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For some reason this parrot is
stigmatized with many horrible myths. I have covered the
major myths and I hope they help shed some positive light
into this species. Below are common myths.
Indian ringnecks do not
make good pets.
· This
is the most popular myth and is even believed by avian
experts and breeders. Why? This myth probably started as a
result of ringneck
bluffing.
After ringnecks are weaned most will go through a biting
stage. This stage, which only lasts for a while,
unfortunately detours many parrot owners. This stage is
natural and is much like a teenager getting a rush of
hormones— they get moody. All baby parrots test their
limits and bluffing is just a part of ringneck development.
It passes and the ringneck becomes extremely friendly and
tame.
Indian ringnecks love to be
left alone for long periods of time.
· Ringnecks
are very social creatures. They spend their lives with
flock members and pair off during the breeding seasons.
This rumor must have started through the breeding behavior
of ringnecks. People assumed that because these parrots do
not mate for life and are sometimes seen alone in the wild,
they prefer to be solitary. This is not true. Ringnecks
spend most of their time with flock members and do enjoy the
company of other birds.
Male Indian Ringnecks are best
at talking.
· This
is false. Both males and females make excellent talkers if
worked with. How did this myth start? It probably started
as a result of more males being purchased than females. As
a matter of fact, most people find the females to be plain
and as a result are not as "in demand" as the males. As sad
as it may seem, it’s the truth! I have seen females that
talk up a storm. This rumor is false.
Indian ringnecks must be
removed from their mothers before their eyes are open in
order to become tame.
· This
is absolutely untrue. As a matter of fact ringnecks are
probably not conscious of their environment for the first 10
days. I have handfed ringnecks alone and in groups. I
prefer a group of babies rather then one. Keeping a baby
alone is unfair and is miserable for it. In the wild, the
mother ringneck spends most of her time comforting and
keeping the baby warm while the father feeds the chicks. A
ringneck chick that is kept alone is lonely and will cry
until it has something to snuggle with. If you want a tame
ringneck it all comes down to socialization and constant
interaction.
Female ringnecks are mean and
very aggressive, so they don’t make great pets.
· This
statement is not true. Female ringnecks are much more loyal
than male ringnecks. They bond very strongly to their
chosen person and show lots of affection. Females love to
be cuddled and petted. They truly enjoy human interaction.
This myth probably started as a result of their behavior
during the breeding season. Like most parrots during this
season, they too get a rush of hormones and WILL bite if
you’re not careful! But if you think it’s only ringnecks,
ask a 10 year old Amazon, Macaw, Cockatoo, or Grey owner.
They’ll tell you different!
The color of the ringneck can
make the quality of the pet better.
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