Hello my dear, I have a 1 1/2 yr old Indian ringneck and would love some advice in regards to diet. I live in the US and most pet stores I have went to dont have indian ringneck food. I provide him with daily veggies and fruits and greens along with a dye free Higgins Sunburst food mix which has the white seeds which I think are called hook bills or safflower but I try to avoid the sunflower seeds or limit it for him as it is high in fat. I also give him either walnuts, almonds or pistachios as a treat. I’m afraid Im not providing him with the correct food. I also provide millet daily. I have tried steaming quinoa and oatmeal for him, but he eats a little and then throws his food bowl on the floor. Please let me know what you think. I will appreciate your help
Regards, Serli B.
Let me start out by saying what a beautiful Indian Ringneck! I absolutely love the colors!
You’re already doing a great job offering a balanced diet for your Indian Ringneck. The bird gets a variety of fruits, vegetables, and greens every day, and that’s a great foundation. Fruits are crucial for parrots, as they are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E. Your bird can benefit from fruits such as berries, papaya, mango, and pomegranates. These fruits not only provide hydration but also give your parrot the natural sugars and energy it needs to thrive.
Along with fruits, the veggies you provide, like kale, spinach, and carrots, are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. It’s great that you’re avoiding foods with dyes and limiting sunflower seeds since they are high in fat. The occasional treats like walnuts, almonds, or pistachios are fine, but they should be given sparingly due to their fat content. Millet is good in moderation too, but it doesn’t offer as many nutrients as some other foods.
The safflower seeds in the Higgins Sunburst food mix are fine, but you could consider adding some parrot-formulated pellets and finding a brand that works best for your bird to add more nutrition. These balanced pellets can help ensure your bird gets all the essential nutrients it needs.
I understand the frustration with the quinoa and oatmeal. Sometimes parrots can be picky or take time to adjust to new foods. You might try offering smaller amounts or trying different grains. Sprouted seeds, like lentils or mung beans, are another nutritious option that many parrots enjoy.
One thing to keep in mind is that parrot diets can change with the seasons, so don’t be afraid to switch things up. These birds are highly adaptive and omnivorous, so trying different kinds of foods can be beneficial. Just like in the wild, their diet can shift based on what’s available, and introducing new options keeps things interesting for your bird.
All in all, you’re providing a great diet for your Ringneck. Just keep offering that variety and balance, and maybe try adding in a few pellets or sprouts to round things out.
Looking for help, don’t hesitate to e-mail me at indianringnecks@gmail.com or post on our forum.
Best wishes,
IMRAN-C