RINGNECKS, MOUSTACHES & PLUMHEAD PARAKEETS (Small Asiatic Parrots)

DESCRIPTION - These birds originate from Pakistan to China to the South Pacific and belong to the
Psittacula genus. Sex can usually be determined by the 2nd or 3rd year. Ringneck males develop a ring. Fasciata
moustache males have a red beak and females have black. The Plumhead male develops a plum-colored head.
The Ringneck Parakeet is an intelligent flocking bird. It can be tamed and taught to talk. They are long and graceful
with the males having a distinctive ring around their neck. The most common color is green. Breeders have
developed blues, yellows and a wide variety of mutations. In the Middle East it is common for ringnecks to be
caught from the wild and tamed by stroking their heads. It is important to play with your ringneck regularly to keep it
tame. The Mustache Parakeet is related to the Ringnecks, they are quite different in personality. They are mellower and not as loud as
the Ringnecks, though, the Mustache Parakeet is described by many as "feisty". The Moustache is among the most stable of the
Psittaculae. They are often calmer than the Indian and African Ringnecks as well as the Plumhead. They are excellent eaters and will
sample new foods that other birds may pass up. They can talk rather clearly, and they speak with much more clarity than the
Ringnecks, although they may not say that much. It is important that Mustache Parakeets are handled regularly from a young age, as
they can become aggressive if they are not well socialized and handled regularly. This is a smaller parrot with a lot of personality. They
are known for being 'opinionated' as they are intelligent. The Mustache Parakeet can often talk, though they are not as clear of speech
as some of the larger parrots, such as the African Grey. In the wild this bird is often seen in flocks of 10 to 50
individuals. The average lifespan of the Mustache Parakeet is 20 to 25 years. The Mustache Parakeet is famous
for its moustache-like markings on the sides of its face that resemble a moustache! They are a medium sized
parrot, averaging 13 inches in length (33 centimeters) and 100 to130 grams in weight at maturity. The male
Mustache Parakeet has green plumage with a grey head. They have pretty markings on their heads and faces.
The area around the eyes is greenish and their heads have a pretty bluish tinge. Moustaches have a thin line over
their foreheads and wide stripes on their cheeks. They have beautiful pink plumage on their breasts, throat and
upper abdomens, making them very attractive birds. Wings are colorful and the bills are red. Females generally
have a duller pink color on their chests and their middle tail feathers are shorter than the male's feathers.
Immature birds have shorter tails, light pink bills, and the incomplete cheek stripes.
CAGE - Get the largest cage you can with proper bar spacing (nothing over 7/8). A good size is 2 foot square and 2 foot high. Make
sure the bars and welds are strong. The door must be large enough to easily get the bird in and out. Use various diameter perches,
to 1". Safe, natural woods are best. A concrete perch helps keep nails and beaks trimmed... Plain or black & white newsprint on the
cage floor is easy and cheap. Change it daily. If you use a bedding substrate, make sure the bird can't ingest it. Be alert to keep it clean
and free of mold, which can be toxic. Kitchens are bad locations for birds because of their sensitive respiratory systems. Ventilate
whenever you use ANY pots, appliances or heaters with non-stick surfaces. Such overheated surfaces can kill bids anywhere in the
house in a few minutes. Even with clipped wings, some birds can fly, especially when startled. Block or cover minors. Make sure ceiling
fans are off when birds are out and any bowls of water are covered and toilet seats down. Don't take your bird outside unless caged
and supervised. Keep a dean cuttlebone and mineral block in the cage.

LIGHTS - A full-spectrum light above the cage provides Vitamin D which is filtered out by window glass. Birds enjoy a window view
but make sure the area doesnt overheat and there's no draft. Check by holding a candle steady to see if the flame flickers. Birds must
be able to self-regulate temperatures by moving away from the sun. Bids need 10-12 hours of rest daily. Consider a cage cover.
FOOD - Birds need balanced nutrition. Never feed a seed-only diet. Small Asiatics usually need a higher protein diet than most other
parrots. Feed a good parrot mix that includes dried fruits and veggies, along with a pelleted diet. Also offer fruits, veggies, cooked
brown rice and beans, wheat bread, pasta, well-cooked eggs, unsweetened cereals and greens. Spray greens with vitamins. Never
feed avocado, raw peanuts, chocolate or alcohol which has toxins. Avoid sugared, salted foods. Remove soft foods after 2 hours.
These birds also tend to need a higher Vitamin A diet. It's not necessary to supplement unless your bird is not eating a complete diet.
Wheat grass and spirulina seem to aid health, feathering and fertility. An avian lacto-bacillus supplement aids digestion and helps
prevent problems due to stress. Birds like heated food but check for hot spots before offering any. Clean water is vital. If you use a tube
waterer, scrub daily, as well as food bowls. Provide extra protein at molting.
BATHS - These birds enjoy being misted or simply jumping into the water bowl. Usually a sink will make them feel insecure.
Vacuuming seems to trigger a major bath. Change water immediately after use. They usually bathe more during molting season.
Ringnecks go through nasty molts once or twice a year. They may look sick but aren't. Many will try to hide until they look beautiful
again! Parrots prefer cool-ish water to bathe. Use a non-slippery container.

ILLNESS - Keep wings and nails clipped to avoid accidents. Stop bleeding with flour. Learn what normal droppings look like so you
can spot abnormalities. A sick bird won't talk or eat well, may appear fluffed or show respiratory symptoms, or will sit on the cage floor.
Prompt vet care is essential. Provide warmth for ailing birds and during vet trips. Bring a recent dropping. When moving the cage,
remove swings and anything which protrudes. Avoid spray products near birds, like hair spray, perfume, cleaning products, air
fresheners or anything with fumes: nail polish, potpourri, scented candles. If in doubt, ventilate or move the bird temporarily. Be vigilant
during holidays about non-stick bakeware, aerosol products and supervision around visitors. Make sure the bird gets its rest. Invest in a
recent book which includes a good section on first aid.
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Courtesy of Berks County Bird Club (http://www.berkscountybirdclub.com/)