Beak Color

[brytiz]

I need info on the beak colors of young IRNs. A friend has 3 and was told that they were mature. However, all 3 have mostly black beaks, not red. Could they possibly be African Ringnecks. We are both puzzled.

Also I do have a proven pair and this is the first time for me to participate with their courting. The female keeps going in her box (which is inside the cage) and scaping the wood. Do they need nesting material and do I need to put it in the box or will the pair place it in? Thanks.

[Neokireina]

If you could get a picture that would be great.
But yeah *usually* the black indicates a more mature bird. But some of my babies have some black some have none so it really doesnt mean much. If you post some good pics we might be able to take a guess based on other factors.

[Jeremy]

Some of my babies have black beaks, others have red beaks, and other have orange beaks.
I think the African Ringnecks have a lot more yellow on them?

Yes, you do need nesting material inside the box, otherwise the eggs could crack or the babies could end up with splayed legs. Ringnecks are not fussy, just put the nesting material inside the nestbox. The Hen will spread it around the way she wants

[Datsun and Family]

This is a link to Phoebe, a members african ringneck.

http://indianringneck.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=242&highlight=phoebe