Hello Imran-C, my name is Reinhardt, I would love to have your advice on my 2 IRNs’ diets and how to have a caged IRN become a free bird, the 2 of them are both male, they follow the same diet but friend it kills me to feed them the same seeds and occasionally give them a bite of the fruit they should be eating every day (yes seeds only every day since I had them which is like ±2 years), I know the diet I have them on is a death-trap waiting to happen, We don’t have a lot of money so to buy all the fruits and nuts they need is kind of difficult and I could really use an Expert’s advice on this My two ringnecks are my everything, I love their energy,they’re the two most lovable extroverts, they’re very demanding as certain points though like when I eat snacks or something, I’m obligated to share😂
Then about the caged IRN, my one ringneck is a green/teal blue mixed breed and he is a free bird he walks around, etc. But my other ringneck is a teal blue pure breed and he has been caged every since I have had him, he was tamed as far as I was informed, he looks fully grown so I don’t know if it’s still possible to earn his trust or tame him again, I’m concerned that he is getting extremely bored, I’m not sure if he is just getting new feathers or if he is pulling feathers but I cleaned his cage recently and it looked like a fireworks of tiny teal feathers and big blue tail feathers had gone off everywhere in his cage, I have been wanting to uncage since day one and I really need help doing so
Kind regards, Reinhardt
Hi Reinhardt,
Thank you so much for your message! It’s clear how much you love your two Indian Ringnecks, and it sounds like you’ve done a lot to care for them with what you have. That kind of love and commitment really matters.
First, don’t feel too bad about feeding seeds. Seeds are not always bad. In fact, ringnecks in the wild often eat lots of seeds, especially during times when food is limited. What’s important is balance. Just like people, parrots do best with a mix of different foods. Pellets can help because they are made to have many nutrients, but remember—they are man-made and not everything about them has been deeply studied yet. Some parrots do really well on pellets, others may not. The key is moderation in everything. A mix of seeds, veggies, fruits, and a few healthy nuts here and there is a good start.
My own parrots, Archimedes and Anikin, have been on a base seed diet with some pellets, fruits, and vegetables for most of their lives. They’re now almost 25 years old and still very healthy, active, and strong. That just goes to show that a balanced diet with love and care can go a long way.
In the wild, ringnecks eat simple meals—often just one type of food at a time. During spring and summer, they eat more fresh and nutrient-rich foods, but in other seasons, they eat what’s available, even if it’s not as healthy. So don’t stress too much—do the best you can, and even a small slice of apple or a leaf of spinach here and there is better than nothing.
You can even share some of your own food with your ringneck, as long as it’s safe for birds. Things like plain cooked rice, veggie pasta, steamed veggies, or even dry rice can be fun treats. These parrots love all kinds of foods and are not too picky. When you cut up vegetables for your dinner, just save a few extra pieces for your parrot. You can also sprout some of your seeds in a jar right at home—lentils are super cheap and easy to sprout in batches. It’s a great way to give your bird fresh, healthy food without spending much money. Be creative! Even simple things like spinach stems or tiny bits of sweet potato can go a long way.
If money is tight, try low-cost veggies like carrots, green beans, or leafy greens. You can also grow small things at home like spinach or herbs in a container. Many birds also enjoy cooked brown rice or a bit of scrambled egg once in a while for protein.
Taming a ringneck is an art, not a quick fix. In my book, I talk about something called the Taming Triangle. It focuses on three important areas—training, taming, and bonding. When you work on all three, you really increase your chances of having a happy, tame ringneck. I always suggest mixing this with positive reinforcement, like giving treats, praise, or gentle time together when your bird shows good behavior. I’m using this method right now with a female ringneck named Ocean. She was nervous at first, but after just one year, she’s becoming quite remarkable. It takes time, but it’s worth it.
As for your caged bird, yes—it’s still possible to build trust and help him enjoy being outside the cage. It just takes time and patience. If he’s molting (losing feathers naturally), that might explain the feathers everywhere. But if he’s pulling them out, that’s usually a sign of boredom, stress, or frustration.
Try sitting near his cage and talking to him softly every day. Offer treats like a small piece of fruit from your hand without forcing him to take it. Open the cage door and let him come out when he’s ready. Some birds take days, others take weeks or longer. You can even try putting his cage next to the other ringneck so he can see that being outside is safe and fun.
With love, patience, and time, many birds come around—even older ones.
You’re doing a great job, and your heart is in the right place. Keep going—you’ve already taken the most important step by reaching out and caring.
