Tales of The Apple Thief

So…
 
I made myself a treat, sliced up an apple. I cut small pieces and gave some out to several parrots as a treat-
 
I come back to my plate and Milo — my Indian Ringneck (Psittacula krameri) has helped herself to a full slice! Geez!

 
Can parrots eat apples? Yes. Should they? Well, yes and no.
 
Apples are now genetically modified to be sweeter, as per Tony Silva; this means that giving apples  to a parrot is like giving them candy. As it pertains to humans, nutritionist say apples offer the least benefits of just about any fruit, so it only stands to reason that they aren’t the best choice for a parrot either.
 
But — better than too many seeds!
 
Well, I guess Milo sneaked a holiday treat. Good thing she doesn’t believe in Santa or she’d be on his naughty list!

What Are Indian Ringnecks Like?

Smart.

There is a reason they are becoming a “pest” and being outlawed in some countries. It could happen here in the US as well. Indian Ringnecks are notorious for consuming significant portions of farmer’s crops in Europe and I understand it is happening in the US too. They are adaptable in their eating and their methods, which makes them great survivors who take over towns like London.

How Typical! Indian Ringneck Characteristics

Milo is a super keen, typical. She is independent and, true to the Asiatic family of psittacines (parrots), she doesn’t like to be touched too much. She’s also in charge! If you missed her crown declaring her right to boss others around, she’ll tell you to look more carefully!

Sexually Dimorphic? Yes, you can see the difference between the males and females because the males have a colorful ring around their neck, a ‘necklace’ that Milo doesn’t have, even though her name is typically for males. Milo is a “Blue Palid” Indian Ringneck – other phenomenal color mutations include greys, lilac/purples and indigo blues, in addition to green (their customary, natural color) and green mutations, like “Dilute Green.”

In Indian Ringnecks the male is said to be a fantastic talker, the females not usually. Milo follows this generalization and, even though I’ve had her since she was 4 weeks and finished her hand-feeding, she doesn’t “speak” English. Of course, Indian Ringnecks speak in a cute “parrot” voice as they are not able to accurately copy sound the way African Grey parrots can.

This family of parrots is your best choice if you don’t have a lot of time to spend with your parrot, because they do their own thing. They’ll come over and let you know when, and if, they want attention or petting. Now, don’t get me wrong, I know this sounds kinda cold and I know you might be wondering if she’s a good pet parrot. She is. Parrots are much more than pets, they are true companions. They talk to you, keep your secrets and truly keep you company. You’ll find that your parrot will come to fit you like a glove, if you spend the time bonding with him or her. Nevertheless, you have other things like work, chores and things to take care of. You can’t spend the time with your parrot that most flock-mates spend together. For this reason, I recommend getting two. They fulfill in one another things that you simply cannot: they preen each other, feed each other and sleep together. If you spend time with your two parrots, they will still want to bond with you too.

For Whom Are Indinan Ringnecks Good Companions?

This means that an Indian Ringneck, which I find to be on the quieter side of the parrot family, makes a great companion. He, she or they (if you get two) will give you plenty of space to do the things you need to do without going without; but they will also be intrigued and interested in you when you have the time and inclination.

Would I recommend an Indian Ringneck? Yes! Whether you work from home or not, as long as you like parrot-free time to sleep, cook, take care of things… then an Indian Ringneck could be the perfect companion(s)!


🦜 Kalyn: Author, Parrot Bliss Bond, runs a FB page at https://www.facebook.com/ParrotBliss/ and a parrot-lover!
Send questions about your parrot via FB or buy Kalyn’s book on Kindle today!