The Rose-ringed Parakeet
has established feral populations in India, a number of European cities, South
Africa and Japan. There are also apparently stable populations in the USA in Florida
and California, and a small but self-sustaining population Tehran, Iran, mostly
concentrated in the northern parts of city.
The European populations
became established during the mid to late 20th Century from introduced and
escaped birds. There are two main population centres in Britain: the largest is
based around south London, Surrey and Berkshire, and by 2005 consisted of many
thousands of birds. A smaller population occurs around Margate and Ramsgate, Kent.
Elsewhere in Britain, smaller feral populations have established from time to
time (e.g., at Studland, Dorset, Kensington Gardens).
In the Netherlands and Belgium,
there exist a network of feral populations numbering 5-6000 each in urbanized
areas. In Germany, these birds are found along the Rhine in all major urban
areas between Neuss/Düsseldorf and Heidelberg, and in the northeast of Hamburg.
Other populations are found around Paris and in Barcelona.
The birds in these
populations represent hybrids, originally between varying numbers - according
to locality - of the subspecies manillensis, borealis, and/or (to
a lesser extent) krameri.
However, in some parts of
South Asia - from where the Rose-ringed Parakeets originated, populations of
these birds are decreasing due to trapping for the pet trade. Despite some
people's attempts to revive their population by freeing these birds from local
markets, the Rose-ringed Parakeet's population has dropped drastically in many
areas of the Indian subcontinent.
A blue Rose
ring
These birds where first
spotted and identified by the people of India at least 3,000 years ago, later
color mutations of Rose-ringed parakeets were also bred. The royals prized them
as pets and for their ability to speak. It was a popular status symbol in
Indian culture to have a Rose-ringed parakeet. They were the first parrots
brought to Europe and the Greeks were the first Europeans to breed them. Socrates
is reported to have praised its beauty and ability to speak.[citation
needed] The Romans then bred them for pets, and their beauty
in their aviaries. In the 1920s aviculturists the popularity of the breed began
to increase greatly. Now widely available in the pet trade, Rose-ringed
Parakeets continue to gain popularity. Hand-fed Rose-ringed Parakeets are
regarded as excellent pets if provided with daily attention, though even
parent-raised Rose-ringed Parakeets make good pets when provided with regular
handling and attention. They are generally family birds and are less likely to
bond to only one person. With adequate attention, handling, and love, a
Rose-ringed Parakeet can quickly become a beloved companion.
Rose-Ringed Parakeets are
known to have a unique personality among the greater Parakeets. They are very
intelligent and very independent. Young birds develop their independent side
early in life and at a few months of age will begin to test their limits. This
is known as the 'bluffing' stage, as they will suddenly become irritable and
bite. It is imperative during this stage that they do not get a reaction out of
their bites. Once they learn that they will be left alone if they bite, they
will continue on this path towards tameness. When they are young their
independent side, in some birds, can result in them becoming territorial of
their cage. This is something else that must be carefully dealt with, as if
they do not learn that coming out of their cage is a positive event, they will
become hard to handle once mature. During this period, it is also important to
show the bird plenty of positive interaction and to teach him the basic skills,
such as 'step up', 'step down', 'dead bird' and the towel. After sexual
maturity, it is much harder to build this parrot-human bond.
They enjoy human company
and will be happy to sit on a T-stand and play with toys next to your desk
while you are busy at work. This sort of interaction provides him with the
stimulation he needs and keeps you in his 'flock'. He will begin to resent
attention if it only consists of 30 minutes of active handling a day. Contrary
to belief they love to be scratched on their heads and stroked gently. Well
loved birds often engage in charming mutual preening behavior with their
owners. Their small size makes people tend to compartmentalise them with other
avian who dont need much interaction, but in reality unless given lots of
companionship they soon become nippy birds and tend to show anger by way of
quick bites and screams. They are highly intelligent birds and require a large
amount of mental stimulation. Toys that require them to logically solve a
puzzle to receive a treat are a must. This is especially important if they do
not receive a large amount of human interaction.
Juvenile
Male Rose-Ring
They require a relatively
tall cage because of their long tails. A Rose-ringed Parakeet who will be
spending most of his/her day inside the cage should be kept in a cage about 60
cm (24") wide x 45 cm (18") deep x 90 cm (36") high, though the
larger the better, and the bar spacing should be between 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) and
1.875 cm (3/4 inch). Rose-ringed Parakeets are avid chewers and climbers and
should therefore be provided with chewing toys in their cages. The cages should
be in a place out of direct sunlight and free of drafts. A pet or captive
Rose-ringed Parakeet should be kept in a bird-safe environment.
Captive Rose-ringed
Parakeets are generally fed a nutritionally balanced diet of pellets and seeds
with some vegetables or fruit. It would be wise to rather reduce pellet intake and
give them fresh sprouts, seasonal berries and green leafy vegetables like
dandelion, green peppers and the like. They should always have access to fresh
water in their cages. A daily shower is a must for these tropical beauties. An
atomiser can be used to gently mist water, or water can be placed in a shallow
bowl on top of the cage. Known for their eternally perfect feather condition,
the moisture helps these vivacious birds preen and retain the pristine sheen of
their feathers.
The Rose-ringed Parakeet is
considered one of the best talking parakeets and can learn a vocabulary of up
to 250 words. The speech clarity can be pretty amazing and they have a habit of
practising until perfect and then shocking their owners with an accurately
uttered word. Now these birds come in many mutations, including the common
green, blue, grey and lutino among many other colors.
Just like all Parrots these
little ones have personalities different from one another and tend to be varied
in color as in character. In short this Jewel of Asia in indeed a prized member
of the avian family and a joy to behold providing years of delight to everyone
lucky enough to meet one.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rose-ringed_Parakeet&action=history