Fruits to Feed an African Ringneck Parrot

African ringneck parrots, also called Indian ringneck parrots, consume a varied diet in the wild. As a result, it is important to provide them a wide variety of seeds, vegetables, and fruits to ensure they are adequately nourished. African ringneck parrots fed a varied diet can stay healthy and live out their average life expectancy of 25 to 50 years. Always provide fresh fruit; fruit that is over-ripe is not a healthy choice for these birds. Make sure that you offer fresh fruit at least four times a week; daily if you can remove uneaten portions from the cage before they spoil. Since African ringnecks like to dunk their food in water, change the water often to avoid bacteria growth.

  1. Apples

    • Apples are always a good selection for African ringneck parrots. Slices are easy for the bird to grasp in its claws, and they seems to be one of the birds' favorite fruits. They like to drink the juice and readily chew the pulp. Leave the skin on the apple since many of the beneficial nutrients in the apple are found in the skin.

    Oranges

    • Oranges are another good choice. Offer it in small quantities, though. Since oranges have such a high moisture content, if the African ringneck eats too much in a short period of time it can develop loose stools.

    Grapes

    • Grapes are another excellent choice. Their skin makes them another fruit that is easy for the African ringneck to grasp, and they enjoy the juice. Choose grapes that are firm with fresh-looking stems. You do not need to cut grapes before serving them to the bird.

    Melons

    • Melons are a good choice because of their firm texture and high juice content. Stick to cantaloupe and honeydew; watermelon may get too soft too quickly for the African ringneck parrot to hold in its claws.

    Strawberries

    • Make sure that the strawberries you give to your African ringneck parrot are firm and have no obvious blemishes. Watch strawberries carefully as they can quickly turn and start to spoil. When selecting berries, try to find ones that are just ripening since they will be firmer and last longer in the cage that berries that are starting to soften.