after Alexander the Great. In
ancient Roman times they were considered to be a
status symbol. They are the largest of the
ringnecks being around 20-23 inches in length
and weigh around 250-360 grams. Males develop
their full adult coloration at around 18 months. |
 |
 |
Derbyans are cold weather birds who
do not like the heat very much. They also enjoy
bathing often. Not happy unless they are chewing
they need to be supplied with lots to chew on.
Excellent talkers, they have been compared to
the African greys for clarity and vocabulary.
They are sometimes called Lord Derby's Parakeet
or Derby's Parakeet. They are around 20 inches
in length and weigh around 240 -320 grams. |
 |
Moustaches are sweet, gentle and
loving. They tend to be loud, especially when
they want attention. They are excellent talkers
and very intelligent. They could also be
stubborn and opinionated and when they see
something they want they will make it their
mission to get it. They are around 13 inches in
length and weigh around 110-150 grams. |
 |
Plum-heads and Slaty-heads are hard
to find. Most of the owners I have talked to
keep them as aviary birds and not as pets. They
are very beautiful, with quiet voices and are
similar to other birds in this genus. Though the
plum-heads resemble the slaty-heads, they are
smaller. Plum-heads are around 13-15 inches in
length and weigh around 90-120 grams.
Slaty-heads are around 15-16 inches in length
and weigh around 100-150 grams. |
Interesting facts:1) When
ringnecks go through a molt they tend to look rather
scruffy. You will also notice a drop in weight during
this time. 2) Ringnecks have been kept as pets for
thousands of years. The ancient Greeks kept them as pets
as long ago as 350 B.C. 3) Ringnecks have the largest
geographical range of all parrots. 4) Ringnecks have a
matriarchal society, where the female rules the roost!
|
