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Ringnecks and Asiatic parrots are not picky eaters. Most
ringnecks and Asiatic parrots will eagerly devour fruits and
vegetables if they are given the chance. Only a few
selected birds might refuse to eat alternative foods other
than seeds. In my experience, if I ever did come across
an
Indian Ringneck who chose not to eat pellets, fruits, or
vegetables--they were easily converted to a healthy diet in
weeks. Asiatic parrots in particular seem to be birds that
really enjoy trying different foods. My Indian Ringnecks
have such an appetite that anything that is placed into
their cage is quickly eaten up.
The
Diet Of A Wild Ringneck
 Wild
ringnecks eat many things in their natural surroundings.
These parrots enjoy fruits, blossoms, and seeds. Because of
their need to eat fresh fruits many farmers around the world
regard ringnecks as a serious pest. For example, it's
not uncommon for south east Asian farmers to complain about
these birds.
More
recently many farmers located in Bakersfield, California are
starting to complain about crop damage due to feral
ringnecks. There, they are said to feed off orchards
and damage the fruits before they can be picked. A
majority of these feral ringnecks are also supported and fed
by enthusiasts by backyard birdfeeders.
In the wild these birds
seek fresh samplings that can easily be devoured. If
none are present, many will resort to dandelion leaves on
the ground. Some ringnecks dine on an occasional
insects for protein. These birds eat a variety of
foods and noting is off limits if it's edible.
The
Diet Of A Captive Ringneck
Feeding
your ringneck does not need to be complicated.
In fact, feeding them is quite enjoyable. These birds
need a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and
pellets to enjoy a long life.
Many
ringneck owners will only provide seeds while others only
provide pellets. I believe doing so limits the optimal
nutritional value. Ringneck were designed to eat a variety
of foods and providing only one type of food is boring,
unnatural, and could cause major health problems down the
road. Many owners swear by one product while others
dismiss products. Finding a food can get complicated
and it can be overwhelming if you don't know what to feed
your ringneck. I like to keep things simple and feed a
variety of everything.
When I
first started breeding my Indian Ringnecks I was told never
to use pellets that were artificially dyed. I
can’t disagree with this statement more. I have been
using a particular brand for a while and I have never run
into problems with my bird’s health. I find this
information to be misleading and no scientific evidence has
been published to prove these accusations. My
ringnecks are healthy and active and I attribute this to
their diet. So finding a what works for you and your birds
is the best answer here.
Seeds
Seeds should be included in a healthy Asiatic parrot
diet. Seeds should not be removed because these birds
naturally eat seeds in the wild. Breeders insisted that seeds were bad for their birds because many of
the parrots that only ate seeds developed problems.
Seeds alone are fatty and can cause serious complications
and shorten the lifespan of your Asiatic parrot
drastically. If however, they are given in moderation then
they are perfectly safe and healthy.
Mixing
Seeds & Pellets Together
I would not advise mixing pellets and seeds together.
Indian Ringnecks are smart and will easily avoid eating the
pellets if possible. It is much better to rotate between the two. I keep the seeds in for four days and the pellets
in for three days. This gives my ringnecks the opportunity
to really eat and benefit from each food. Giving only
pellets can cause a nutrient
overdose; giving pellets in moderation will avoid this. The key is moderation and substitution
here.
Please note, if your ringneck does not eat pellets, then you
have to slowly introduce them into the diet before they are
switched with seeds. The ringneck will starve itself if it
has not learned to eat pellets.
Fruits & Vegetables
Fruits need to be added to your Indian Ringneck’s diet as
well. Apples are probably one of their favorite fruits.
Watching them eat their apples is fascinating and it is
obvious they enjoy the taste of it. They eagerly drink the
juice and chew the flesh into a pulp. It is amazing how
quickly a slice will disappear. Grapes also seem to be a
favorite and are enjoyed. Be sure to include all kinds
of fruits such as oranges, kiwis, pears, mangos, and
melons. Spoiled or old fruit should never be given to your
parrot. Fruits provide antioxidants and are very healthy.
Though fruit is probably their first choice of fresh foods,
vegetables need to be included into their diet as well. I
give my Indian Ringneck raw baby carrots. Archimedes, my
pet Indian Ringneck, will munch on a baby carrot for hours.
He holds the carrot in his hand and takes small bites. Leafy
greens need to be included too. I just place the leaves whole
into the cages. Most Indian Ringnecks will not hold them
but will gently tear off chunks. Warm squashes such as pumpkin,
zucchini, or banana squashes are enjoyed if they are cubed
and boiled. Be creative and always offer vegetables to
their diet.
Protein
You also need to feed your parrot items rich in protein.
Too much protein is not good; however, a few chunks of
cooked meat is ideal. I find that shredded turkey or
chicken will do the trick. Once a week I offer some kind of
protein item. Just be sure to remove it an hour after being
placed into the cage. This will ensure it does not spoil.
Remember, feeding your Indian Ringneck does not have to be
difficult. These parrots will eat anything you cook just be
sure to avoid oils, salts, and preservatives. If you cook,
prepare vegetables and fruits while you make your meals. It
will save you time and can be stored and given throughout
the week. If you properly feed your Indian Ringneck you can
expect him to live 20 or more years, some Asiatic parrots
can reach their 30s.
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