EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Cage Size: Ring-neck parrots are medium-sized birds that require a spacious cage. The minimum cage size should be 24 inches wide x 24 inches deep x 30 inches high, but larger is always better. A bigger cage allows them to move freely, spread their wings, and have room for toys and enrichment activities.
• Bar Spacing: The spacing between bars should be about ½ inch to ¾ inch to prevent them from slipping out or getting stuck. Ring-neck parrots are skilled escape artists, so a well-secured cage is essential.
• Cage Location: Place their cage in a busy area of the house where they can be part of the family activities. These parrots are social and enjoy interaction. Avoid placing the cage near kitchens (to avoid toxic fumes from cooking) or bathrooms (due to humidity and chemicals). Make sure the area is free of drafts but has plenty of natural light.
• Perches: Provide several natural wooden perches of varying diameters and textures. Cedar, willow, and eucalyptus are good options. The different thicknesses will help keep their feet healthy. Avoid perches made of plastic, which can cause foot problems. You can also add gravel perches to help naturally wear down their nails.
• Toys & Enrichment: Ring-neck parrots are highly intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation. Offer a variety of foraging toys, wooden chew toys, and interactive puzzles. They love to shred paper, so providing cardboard boxes or paper rolls for shredding will keep them entertained. Regularly rotate their toys to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.

• Seeds: While seeds can be offered as a treat, they should not be the primary part of the diet. Opt for a seed mix that includes millet, canary seeds, and safflower. Avoid high-fat seeds like sunflower seeds, as they can contribute to obesity if overfed.
• Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: A wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables should be offered daily to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and dandelion greens are great choices, as are carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers. They also enjoy fruits like apples, grapes, and berries. Avoid toxic foods like avocados, onions, garlic, and citrus fruits.
• Nuts: Offer unsalted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews as occasional treats. Nuts are high in fat, so moderation is key.
• Egg Food: During molting or breeding periods, you can offer egg food, a mixture of boiled egg and vegetables, to boost protein levels.
• Fresh Water: Always provide fresh, clean water. Change it daily to prevent bacterial growth.

• Companionship: Ring-neck parrots are social birds that require daily interaction to stay happy. They can bond deeply with their human caretakers and will often form a strong attachment to one person. Without enough socialization, they may become bored, anxious, or engage in undesirable behaviors such as feather plucking.
• Bonding: These parrots are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their family. However, they may not be as cuddly as some other species like African Greys or Macaws. They prefer to interact on their own terms and might not always enjoy extended physical contact. Instead, they often enjoy sitting near you, chatting, or playing games.
• Training: Ring-neck parrots are highly intelligent and enjoy learning. They can be trained to perform tricks, mimic sounds, and follow simple commands. Positive reinforcement methods work best, so reward them with treats or praise when they display desirable behaviors. Use short, fun training sessions to keep them engaged. They are also excellent at talking and can learn to mimic human speech and household sounds.
• Vocalization: Ring-neck parrots are known for their mimicry skills and can pick up on words, phrases, and sounds in their environment. They tend to be moderately loud compared to other parrots, with their vocalizations including whistles, squawks, and chirps. They are capable of learning a few words or even short sentences, though their speech tends to be more on the higher-pitched side.

• Feather Care: Ring-neck parrots generally preen themselves, but you can encourage good feather health by offering them a shallow dish of lukewarm water for bathing. Alternatively, mist them lightly with water to encourage preening. This is particularly important during molting when they may need extra hydration for their feathers.
• Nail & Beak Care: Regular chewing on safe toys helps wear down a Ring-neck's beak and nails naturally. However, if their nails get too long, you may need to trim them. You can use bird-safe clippers to carefully trim their nails, but consult an avian vet if you're unsure. Their beak should also remain naturally worn down, but if it shows signs of overgrowth, seek advice from an avian vet.
• Health Monitoring: Regularly check your Ring-neck parrot for signs of illness, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, fluffed feathers, or discharge from the eyes or nostrils. Ring-neck parrots are generally healthy but can be prone to respiratory issues, especially if exposed to drafts or fumes. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact an avian vet right away.
• Molting: Like all parrots, Ring-neck parrots molt, typically once or twice a year. During this time, they may become a bit quieter, more irritable, or less active. You can support them by offering extra protein-rich foods, such as egg food, and ensuring they have ample space for preening.

• Breeding Setup: If you plan to breed your Ring-neck parrots, provide a large, secure nesting box (about 12 inches x 12 inches x 18 inches) for the female. You should place it in a quiet, darkened area of the cage, where she can feel safe to lay and incubate her eggs. The box should be filled with clean bedding like shredded newspaper or coconut fiber.
• Egg Laying: Ring-neck parrots usually lay between 2 and 6 eggs per clutch, and the incubation period lasts about 23 days. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks after they hatch.
• Chick Care: After hatching, the chicks will remain in the nest for about 6 weeks. The parents will continue to feed and care for them until they are strong enough to fledge. Once the chicks leave the nest, they can be weaned onto solid food.

• Affectionate & Independent: Ring-neck parrots are affectionate, but they are not as demanding as some other species. They enjoy social interaction but are also content to spend time alone. They have independent personalities and often form strong bonds with their human family members.
• Playful & Energetic: These parrots are playful and energetic. They enjoy climbing, chewing, and foraging. Providing plenty of toys and safe objects to chew on will keep them entertained and mentally stimulated.
• Vocal & Chatty: Ring-neck parrots are known for being chatty and noisy. They will often mimic sounds and words and may even "speak" to you in a high-pitched voice. While they can learn to speak clearly, their voices can be shrill and loud, so it's essential to consider this if you're in a shared living space.
• Curious & Intelligent: Ring-neck parrots are extremely curious and intelligent. They enjoy solving puzzles, exploring new objects, and figuring out how things work. They can be trained to perform tricks and are quick learners when presented with interesting challenges.

• Toxic Plants & Materials: Keep your home free of toxic plants like pothos, azaleas, oleanders, and lilies. Avoid using non-stick cookware (Teflon) around your bird, as it can release toxic fumes when heated. Ensure that no dangerous chemicals or cleaning supplies are accessible to your parrot.
• Other Pets: Be cautious when introducing Ring-neck parrots to other pets, particularly cats and dogs, as they may pose a threat. Always supervise interactions between your Ring-neck and other animals to prevent accidents.

Ring-neck parrots are delightful, intelligent, and independent birds that make excellent companions for those who are ready to commit to their care and enrichment. With the right diet, a spacious cage, plenty of toys, and regular interaction, a Ring-neck parrot can live a long, happy life and be a cherished member of the family. They are highly vocal and can be a bit noisy, but their charming personalities, ability to mimic speech, and playful nature make them an incredibly rewarding pet for experienced bird owners. Whether you choose a Green Ring-Neck, Blue, or Yellow Ring-Neck, these beautiful parrots will certainly bring color and joy to your home!