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Breeding Indian Ringnecks
Introducing Breeding Ringnecks
 When breeding Ringnecks, there are two approaches that can be
successfully practiced. The first and most common are keeping males
and females separate until the breeding season approaches. The
second method, which I favor the most, is keeping pairs in
individual breeding cages year round.
Breeders who raise Ringnecks for mutations (different colored
Ringnecks) usually separate the males from the females. Just before
the breeding season approaches, the male will be introduced into the
cage of the female who has worked the nesting box (digging inside
the box). If this method is practiced, special caution should be
used before introducing the male into the female’s cage.
A female Ringneck can be very aggressive. She sets the pace of
courting and will gladly make her emotions known to her mate. A
female Ringneck that is not supervised can quickly injure or kill
her companion. So before placing the male into the cage of the
female, a few techniques can be practiced to help minimize any
aggressive behavior.
When the female begins to show an interest in breeding, usually by
scratching the bottom of her nesting box, the male should be placed
near her cage. The female needs to adjust to the male’s presence and
get use to having another bird near her territory. During this time,
the female might spend hours clinging to the side of her cage near
the male. The male will pin his eyes and bow. Keep them separate for
about a week.
After the Ringnecks have been introduced without physical contact,
it’s time to place them together. This is a critical moment and any
fighting needs to be disrupted. During this time the female could
decide to chase or harm the male. Chasing might continue for a few
hours. Usually the female will accept her mate and breeding can
continue.
The second method, which is keeping pairs together year round, I
believe, is the ideal choice. I find a pair and house them together
permanently. This method is preferred because it reduces any
aggressive behavior. There is no need to worry or watch aggressive
females attack the males. If they are housed together they most
often continue the breeding cycle without any problems.
Courting & Nesting
Breeding season begins late February or early December in Southern
California. As the breeding season approaches you’ll start to notice
the Ringnecks becoming more affectionate towards each other. The
female will spend hours inside her box prepping it for her babies.
She starts by scratching at the bottom of her box. This is done to
remove any debris that may crack or harm her eggs. If you placed
pine shavings into the bottom of the nesting box, most females will
gladly remove it all. To avoid this, use deep nesting boxes designed
for larger parrots, about 18 inches deep.
The female will also start to display. Her displays are done though
tilting her head back and pinning her eyes while she clucks. The
male’s display is more elaborate. He’ll bow down, fan his tail, pin
his eyes, open his wings, and make a distinct mating call. When a
male Ringneck is in heat, he can constantly be seen displaying.
Ringnecks also become excessively affectionate. They start to
snuggle side by side and will regurgitate to each other. This
process strengthens their bond for the season. After courting, eggs
can be expected four weeks later.
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