Marlene
Welcome to the neighborhood!
So excited to announce that the very handsome Keiba is our Celebirdy for the month of May!
1. How did you acquire your bird?
I had done a lot of research on Indian Ringnecks, unsure at first if I would be ready to add a “medium” sized bird to the flock as I only had small birds (Cockatiels, Quaker, GCC) at the time. I spoke to Indian Ringneck owners, as well as Indian Ringneck breeders, and took notes, many, from their behavior, to interaction and noise level. After thinking over the next couple of months, I was prepared to put in the time, space, feeding and cleaning of a medium sized bird, I had also slightly changed the routine without messing it up completely.
I was definitely not going to just go out and get an Indian Ringneck, even though I knew what I was in for. I emailed a local breeder who breeds Indian Ringnecks, and asked him if he had any babies, he said he had 2 – 1 Blue and 1 Blue Lacewing, I decided on the Blue Lacewing, it was hard, but definitely one of the best choices I have ever made! I love Keiba dearly, he has helped me through hard times, and he means a lot to me.
2. What is your birds name, age and sex?
His name is Keiba, he is 1 year and 7 months old, turning 2 years old on September 14th 2011. He hasn’t been DNA sexed, but going by behavior and others opinions, 100% sure he is a male.
3. Does your bird do any special tricks?
Keiba doesn’t do any special tricks unless you call whistling a trick? He does whistles. I have however, recently started clicker training with him, but it is all new to him, and not sure if any special tricks will happen, but I don’t expect it and don’t mind at all.
4. What are some of your birds favorite foods?
Keiba will eat anything he can get his beak on (food-wise), but his absolute favorite foods are corn, apple, carrot, and toast.
5. What is the funniest thing your bird has done?
Keiba never fails to make people laugh! Most things he does are funny, especially things he says. The newest and funniest thing he started doing is bopping his head up and down while saying ‘dance’ over and over again. He also answers himself while having a little conversation with himself, ‘Boppy’ ? (this is his nickname, lol) followed by ‘What?’. There is a lot of other things, but they are my 2 favorites, he gives kisses and says thank you, too.
6. How has your bird enriched your life?
Wow, tough question. I really couldn’t imagine not having Keiba in my life.. he is so affectionate, sweet, and close to me, he is probably the closest to me out of all my birds actually, we have a bond I don’t have with any of my other birds, and there is not a lot of Indian Ringnecks that are like Keiba, so I think of him different to other Indian Ringnecks. Besides that, he has also helped me through tough times, been there to cheer me up when I am feeling down, cuddle with me while I cry, make me laugh until I am crying, and show me how much joy a bigger bird can bring, and how much of a pleasure it is to have a bigger bird in your life and it be so rewarding. Everything about him makes me love him that much more, he is just amazing and has such a big heart.
7. What would you tell people who are considering this species?
I urge those wanting to get an Indian Ringneck, or those who are looking into getting an Indian Ringneck, to do plenty of research before-hand, it is no good getting the bird, then doing research — there is NEVER “enough” research either, because you will find you will still learn new and different things all the time. Indian Ringnecks are not one of the easiest birds to have to put it simple. They do need a lot of interaction (one-on-one time), as well as they can get quite loud, so both these *especially* need to be taken into consideration when looking into getting an Indian Ringneck.
I will say though, Indian Ringnecks do make a wonderful companion.. they are funny, sweet, and have a great personality, but they are not for everyone, so don’t go out and get one because you think they look awesome and they will do tricks and talk, because let’s face it, it may not even happen! Don’t make the bird suffer because you made the wrong choice and had expectations in your mind only while choosing a bird.
8. What is the activity and noise level of your bird?
Keiba is a very active bird, he loves flying around, climbing on things, chewing, getting into trouble and destroying anything he gets his beak on. (he isn’t big on foraging) As for noise level, well, he isn’t really that loud, once or twice during the day he might let out a scream, but he isn’t constantly loud, he prefers to talk.
9. What are some of your birds quirks?
1) Hanging upside down 2) He likes to glide up and down along the inside top of his cage.
10. If your bird talks, what is the most surprising word or sentence it has said?
‘Boppy?’ (his nickname) followed by ‘What?’.
11. What is your bird’s favorite treat?
Sunflower seeds.
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