Look but don't touch
The Indian ringneck is a great talker, an impressive attribute in its own right, but it’s their voices that make them such an attractive parrot to many people. They have a most adorably sweet and expressive quality to their voice – it puts an ear to ear grin on your face that is impossible to wipe off. If you go online and check out videos of talking indian ringnecks, you will want one, guaranteed. BUT, before you buy, you should know that they have earned a reputation of being difficult birds to own. Indian ringnecks are not exactly “people” birds. While some will allow some forms of physical interaction, many do not care to be handled by humans.
This quality does not make them unfriendly, just independent. They are perfectly happy in the presence of their owners, and will agreeably step up for a ride to the living room, but generally, they prefer the relationship to be otherwise hands-off. It is our human habit to lavish affection on a new pet when we first bring them home. We mean well, and we aim to make the newcomer feel loved, but while that might feel good to a puppy, it can feel forceful to a bird.
When your bird is an Indian ringneck, you can multiply that discomfort times ten. This information is rarely shared by breeders or store employees with potential customers, some of whom are looking for a cuddly new pet. Heaven forbid a sale be lost.
However, it is their most relevant characteristic because it can result in behavioral problems when poorly informed new owners unintentionally mishandle their new indian ringneck. During breeding season, the indian ringneck changes its tune and becomes very physically affectionate, although not in a good way. They become reactive to the hormones in their system and DEMAND your attention.
It must be understood by the owner that the advances are of a sexual nature, and when you don’t respond appropriately (to their way of thinking,) they become offended and nippy. Another breeding behavior common with this species is regurgitation. During breeding season they will often leave a white, pasty coat of regurgitation of their favorite toys, requiring extra cleaning efforts from their owners.
Loveable in their own way
This is not to imply in any way the the indian ringneck is a poor choice for those looking for a parrot to love – they just require companionship in a different way than other birds. The indian ringneck needs an owner that understands and accepts its nature.
If you are the type of bird owner who doesn’t require physical interaction from your bird, this might be a great species for you. They are remarkably intelligent parrots, who learn to speak from an early age, and you will love spending time teaching new words to your bird – if only to hear its delightful voice.
Why not take it a step further and train your bird to do tricks to accompany that cute voice?
Even birds that prefer not to be touched need meaningful interaction with their owners. Training is the perfect way to spend time with your bird in a way that is non-invasive to him physically but still provides the perfect outlet for quality time together.
44 comments
Hi, My father has a male IRN I named Sweetpea. He’s been a member of our family for years. He’s attached to my elderly father but he’s rarely been handled. Recently, he’s begun shredding the paper at the bottom of his cage, screeching more, attacking the bars on his cage if I go near but attacking more if I attempt to back away from him. He’s also been playing peek-a-boo at the bottom of his cage. I haven’t noticed this behavior in him before. He doesn’t get enough attention though I try to talk, sing, and interact with him as often as possible during the day but I’m not the family member he bonded with. Do you know what’s transpiring with him? Is it behavioral or hormonal? Please help. Thank you.
Valentine has kindly tolerated me for approximately 18 years…He is an Indian Ringneck with a pleasant disposition. Thank you for making the point that these birds are independent and yet also need and want to have interaction with their human caretakers. Yes, he is demanding, but he also gives more than I could have ever imagined in terms of companionship.
I agree that IRNs are flighty and will steal the food in your hand faster than a speeding bullet but mine is very cuddly. He loves snuggling into my neck and purrs as a give hin neck scratches. When were not on the couch though he is a flier and will not be touched.
I have had my baby girl for almost two years now and she is a one-of-a-kind Ringneck! The reason I picked a Ringneck is I work a full time job and my husband is a firefighter in Utah. I am home every morning and night but didn’t want a bird that wanted constant attention or needed that to be healthy. Every second of the day we are around, she is out playing. Now I say she is special because she is one of the only ringnecks myself, her nanny (yes she is that spoiled) or the breeder has known to want to love on people as much as she does. That is not to say that she wants to snuggle but she will sit on your hand or shoulder and every 10-15 minutes, run over and give you a big kiss then go back to what she was doing. She lovingly goes to anyone, granted she wants back to me quickly, but has never bitten anyone or come close to being aggressive. I have always loved birds but have been drawn back to IRNs every time I considered getting one. I consider myself beyond lucky to have such a good little psycho 😊 she does say a few things like peekaboo and makes gun noises (per husbands request) but hasn’t picked much else up. I did not purchase her to talk but to be a little angel I can be with. Such a partner in crime! I would love to learn more about your work with IRNs especially through hormone season. We call her our sweet psycho, always sweet and loving but is still a Ringneck. Thank you!
Hi. I have gray Indian Ringneck. I trained him for a free flight. He don’t want cuddles or headscrath but he always want a kiss while saying “give me a kiss! Mwah! Thank you!” Here is the link of his free flight with a cockatiel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRX-Xk3c1_4&feature=share
Hey! i got one female ringneck and she is scared. like she just flies away when im going to her cage. and she just wants to attack me, what should i do? i have tried with treats but it just wont work. help me?
my ringneck is setting in the coner of his cage not talking to me so what do I do I just need some anwers
Hi, I have a Blue IRN. He belonged to a friend who had to rehome him. He was approx 4 months old when she purchased him from a pet shop for her little girl. The little girl became disinterested as he was not tame and couldn’t talk straight after her. I agreed to take him in after that’d had him 1 month and they said they were getting rid of him. He has no tail feathers not sure if this is moulting or plucking. They did clip him at the pet shop but he still flys really well. He seemed to have a fear of my hands he’s about 9 months old now. I started taking him in the shower and he would happily sit on my flannel covered hand but was not happy if he could see my other hand. I read about the bluffing stage in this particular breed and slowly but surly during shower time he finally today allowed me to pet him! However he was soaking wet and knew he couldn’t easily fly away. Now he’s dry it’s back to normal. He won’t come near me. Any ideas on how to fix this? The other issue I’m having is with fresh fruit and veg. I’ve offered him everything. I have a massive list of why IRN are allowed. He only eats apple. I bought him some pellets to replace his seed mix and he wouldn’t eat them. I tried everything. So all he has is his seed Mix and an apple. I’ve tried a mash mix and he won’t touch it. I’ve tried a variety of different fruit he showed interest in blueberries and a firm small strawberry that’s all. It’s also hard to train him because I can’t get anywhere close to him he won’t take anything from my hand he moves away regardless to what’s in it. Peanuts are his favourite but he doesn’t trust my hands at all. I’ve tried clicker and leaving the treat on the surface but he won’t take it so I’m finding the clicker a little redundant because he won’t take a treat. I know this is a lot. I have subscribed to your channel and have watched most videos. I was super excited when you got touché. But my IRN, Louie, seems aggressive towards my hands and fingers and moves away when I approach him so am really struggling to teach him anything. I don’t think I’ll be able to teach him until I can reward him and I can’t reward him when he won’t be anywhere near me. Any hints or tips for a complete beginner with an IRN that wasn’t hand reared but bought from a pet shop.
Hi! I just recently got a indian ringneck who is not tamed but will eat apple out of my hand, his name is Beau im struggling on where to start with the basic training like step up as he is kind of scared unless i have food in my hand. I have experience with Conures that were hand tamed as babies but this is totally different
This is the truest thing I have read. Luckily I work with parrots and the public myself, and when I’m asked about my own pet bird (who is an IRN), this is exactly what I tell them. Kokanee is adorable, charming, fun, and affectionate in his own way, which is perfect for our house, but not at all cuddly!
How much is gonna be training for 4 months Indian ringneck
My parrot is scared of the family it doesn’t come near us he just sits there plucking his feathers and I tried everything but it still doesn’t work it really upsets me have you got any ideas how to stop this would I need to buy another parrot to gain it’s trust I’m really confused and it’s making me feel sorry for him as he is lonely in a cage and doesn’t want to come out
My parrot is scared of the family it doesn’t come near us he just sits there plucking his feathers and I tried everything but it still doesn’t work it really upsets me have you got any ideas how to stop this would I need to buy another parrot to gain it’s trust I’m really confused and it’s making me feel sorry for him as he is lonely in a cage and doesn’t want to come out
I am thinking to buy male hand feed Indian ring parakeet and honestly I don’t have experience to it I had finsh and canary but parakeet so how you can help me? Please help
Sarim It’s patience all the way with IRN but the rewards are fab. I have a male called Buddy took us I hot minute to get that trust but now…….his character is wicked and we’ve just taught him the Adams Family theme tune. Good luck. X
Hello! We bought Indian Ringneck two months back who is around one year old or so. He is quiet friendly and started to learn talking with little training.These little pets want attention and lots of variety fruits to make them happy.I was not very sure that he will start talking and responding to me in the beginning but with patience and repetitive words he is learning a new word/ phrase every week.
I discovered you guys while looking for information on Youtube about why my IRN behaves the way she does. I’m a first time bird owner who received an(approximately) 2yr old IRN from a co-worker. I just wanted to thank you and your family for teaching me day by day. In the five months since we became roommates, she’s bloomed from being the low man on the pecking order into a different person. I’ll keep watching and hopefully keep learning. Thanks
Hey I have two 4 months old Indian Ringnecks who are very new to my house. Any tips how to remove their fear of me and teach them few basic tricks like stepping up and down?
Hello! Maybe we can add their close cousins the Alexandrine Parrots since they share traits/personalities? Not to mention they can cross breed and have babies together 😍
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