Indian Ringneck Parrot—Talkative, Intelligent, and Colorful Companions in the UAE

The Indian Ringneck Parrot (Psittacula krameri manillensis) is a vibrant, intelligent, and highly trainable parrot species loved for its talking ability, alert personality, and sleek appearance. With its striking green feathers, signature black neck ring (in males), and social behavior, this medium-sized bird is one of the most popular companion parrots in the UAE, especially among beginner to intermediate bird owners.

At Sahara Exotics in Ajman, we offer hand-raised Indian Ringneck Parrots, ready for homes across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates. Each bird is health-checked, socialized, and ideal for families, hobbyists, and first-time bird owners seeking a beautiful and engaging pet.

Appearance and Size

The Indian Ringneck Parrot is admired for its vivid green plumage, long graceful tail, and slim, athletic build. Males feature a noticeable black and rose-colored ring around their neck, which typically becomes visible around 18 months of age. Females and juveniles may lack or have a faint version of this marking.

This species grows up to 38–42 cm in length, with the tail making up more than half of its body length. They usually weigh between 110–140 grams.

Selective breeding has also introduced color mutations such as blue, yellow (lutino), albino, and cinnamon, which are available based on availability at Sahara Exotics.

Behavior and Personality

Indian Ringnecks are alert, active, and intelligent birds. They are known for their clear speech mimicry and can learn dozens of words and phrases when trained regularly. Their voices are sharp, and they often enjoy repeating sounds and practicing phrases throughout the day.

Key personality traits include:

• Independent yet social

• Can bond well with consistent interaction

• May go through a “nippy” phase during adolescence (usually manageable with training)

• Enjoy foraging, flying, and climbing

They thrive in households where they can interact daily with people, explore outside their cage, and stay mentally stimulated through toys and routines.

Housing in the UAE Climate

Indian Ringneck Parrots require ample cage space for movement and wing stretching. A minimum cage size of 24 x 24 x 36 inches is recommended, but larger is always better. Horizontal bars allow for climbing and physical activity.

Recommended setup:

• Multiple perches of varying thickness

• Chew toys and foraging activities

• Natural lighting or bird-safe indoor light

• Quiet space, free from constant disturbance

• Temperature control between 22°C and 28°C for comfort

In the UAE, it’s essential to avoid placing the cage near air conditioning drafts or in direct sunlight. Indoor housing is ideal, with supervised outdoor play only in shaded, secure aviaries.

Diet and Nutrition

A well-balanced diet is key to keeping an Indian Ringneck healthy, active, and colorful. Their diet should include a variety of nutrients from pellets, fruits, and vegetables.

Suggested daily diet:

• High-quality parakeet or small parrot pellets

• Fresh fruits like apple, banana, papaya, pomegranate

• Leafy greens and vegetables (spinach, carrots, bell peppers)

• Soaked seeds or minimal quantity of unsalted nuts

• Fresh, clean water changed daily

Avoid sugary, salty, and fatty human foods. Also, chocolate, avocado, caffeine, and alcohol are toxic and must be kept away.

Lifespan and Care

Indian Ringneck Parrots can live 25 to 30 years with proper care. While they can be independent, they require daily attention, gentle training, and enrichment to remain emotionally balanced and mentally sharp.

Socialization from a young age helps prevent fear or biting habits. These birds respond well to positive reinforcement, consistent schedules, and gentle tone of voice.

At Sahara Exotics, all our Indian Ringnecks are raised with daily handling, ensuring they’re used to human interaction, household sounds, and basic hand-taming routines.