birdliners please examine and criticise as a 'sticky' i will amend (or delete) as required
For anyone thinking of buying/adopting a 'ring necked parakeet' - see the Asiatic Parakeet post on Birdline at http://www.parrot-rescue.org.uk/For...px to determine what type of bird you are buying....
then...
urgently read http://www.parrot-rescue.org.uk/Inf...fault.aspx
Following that,
The rest of this post is written by an enthusiast. It should trigger thought and consideration but should not be seen a definitive reference (from experience you will not find this on the internet). Ask questions on the Birdline forums and some very experienced people can provide more specific advice. Most of what follows applies to either:
ALEXANDRINE V INDIAN RINGNECK (IRN) ( the most popular breeds)
The Alexandrine is bulkier and has a massive beak & characteristic purple patch on the wing from first feathers. Countless images on the internet, the breeds are easily distinguishable at every age. For birds without rings:
0-3MTHS
The male and female birds can only de distinguished by expert eye or medical test. They look the same until the age of 2-3yrs at which point male coloured rings form...the 'ringneck' (more to follow):
The bird should look relatively shabby... his feathers are developing.
His eyes will be mostly black, although you will see on close inspection that the white parts of his eyes are forming. This is important... this is a geniuinely 'baby bird' with plenty of bonding left in him. (VERY young birds will have 'shark eyes' - totally black)
Oodie Aged 3 months
AGE 3-12MTHS
Assuming you are in a pet shop, the bird is going through his formative months in the worst possible conditions. Over this period the 'white of his eyes' will begin to clear, providing the best age indication. At this point you need to be very careful of 'proving' how old the bird is and where he came from
Oodie aged 9 months
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AGE 12-24 MTHS
Both the male and female birds are near identical. They will look similar to the photo above.
AGE 24...36MTHS
At some point the male ringnecks will moult and then display the characteristic neck ring.
Key Points
If you see the neck ring, you are looking at a male at least 2-3yrs old, possibly up to 30-40yrs old.
If you see "clear eyes" you are eithe looking at a male aged 12-24ish months or a female 12mths to 40 YEARS!
Clear eyes. These have an almost luminous appearance in normal light. Note that this bird is 'pinning' its eyes slightly.
Females have a slighlty different body shape, head shape and their feathers are slightly less 'vibrant' to a pro. The pictures below are of a male and female of the same sub-species (Nepalese)
Above is female. Clean neck (almost a grey stripe where feathers meet). "Matt" pea green feathers.
Above is male. More vibrant, almost metallic colours, head shape slightly more 'Neanderthal Man'. The faint neck ring is probably an oddity of the species. This bird does not have his adult 'ring' yet (it's about 12mths away).
If the bird is older than 3 months, the quality of his upbringing is criticial. An established bird with 'white eyes' should be hand friendly (few IRN/Alexandrines appear to like being cuddled, they prefer their space), if not he is at best a difficult proposition, at worst an aviary bird.
Be wary of a bird who has recently had a wing clip which appears 'tame'. The bird is may be wild but petrified and will sit on the finger due to 'shock and awe'.
Ringnecks & Alexandrines are not as 'clever' as Greys, Too's or Macaws and you will not be dumbfounded by suprising ingenuity. They talk beautifully and will deeply bond with humans. Although they eat a similar diet to big parrots, they are quiet(ish) and low maintenance. Indian Ringnecks (IRN) are frenetic and huge fun. Alexandrines are a bit dopey, easier to manage but their HUGE tails require huge cages.
If you are new to parrots and contemplating an IRN, Alexandrine or a Grey/Too/Macaw I would ask you to post your circumstances in an enquiry post to the main forum. You will be given superb advice; all of these birds are a jaw-dropping amount of care and maintenance and it doesnt hurt to be over cautious.
Birdline occassionally has Alexandrines and Indian Ringnecks which require rehoming. Many of thie birds are exceptionally well suited to this due to their friendly, low maintenance nature. Become a full member today and let the Birdline Team know who you are!
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