Indian ringneck parrots are popular pet birds with a reputation for being nippy.
The bite force of an Indian ringneck parrot hasn’t been formally measured, but a bite will frequently break the skin and cause bleeding. This suggests a bite force of about 200 pounds per square inch (PSI.)
Bites from Indian ringneck parrots are likely to hurt. While we all have different pain thresholds, do your utmost to train an Indian ringneck out of biting early in life.
Young Indian ringnecks are most likely to bite, especially once they enter the bluffing stage. When an Indian ringneck reaches 4 months old, it’ll be more likely to bite until its hormones calm down.
Once an Indian ringneck settles into adulthood and adjusts to life in captivity, it’ll bite less often. Indian ringnecks aren’t the most affectionate parrots but form strong bonds with their owners.
Do Indian Ringneck Parrots Bite a Lot?
Indian ringneck parrots don’t enjoy the most positive reputation, with some people claiming they’re aggressive and belligerent. This isn’t necessarily true, but this species is prone to nipping and biting.
If you train an Indian ringneck, meeting the bird’s needs without being requested, you’re likelier to enjoy a harmonious relationship lasting 15-25 years.
Warning Signs That an Indian Ringneck is Going to Bite
Common behaviors that immediately precede a bite from an Indian ringneck include:
- Fluffing or flattening the feathers.
- Pinning the eyes.
- Hissing and growling.
- Screaming.
- Opening and closing the beak.
Check for these actions and vocalizations in an Indian ringneck, keeping a safe distance until the bird calms down. If you approach when it wants to be left alone, biting is likely.
Do Indian Ringneck Bites Hurt?
One of the main negatives of caring for Indian ringnecks is they bite hard, sinking their beak into the skin. They’ll hold on tightly, only relinquishing their grip when ready.
An Indian ringneck’s bite force PSI is strong, so it can break human skin and cause bleeding.
Indian ringneck parrots frequently bite human fingers but won’t limit their aggression to this area. They may bite the lip, ear, and face, especially if you physically react.
Why Does My Ringneck Bite Me?
Young Indian ringnecks may peck gently at the skin to display affection. Be careful about how you react because this gentle nibbling can escalate to hard biting once a parrot enters puberty.
Despite their reputation, an Indian ringneck will have a reason for biting an owner. These include:
Bluffing Phase
Bluffing is a form of avian puberty, and just like human teenagers display mood swings and challenging behaviors, an adolescent parrot can be difficult to be around.
When a parrot is bluffing, it’ll seem to change personality overnight.
What was once a sweet-natured and affectionate bird can start lunging, biting, and hissing whenever you approach. This usually begins once an Indian ringneck is about 4 months old.
It could be up to 8 months before an Indian ringneck settles down. As difficult as it may be, be patient and understanding while a parrot goes through the bluffing stage.
Self-Defense
One of the most common reasons a parrot bites a human handler is reacting to a perceived threat. Even if you approach with good intentions, it may fear that you mean it harm.
As explained by the Journal of Experimental Zoology India, ringnecks can understand human emotions. If you previously interacted negatively while upset or angry, it’ll recall this and respond fearfully.
Indian ringneck parrots dislike unnecessary handling and don’t care for attempts to cuddle. If you force an Indian ringneck to interact, it may bite.
Avoid placing this bird on your shoulder if it likes to bite the ears, lips, nose, or facial skin.
Territoriality And Jealousy
Unlike some parrots, Indian ringnecks won’t necessarily bond with one person over all others. With work and training, an Indian ringneck will be happy around everyone in the home.
Despite this, Indian ringneck parrots can become jealous of humans and animals. They love attention, and if they feel overlooked, they can become envious.
Wild Indian ringnecks also display territorial behaviors, as outlined by Biological Conservation. This may be replicated in captivity, with the parrot jealously guarding its cage.
Consider providing an Indian ringneck with two cages (one to spend the day and another to sleep in). Provide positive experiences outside the cage so it doesn’t consider this its only safe space.
Frustration
Indian ringnecks are intelligent and energetic birds that can become frustrated if their needs are unmet. Be mindful of the conditions an Indian ringneck lives in, ensuring it remains happy and comfortable.
Reasons for an Indian ringneck to grow frustrated include:
- Being cooped up in a small cage. An Indian ringneck’s cage should measure at least 36 “x18 “x24″ with bar spacing of at least 1/2″ to 5/8”.
- Not being allowed to exercise for at least 2-3 hours.
- Lack of toys and other intellectual stimulation.
- Growing frustrated during the breeding season.
- Failing to satisfy instincts to bite and chew.
- Being ignored and not receiving enough attention from owners.
Don’t mistake an Indian ringneck’s aloof tendencies for an antisocial nature.
Pain or Sickness
If you can’t identify a reason for the parrot’s antagonism, consider taking the bird for an assessment. If an Indian ringneck is in pain due to sickness or injury, this will be reflected in its behavior and demeanor.
Don’t wait for an Indian ringneck to display visible signs of illness because parrots hide their discomfort.
What To Do if An Indian Ringneck Bites You
As discussed, a bite from an Indian ringneck will likely cause pain and break the skin.
Despite this, try not to react. If you yell at an Indian ringneck, it’s likelier to hold onto your skin, as this attention-hungry parrot may consider this a reward.
If you can, grit your teeth and gently push the bird away from you. Don’t attempt to yank your bird off, as this risks aggravating injury. Don’t immediately walk away or lock the bird in its cage.
Use a firm but gentle command – the word “no” will usually suffice if you don’t overuse this directive. Then, give the bird a chance to calm down of its own accord.
Once it has calmed down, address any injuries. If your skin has been broken, wash the wound with antibacterial soap and apply a bandage.
Monitor the part of the body that was bitten, checking for swelling, redness, and puss. Parrots’ beaks carry bacteria, which can be harmful to human health.
How To Stop An Indian Ringneck from Biting
Indian ringnecks are more prone to biting than most parrot species, but you can still teach them not to succumb to these base instincts.
This involves accepting that your behavior may have unwittingly contributed to the decision to bite.
Effective ways to stop an Indian ringneck from biting in the future include:
- Provide a large cage with toys and enrichment.
- Sufficient one-on-one attention
- Establishing a reliable routine.
- Remain calm when handling the parrot.
- Avoid handling other pets in the parrot’s room.
- Natural biting and chewing behaviors to wear down the beak.
Don’t be misled by the unfair reputation sometimes attached to Indian ringnecks. This species can be aloof and prone to biting, but dedicated training can reduce the frequency of this habit.
