Ringneck Parrot Care Guide – Diet, Lifespan, Talking, Colors & Price

Everything you need to know before keeping a Ringneck parrot as a pet

By ParrotsCuisine.com | Updated August 2025

What is a Ringneck Parrot and Why Do People Love Them?

Ringneck parrots, especially Indian Ringnecks, are medium-sized parrots known for their slender body, long tail feathers, and striking colors. They are admired not just for their beauty but also for their intelligence and semi-ability to talk. My very first Ringneck parrot, whom I named Mian, quickly became part of our family. He would sit with us at the breakfast table and even try mimicking our words.

Over time, I added more Ringnecks to my little flock — currently, I have between 3 to 5 pairs, both green and white ones. Their personality is a mix of playful and independent, and they often bond with a specific person in the house. That’s why people love them — they’re not clingy, but still interactive and funny in their own ways.

How Long Do Ringneck Parrots Live?

Ringnecks are surprisingly long-lived birds. With proper care, Indian Ringnecks can live between 25 to 30 years in captivity. Some have been reported to live up to 40–50 years under perfect conditions — but that's rare. In general, if you’re committing to a Ringneck, know that it’s a long-term responsibility, not a short fling.

Their lifespan heavily depends on what you feed them, the space you provide, how often they get to fly, and whether you take them for regular vet checkups. Birds that are kept in small cages with a seed-only diet often suffer from obesity, liver issues, or feather plucking. But those who get open space, fresh food, and love? They thrive — and they live long.

What Should You Feed a Ringneck Parrot Daily?

I'll admit it — in the beginning, I fed only seeds. It seemed convenient. But soon, I noticed nutritional problems: dull feathers, irritability, and in one case, feather plucking. That’s when I realized how important a balanced diet is. Now, I feed my parrots a mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, sprouted seeds, pellets, and occasional grains or cooked rice.

I also add multivitamins and electrolyte mixes in summer water to prevent dehydration and heatstroke. If you want to follow a full diet plan, check out my detailed post here: What Do Parrots Eat?. Trust me, your bird’s health will improve drastically once you switch to a natural, varied diet.

Can Ringneck Parrots Really Talk? How Noisy Are They?

Yes, Ringnecks can talk — but not like African Greys or Amazons. Their vocabulary is limited to 20–30 words in most cases. However, their pronunciation is surprisingly clear. My parrot Mian used to say “Hello,” “Kha lo,” and even mimic phone ringtones. But remember: not every Ringneck will talk, and not all talkers will mimic clearly.

They're also known for making high-pitched sounds and occasional screeches, especially at sunrise or sunset. If you live in an apartment with thin walls, this could be an issue. But if trained early and given enough interaction, their noise can be manageable. Just don’t expect silence — they’re still parrots!

What Colors and Mutations Do Ringneck Parrots Come In?

Ringnecks come in a wide range of colors due to decades of selective breeding. The most common color is green, which is also found in the wild. But in captivity, you’ll find blue, violet, lutino (bright yellow), albino (white with red eyes), grey, turquoise, and cobalt. Each color mutation has its own charm, and prices vary accordingly.

I personally have green and white Ringnecks. The white ones look angelic, while the greens feel traditional and earthy. Fun fact: color mutations don’t change the bird’s personality — a blue Ringneck isn’t calmer than a green one. It’s all about genetics and preference.

How Much Does a Ringneck Parrot Cost?

Ringneck parrot prices vary wildly. Mutation color, age, country, and availability all play a role. In Pakistan, for example, green Ringnecks are the most affordable. Albino, violet, and blue ones can cost 3x or more. I won’t list specific prices here because they change monthly — but always buy from reputable breeders and avoid pet shops that don’t give proper history or health details.

Also, be careful of scams — especially when buying chicks. Some sellers label unknown-gender babies as "female" just to increase price. I’ve been tricked more than once myself, so do your research and buy from trusted sources only.

What Cage Size and Space Do Ringneck Parrots Need?

I started with a small cage when I had only one Ringneck. It had a breeding box and basic setup. But as my flock grew, I built an open-air rooftop aviary. It was the best decision ever. My birds fly daily, get natural sunlight, and seem much healthier than before. If you can't afford an aviary, make sure your cage is at least 3x3 feet for a single bird — and let them out daily for flying.

Ringnecks are active birds. Lack of space causes boredom, aggression, and health issues. Add perches, toys, swings, and chewable wood. Keep the environment enriched. And never place cages in dark, damp corners — sunlight is essential for their well-being.

How to Tell if Your Ringneck Is Male or Female?

The most common way is by checking the neck ring. Males develop a black or pink ring around their neck at about 1.5 years of age. Females don’t develop any clear ring. However, this method only works on mature birds. Chicks look the same — and this is where many pet shops scam buyers by selling random chicks as “female.”

If you really want to be sure, get a DNA test. It’s the only 100% reliable method for baby parrots. Otherwise, wait until the ring appears. Personally, I now avoid buying chicks unless I’m okay with not knowing the gender for at least a year.

What Are the Different Types of Ringneck Parrots?

There are two major species: Indian Ringneck and African Ringneck. Indian Ringnecks are more common, slightly larger, and have louder voices. African Ringnecks are a bit quieter and smaller. There’s also confusion between Indian Ringnecks and Alexandrine parrots — but Alexandrines are bigger, heavier, and have a huge red beak with maroon shoulder patches.

In my experience, Alexandrines are calmer and more relaxed, but Ringnecks are more playful and alert. Both have their own pros and cons — if you’re looking for a talking bird with manageable size, Ringnecks are great. For quieter homes, Alexandrines might be better.

Are Ringneck Parrots Friendly? Should You Keep One as a Pet?

Yes, but only if you can handle the responsibility. They need daily interaction, mental stimulation, fresh food, and clean surroundings. They’re not like fish you feed and forget. But if you bond with them, they can be incredibly loyal, interactive, and fun.

I recommend Ringnecks for beginners who are truly interested in parrots — not for kids or people who travel too much. If you’re ready for the commitment, you’ll never regret bringing one home.