Blue Indian Ringneck Parakeet (A Comprehensive Guide)

Last Updated on May 1, 2023 by Ali Shahid

The Indian ringneck parakeet comes in two colors, green and blue. We’ve seen and discussed green Indian ringneck parakeets. In this article, we will discuss the blue Indian Ringneck parakeet.

The blue Indian ringneck parakeet is a long-tailed, talkative, and mesmerizing parrot from India. The parrot is very active, energetic, and full of personality, and would dance for your attention at all times.

Blue ringneck parakeets are blue varieties of Indian ringneck parakeets. Originating in Asia, it is widely kept as a pet. Its green-colored relative has been kept as a pet for centuries.

According to my experience, the blue Indian ringneck parakeet is not suitable for beginners. They are not shy about asking for attention and can bite if neglected.

So, if you do not possess experience handling a parrot, you should not own a blue Indian ringneck. Continue reading to discover more about the Blue Indian Ringneck.

Brief Overview of Blue Indian Ringneck
Origin	Asia
Common Name	Ringnecked
Scientific Name	Psittacula krameri
Weight	95–143g
Adult Size	14-17 inches
Lifespan	Up to 30 Years
Talking ability	Excellent
Personality	Active and Intelligent

Origin and History of Blue Indian Ringneck Parakeet

As the name implies, this species is an Asiatic variation of the ring-necked parakeet. This species of parrot is found throughout Asia and is larger than the African rose-ringed parakeet.

Nowadays, this species is commonly found throughout Asia, especially in India and Pakistan. The natural habitat of these parakeets includes lightly wooded and agricultural areas. 

Because of flocking patterns, the birds require companionship even in captivity, because they travel in large groups. Captive breeding of Indian ringneck parakeets dates back thousands of years.

When religious leaders discovered that they could mimic human speech, they considered them sacred beings. Ringneck parrots have beautiful colors and are loved by wealthy Indian royals. Aviculturists started breeding captive ringnecks in the 1920s.

The popularity of this bird increased dramatically with the introduction of different color mutations, such as the blue variety. In recent years, blue Indian ringneck parakeets have become increasingly popular as pets.

Appearance

The blue Indian ringneck’s colorful pattern accounts for its popularity. The feathers of these birds are light blue.

People looking for a blue parrot will find this to be a pleasant surprise. In contrast to their feathers, their beaks have a vibrant red color. In males, the neck is marked with a black collar-like stripe.

Temperament

Blue Indian ringnecks have an unfortunate reputation for being difficult to train and nippy. If neglected, blue ringnecks will often chew and engage in destructive behaviors.

In addition, some owners find it difficult to manage the bluffing stage during their adolescence. During this stage, there is a certain degree of aggression, though this phase lasts for only a short time.

Generally, blue ringnecks have a sweet, charming personality when given appropriate care and handling. They have a very high-pitched yet soft voice that is almost comical.

Furthermore, they will alert you to danger by making loud sounds when they detect danger. Though they are not known for their affection, females are more likely than males to form strong bonds with their owners.

As a general rule, they require little maintenance, if any at all. Although they may appear aloof, they are very demanding in terms of time and attention. 

Speech and vocalizations

In terms of their ability to talk, blue Indian ringneck parrots rank among the best in the world. In general, ringnecks start talking between 8 months and 1 year old and have about 200 words in their vocabulary.

People are still shocked by how clearly they speak and how quickly they learn words. The ringneck’s high-pitched voice is one of its most attractive features.

When it comes to speech, the bird can yell or screech, but its intelligence and quick learning make it more famous.

Caring for the Blue Indian Ringneck

Blue Indian ringnecks require a larger cage than most people anticipate. In the wild, they travel a lot. Therefore, they need lots of space to move around and exercise. Make sure the spacing between the bars is enough so they can’t escape.

Typically, the bars should be spaced 1/2 inch apart for this size bird. The cage should have perches, ladders, chewable, and puzzles. As intelligent animals, they require a great deal of mental stimulation.

If you do not provide them with these items, they may become bored and may engage in destructive behavior. I also suggest rotating the items so these curious little birds don’t get bored.

The best way to ensure that your bird gets enough exercise is to dedicate a space outside the cage in your home.

Any aggressive behavior should be ignored and positive reinforcement should be used for training. Avoid picking an angry ringneck parakeet as it will bite you. As they learn new tricks and words, they will thrive.

To take care of your blue Indian ringneck, you’ll need plenty of time and attention. Ideally, clean the cage floor regularly, as well as the food bowl, perches, toys, and the floor daily.

You should provide them with a nutritious diet as well as clean, fresh water for drinking and bathing. If you have any health-related questions for your bird, it is always recommended that you consult an avian veterinarian.

Diet and Nutrition

Typically, wild Indian ringnecks consume fruit, vegetables, nuts, berries, and seeds for their diet. Vets agree that blue ringnecks should eat a nutritionally balanced pelleted diet, which also includes fruits and vegetables.

The Indian ringneck parakeet needs leafy greens and vegetables to maintain a nutritionally sound diet. Also, they eat chicken, beans, grains, and rice, along with healthy cooked food you would eat.

Foods such as avocado, rhubarb, and chocolate may be toxic to birds, so be careful when handling them.

When mixed with seeds, it has been reported that blue ringneck owners have observed their birds sorting out pellets and leaving them behind. The birds appear to be picky about the pellets they eat.

If this is the case, pellets, and seeds should be provided separately and rotated regularly. It is usually a matter of time before they accept pellets.

Keeping food and water containers clean and refilled daily will reduce bacteria growth and infection risks for all birds.

Common health problems

Although they are generally healthy pet birds, blue Indian ringneck parakeets can suffer from psittacosis, polyomavirus, aspergillosis, and a wide range of bacterial infections.

During times of loneliness, boredom, or depression, this bird may engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as plucking feathers.

Exercise

The blue ringneck parakeet is an extremely active bird. You should allow your bird to play and stretch its wings for at least three hours each day, just as you would with most other bird species.

Additionally, the jaw muscles of ringnecks must be maintained. To prevent the bird from chewing on something valuable or dangerous, provide chewable toys and perches. To keep this bird busy, you should also find puzzles and complex toys.

You should also provide your feathered friend with a mister and a bowl of water for bathing.

From Where you can get a Blue Indian Ringneck

In the United States, blue Indian ringnecks are commonly available through reputable breeders or rescue organizations. Depending on where you buy your bird and how well it has been examined, the price range may range from $300 to $1,200.

When buying directly from a breeder, ensure that he or she is a reputable breeder with experience with Indian ringnecks. Choosing a rescue ensures the bird is matched with the best owner, so you will have a great experience.

Rescue organizations provide all information about these birds and they are usually fully vetted before adoption. In any case, be sure to bring home a healthy bird. Make sure the bird has all of its feathers and is alert and active.