Mary Allen
Have you ever been to Dusseldorf or Cologne and have been amazed at howling little flocks of birds in the sky? Or looked in vain for the originators of the loud twittering in the park in summer? Well camouflaged, they sit in the treetops and are almost invisible between green leaves: the ring-necked parakeets. As a neozoon, i.e. as an introduced animal species, the remarkable parakeets were able to successfully settle in areas with a milder climate such as the Rhine plain. The ring-necked parakeet also feels at home as a sheltered but demanding pet.
Ring-necked Parakeets in Nature and as an “Import” Pet
The natural range of the ring-necked parakeet, also known as the “Little Alexander Parakeet”, is in Africa and parts of India. There the sociable birds roam around in large flocks and spend the night together in trees. Preferred places to stay are forests, mangroves, and plantations. From a zoological point of view, four subspecies are distinguished.
The first breeding pair to be seen free living in Germany in the 1960s probably escaped from a zoo; more escaped domestic animals are likely to have joined the population over the years and contributed to its further spread. Something similar has happened in Europe, especially in the Mediterranean region, North America and Japan: there, too, lost domestic and zoo animals have successfully established themselves locally. The animals feel particularly at home in parks and cemeteries. The loose trees come very close to the natural habitats.
Of Course in Green – the Rose-ringed Parakeet’s Colors
Ring-necked parakeets living in the wild have green plumage, with the underside of the body tinged with yellow and the upper side with a blue tinge. The tail feathers are also bluish. Adult male birds can be recognized by the distinctive “collar” that begins black on the throat and turns orange-red in the neck. Females are more subtle in color and do not have a collar. Bred in captivity, other color mutations such as white, blue, and yellow have emerged.
Lots of Space and Variety: the Ringed Parakeet Keeping
Just because of their size, it is clear that ring-necked parakeets are not suitable as cage birds. Only bird rooms and free aviaries come into consideration as a dwelling, alternatively, a large room aviary, which should only serve the animal for accommodation during the night or for the temporary absence of the owner. The minimum dimensions for a couple are 4 x 2 x 2 meters plus a protective space in the case of free vaults. The gregarious flocking birds must not be kept as solitary animals; It has to be at least one couple. Socialization with other parakeet species is not recommended. As a tenant, you should clarify with the neighbors whether they would be bothered by the ringed parakeet’s shrieking voice. Due to their great need for movement, the appropriate keeping of ring-necked parakeets is associated with greater effort; the animals are therefore only suitable to a limited extent as beginner birds or for keeping at home. The average rose-ringed parakeet life expectancy is quite high at thirty years.
What Food Does a Ring-necked Parakeet Need?
In nature, ring-necked parakeets eat seeds, buds, nuts, and fruits, but also semi-ripe grain. You feed your pet birds with a basic feed mix for large parakeets. There are also gifts of vegetables, fruits, and herbs suitable for parrots. You secure the calcium supply with sepia shells and limestones, other minerals you supply with special preparations. Like all parrots, ring-necked parakeets need nibbling material in the form of twigs and wood – this is essential for beak care.
Can Ringed Parakeets Be Tamed?
Ring-necked parakeets are curious and intelligent animals that quickly become trusting and downright affectionate if you devote yourself a lot of time and care to them. A bird with a gift for speech can even begin to imitate sounds and words. As with all parakeets, success is achieved with a lot of calm, patience, and millet as a treat.
Ring-necked Parakeet
Origin
Africa (Sahel zone and countries bordering east and west), Indian subcontinent;
Size
About 40 centimeters;
Weight
About 90-120 grams;
Appearance
Lower bill red or black, upper bill coral red, fleshy toes;
Plumage
natural green, top of body and tail plumage with a bluish cast. Males with black-orange collar; white, yellow, and blue birds are common breeding variants;
Life expectancy
30 years;
Temperament
Affectionate, trusting, loud