Trying something new 10/10/18
I decided to try something new with Zazu today. After she had her breakfast and played on her cage; I covered her cage and brought her to the couch. After a few fly aways, she has stayed on the couch the longest I've ever gotten her to. I am just letting her chill. She did come over and nibble at my hair and shirt. Now she is behind me just chilling. I'm afraid if I speak to her or move too much she will take flight. Since this seems successful, I am going to start trying to do it everyday after her morning routine. I really want to get a close bond with her. I am positive she has picked me as her person. I just want to bond with her so she will hang out on the couch more with me. I'm not sure how long it takes IRNs to completely bond with their person. But I figure if I am patient and let her decide we should be okay. Until next time take care.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Zazu the Indian Ringneck
Living with an Indian Ringneck
I was recently given a green Indian Ring Neck. Her name is Zazu. She was DNA sexed and named before she came to live with me. Zazu came with a very large cage with toys included. Since she has taken up residence with me, I have been doing daily research on the species. When she first came to live with me she was a temporary resident, but her owner was in between housing and did not want to stress her out with too many moves. By the time permanent residence opened up to her owner, Zazu had already started to bond with me and I had starting enjoying her so she became a permanent resident with me. She still gets to see her previous owner. Through my research I have discovered a lot of interesting things about the species. I am actually glad to have her here, Zazu has become one of my children. Zazu has a Pit bull brother and a Toy Poodle sister. Her sister does not pay any attention to her. Her brother, however, is very interested in her. Marley is not aggressive towards her just curious and Zazu lets him know when he gets to close for comfort.
Nutrition
I have come to learn that she needs to be on fruits and vegetables, along with her seeds, otherwise she can become a "Seed Junky." I made sure to read what F & V are best for her, then went shopping. It was actually pretty fun picking out fresh fruits and veggies for her. I think I was more conscious picking hers out than I am when I pick mine. The next morning I prepared a fresh bowl of greens and fruit for her. I wasn't sure how she would react because she'd never had them before. Zazu was in love. I have been trying different F & V with her. I have learned she doesn't like grapes, bananas or plums. She loves melon and Kiwi. But her favorite is mustard greens and collard greens. You need to provide fresh water everyday and you may have to change it out a couple of times a day. Zazu likes to bathe in her water bowl.
Toys
I have learned that the toys that are presently in her cage are not ideal, so I will slowly be changing those out to more suitable ones. The research I have come across states that she needs more challenging toys, such as toys that challenge her to receive a treat. She also needs to have at least one or two that are designed for her destruction. Besides hanging toys she should also have toys that lay at the bottom of her cage so she play freely with them. I am hoping to get her to do some tricks e.g. make a basket, push a shopping cart and so on. IRNs can become bored easily and will become destructive of other things within reach.
IRNs need an area to exercise and be able to stretch their wings. This should be offered for a few hours a day. The IRN would enjoy to have some puzzle toys and chewable toys. This should help keep him/her from destroying an item of yours.
Bonding
Zazu is beginning to form a good bond with me, I feel, and we have a good routine started. After the kids leave for school, I let her out of her cage while I get her food. After a couple of hours I replace her fruits and veggies with seed. I randomly take her from her cage to try to spend time with her on the couch. At first as soon as I would try to remove her, she would fly back to the cage. Now I can get her to the back of the couch for a few minutes, before she flies back. I have been taking farther away from her cage recently, such as going into a different room. Unfortunately, she can still see her cage and will fly back to her cage. I hope to have such a bond with her that she will go into the love pose. I have watched some videos of IRNs posing. It is so cute. It has been noted that females tend to form a stronger bond than the male. My son's friend tried to pick her up the other day, but whenever he got close she would fly away from him. I do have her wings clipped, but she still has good flight.
Speaking
I have read that female IRNs can learn to talk, but males are more known for speaking. I talk to her throughout the day; if she doesn't learn to talk I'll love her just as much. IRNs usually don't start saying words until around 8 months of age. Like a child, IRNs usually mumble or babble before actually saying words. I have watched videos of females talking. IRNs have a comical high pitch voice. The IRNs are sure to make their family laugh and giggle at them. At one time, religious leaders in India noticed the birds repeating the prayers that were recited daily in the gardens surrounding their places of worship. The clarity of IRNs vocabulary has made them a popular pet.
Flight
I keep her cage in my living room across the room from the front door. Since my son's friends come in and out so much; I'm afraid she might get spooked and fly out the door. According to my research their flight ability is a common concern. Even after a wing clipping IRNs are capable of flying across the room.
Bluffing
There is a big controversy whether or not IRNs go through a "bluffing" stage when they reach adolescents. It is believed they go through a hormonal change that brings on the 'bluffing' stage. If your IRN does go into a "bluffing" be patient. Try to ignore the bad behavior. DO NOT punish your bird by hitting, yelling at it or shaking their cage. You will end up with a very aggressive bird. Do not make eye contact or place your bird on your shoulder during this stage. Yelling is still attention. Bad attention is as good as good attention in the mind of your IRN. Keep her/him off your shoulder at this time to avoid facial injury. Zazu is not to that age yet, so I can't comment if I feel it is true or not.
Color Variations
IRNs come in beautiful varieties of color. IRNs were at one time considered to be only an ornamental bird. In the wild their normal color is an olive or light green. Green IRNs have a pretty lime green body with a blue tail. When in flight you can see a yellow on the underneath of their wings. On overcast days you may see a hint of turquoise in their tail. Through breeding new color mutations have been introduced. You can now get shades of white, yellow and blue. Some of the blues can range from light blue to a violet color. Although females are not as colorful as the males, they have their own beauty. Even though the male may have a distinct beauty, the females are just as beautiful.
The adult male IRNs develop a beautiful ring around their necks of black and pink. The female although just as beautiful do not obtain this ring. The female will develop a ring-like mark just not prominent as the males. The female mark is the same color as her feathers.
Biter
IRNs can develop a bad habit of biting. IRNs can become bitey and antisocial when not held and interacted with on a regular basis. Although it is more common in females than males; the male can also become a biter. The belief the female becomes a biter when feelings of wanting to nest and lay eggs. Because of their beaks being pointy and strong; their bite can be very painful. Try to be patient, ignoring the bird will only encourage this behavior. Zazu is not a biter per-say but if you put your finger through the bars of her cage she will lunge at you. Our pit bull, Marley has learned the hard way; that if you get your nose to close you will get a nip.
Male/Female?
Although the IRNs can not be distinguished male or female as a baby, you can do a DNA test to ensure the sex. Zazu originally had the name Simon. But after DNA confirmed her as female, she was renamed as Zazu. Fortunately she was sexed before she came home. If you are set on a specific sex I would recommend DNA testing. People have suggested that the following can help unofficially sexed:
- females seem to puff up more than a male when angry.
- females tend to have a more slender neck than the male.
- females tend to be more vocal than a male. Zazu is very vocal especially if she is not happy. She lets me know that I need to explore what is bothering her.
Zazu is used to being let out first thing in the morning. If I am late letting her out she will let me know, by screeching loudly.
But the only true way of knowing the sex before maturity is to do a DNA test.
Size
IRNs are usually 16 inches long. INRs have a wingspan of 5-7 inches just for one wing. Their tail makes up most of their length. They usually weigh about 120-125 lbs. Their life span is between 15-30 years. The scientific name is Psittacula krameri. IRNs are native to Ceylon, but have became popular in Asia, India and Pakistan. IRNs have been found in southern and western areas of Sudan. Also they have been breeding in the wild Middle East. Other common names are: Indian Ringneck Parakeet, Indian Ringneck Parrot and Rose-Ringed Parakeet.
Breeding
If you are interested in breeding your IRN, you may find it pretty easy. Prior to breeding you should attach a deep wooden nest box. Wood shavings are a good material in the bottom of the box. If your IRN removes the shaving, just replace them. The female will become very interested in the box when she is ready to breed. IRNs like privacy when breeding. The male and females can not be housed together. Females are territorial and may kill an intruder. They breed once a year, preferably in the Spring. IRNs tend to be very affectionate during breeding season e.g. preening each other and feeding each other. When you observe this behavior you can expect eggs in about 2 weeks. IRNs lay between 3-6 white eggs. She will start incubation when the 2nd-3rd egg is laid.Incubation is about 23 days. The female will stay with the babies for about 10 weeks or until they are weaned. If you are going to hand feed, babies should be removed at 15 days old. You can expect to wean your babies at 10-14 weeks old. Let the chicks learn flight and hovering before clipping their wings.
Housing
IRNs need a large cage so that they don't damage their tail feathers. IRNs need room to flap their wings, hop from one perch to another and turn around. There should be a grate between the bottom of the cage and the living quarters. The bottom of the cage should be covered in newpaper or paper towels and be cleaned daily. Make sure the gap between the bars is not spaced to far apart, for you run the risk of their head getting stuck. IRNs are known to be escape artists so make sure you have a locking mechanism.
Novice or Experienced
IRNs are not a good match for the novice bird owner, they are better for someone who has more experience. IRNs can be a handful and to aggressive for the novice bird owner. As much as I love Zazu I am learning a lot about her. I'm glad I started with easier birds before obtaining her. An angry IRN lunging at you with it's eyes pinning can be intimidating for a beginner bird owner.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, I hope it has been informative for you. Feel free to comment below.
10/8/2018
Good morning, Zazu is quietly eating her fruit and vegetables. I thought I would take the opportunity to update the blog. I was out of town overnight Friday until Saturday evening, well Zazu did not appreciate my absence. Even though she was with family in the home, she decided she could act out. Zazu fly over to the parakeet's cage multiple times to terrorize, Beau. Zazu refused to go to bed on Friday. I think she missed me. It's a nice feeling to be missed, I just hope my absence does not stress her out.
I am not sure hoe often I will be able to post updates, but hope to be ale to get into a regular routine.
I was recently given a green Indian Ring Neck. Her name is Zazu. She was DNA sexed and named before she came to live with me. Zazu came with a very large cage with toys included. Since she has taken up residence with me, I have been doing daily research on the species. When she first came to live with me she was a temporary resident, but her owner was in between housing and did not want to stress her out with too many moves. By the time permanent residence opened up to her owner, Zazu had already started to bond with me and I had starting enjoying her so she became a permanent resident with me. She still gets to see her previous owner. Through my research I have discovered a lot of interesting things about the species. I am actually glad to have her here, Zazu has become one of my children. Zazu has a Pit bull brother and a Toy Poodle sister. Her sister does not pay any attention to her. Her brother, however, is very interested in her. Marley is not aggressive towards her just curious and Zazu lets him know when he gets to close for comfort.
Nutrition
I have come to learn that she needs to be on fruits and vegetables, along with her seeds, otherwise she can become a "Seed Junky." I made sure to read what F & V are best for her, then went shopping. It was actually pretty fun picking out fresh fruits and veggies for her. I think I was more conscious picking hers out than I am when I pick mine. The next morning I prepared a fresh bowl of greens and fruit for her. I wasn't sure how she would react because she'd never had them before. Zazu was in love. I have been trying different F & V with her. I have learned she doesn't like grapes, bananas or plums. She loves melon and Kiwi. But her favorite is mustard greens and collard greens. You need to provide fresh water everyday and you may have to change it out a couple of times a day. Zazu likes to bathe in her water bowl.
Toys
I have learned that the toys that are presently in her cage are not ideal, so I will slowly be changing those out to more suitable ones. The research I have come across states that she needs more challenging toys, such as toys that challenge her to receive a treat. She also needs to have at least one or two that are designed for her destruction. Besides hanging toys she should also have toys that lay at the bottom of her cage so she play freely with them. I am hoping to get her to do some tricks e.g. make a basket, push a shopping cart and so on. IRNs can become bored easily and will become destructive of other things within reach.
IRNs need an area to exercise and be able to stretch their wings. This should be offered for a few hours a day. The IRN would enjoy to have some puzzle toys and chewable toys. This should help keep him/her from destroying an item of yours.
Bonding
Zazu is beginning to form a good bond with me, I feel, and we have a good routine started. After the kids leave for school, I let her out of her cage while I get her food. After a couple of hours I replace her fruits and veggies with seed. I randomly take her from her cage to try to spend time with her on the couch. At first as soon as I would try to remove her, she would fly back to the cage. Now I can get her to the back of the couch for a few minutes, before she flies back. I have been taking farther away from her cage recently, such as going into a different room. Unfortunately, she can still see her cage and will fly back to her cage. I hope to have such a bond with her that she will go into the love pose. I have watched some videos of IRNs posing. It is so cute. It has been noted that females tend to form a stronger bond than the male. My son's friend tried to pick her up the other day, but whenever he got close she would fly away from him. I do have her wings clipped, but she still has good flight.
Speaking
I have read that female IRNs can learn to talk, but males are more known for speaking. I talk to her throughout the day; if she doesn't learn to talk I'll love her just as much. IRNs usually don't start saying words until around 8 months of age. Like a child, IRNs usually mumble or babble before actually saying words. I have watched videos of females talking. IRNs have a comical high pitch voice. The IRNs are sure to make their family laugh and giggle at them. At one time, religious leaders in India noticed the birds repeating the prayers that were recited daily in the gardens surrounding their places of worship. The clarity of IRNs vocabulary has made them a popular pet.
Flight
I keep her cage in my living room across the room from the front door. Since my son's friends come in and out so much; I'm afraid she might get spooked and fly out the door. According to my research their flight ability is a common concern. Even after a wing clipping IRNs are capable of flying across the room.
Bluffing
There is a big controversy whether or not IRNs go through a "bluffing" stage when they reach adolescents. It is believed they go through a hormonal change that brings on the 'bluffing' stage. If your IRN does go into a "bluffing" be patient. Try to ignore the bad behavior. DO NOT punish your bird by hitting, yelling at it or shaking their cage. You will end up with a very aggressive bird. Do not make eye contact or place your bird on your shoulder during this stage. Yelling is still attention. Bad attention is as good as good attention in the mind of your IRN. Keep her/him off your shoulder at this time to avoid facial injury. Zazu is not to that age yet, so I can't comment if I feel it is true or not.
Color Variations
IRNs come in beautiful varieties of color. IRNs were at one time considered to be only an ornamental bird. In the wild their normal color is an olive or light green. Green IRNs have a pretty lime green body with a blue tail. When in flight you can see a yellow on the underneath of their wings. On overcast days you may see a hint of turquoise in their tail. Through breeding new color mutations have been introduced. You can now get shades of white, yellow and blue. Some of the blues can range from light blue to a violet color. Although females are not as colorful as the males, they have their own beauty. Even though the male may have a distinct beauty, the females are just as beautiful.
The adult male IRNs develop a beautiful ring around their necks of black and pink. The female although just as beautiful do not obtain this ring. The female will develop a ring-like mark just not prominent as the males. The female mark is the same color as her feathers.
Biter
IRNs can develop a bad habit of biting. IRNs can become bitey and antisocial when not held and interacted with on a regular basis. Although it is more common in females than males; the male can also become a biter. The belief the female becomes a biter when feelings of wanting to nest and lay eggs. Because of their beaks being pointy and strong; their bite can be very painful. Try to be patient, ignoring the bird will only encourage this behavior. Zazu is not a biter per-say but if you put your finger through the bars of her cage she will lunge at you. Our pit bull, Marley has learned the hard way; that if you get your nose to close you will get a nip.
Male/Female?
Although the IRNs can not be distinguished male or female as a baby, you can do a DNA test to ensure the sex. Zazu originally had the name Simon. But after DNA confirmed her as female, she was renamed as Zazu. Fortunately she was sexed before she came home. If you are set on a specific sex I would recommend DNA testing. People have suggested that the following can help unofficially sexed:
- females seem to puff up more than a male when angry.
- females tend to have a more slender neck than the male.
- females tend to be more vocal than a male. Zazu is very vocal especially if she is not happy. She lets me know that I need to explore what is bothering her.
Zazu is used to being let out first thing in the morning. If I am late letting her out she will let me know, by screeching loudly.
But the only true way of knowing the sex before maturity is to do a DNA test.
Size
IRNs are usually 16 inches long. INRs have a wingspan of 5-7 inches just for one wing. Their tail makes up most of their length. They usually weigh about 120-125 lbs. Their life span is between 15-30 years. The scientific name is Psittacula krameri. IRNs are native to Ceylon, but have became popular in Asia, India and Pakistan. IRNs have been found in southern and western areas of Sudan. Also they have been breeding in the wild Middle East. Other common names are: Indian Ringneck Parakeet, Indian Ringneck Parrot and Rose-Ringed Parakeet.
Breeding
If you are interested in breeding your IRN, you may find it pretty easy. Prior to breeding you should attach a deep wooden nest box. Wood shavings are a good material in the bottom of the box. If your IRN removes the shaving, just replace them. The female will become very interested in the box when she is ready to breed. IRNs like privacy when breeding. The male and females can not be housed together. Females are territorial and may kill an intruder. They breed once a year, preferably in the Spring. IRNs tend to be very affectionate during breeding season e.g. preening each other and feeding each other. When you observe this behavior you can expect eggs in about 2 weeks. IRNs lay between 3-6 white eggs. She will start incubation when the 2nd-3rd egg is laid.Incubation is about 23 days. The female will stay with the babies for about 10 weeks or until they are weaned. If you are going to hand feed, babies should be removed at 15 days old. You can expect to wean your babies at 10-14 weeks old. Let the chicks learn flight and hovering before clipping their wings.
Housing
IRNs need a large cage so that they don't damage their tail feathers. IRNs need room to flap their wings, hop from one perch to another and turn around. There should be a grate between the bottom of the cage and the living quarters. The bottom of the cage should be covered in newpaper or paper towels and be cleaned daily. Make sure the gap between the bars is not spaced to far apart, for you run the risk of their head getting stuck. IRNs are known to be escape artists so make sure you have a locking mechanism.
Novice or Experienced
IRNs are not a good match for the novice bird owner, they are better for someone who has more experience. IRNs can be a handful and to aggressive for the novice bird owner. As much as I love Zazu I am learning a lot about her. I'm glad I started with easier birds before obtaining her. An angry IRN lunging at you with it's eyes pinning can be intimidating for a beginner bird owner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with proper care and attention IRNs can make wonderful pets.IRNs that are hand-fed and socialized on a regular basis can become wonderful pets. IRNs tend to bond with one person in the family. One drawback may be fitting a large cage into your living area. Another drawback may be keeping a consistent routine otherwise you may end up with a screeching bird. If I am late with letting Zazu out in the morning, she lets me know. This are two things you need to take into consideration before purchasing a IRN. With their array of color you should be able to find the color you desire. The male with their distinct ring attract a lot of attention. Although the female does not develop the distinct ring, she is just as beautiful. With DNA testing you will be able to get the sex that you prefer. Their diet is easy to provide. Breeding is not a difficult task if you are interested in expanding your flock. With their medium size they have become a popular pet. With patience if "bluffing" does occur it can be dealt with. "Bluffing" is said not to last very long. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, I hope it has been informative for you. Feel free to comment below.
10/8/2018
Good morning, Zazu is quietly eating her fruit and vegetables. I thought I would take the opportunity to update the blog. I was out of town overnight Friday until Saturday evening, well Zazu did not appreciate my absence. Even though she was with family in the home, she decided she could act out. Zazu fly over to the parakeet's cage multiple times to terrorize, Beau. Zazu refused to go to bed on Friday. I think she missed me. It's a nice feeling to be missed, I just hope my absence does not stress her out.
I am not sure hoe often I will be able to post updates, but hope to be ale to get into a regular routine.
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Living with an Indian Ringneck I was recently given a green Indian Ring Neck. Her name is Zazu. She ... -
Trying something new 10/10/18 I decided to try something new with Zazu today. After she had her breakfast and played on her cage; I covere...