It is not permissible to keep Rose-ringed parakeets as pets casually in China.
Rose-ringed parakeets, also known as ring-necked parakeets, are classified as a second-class protected animal in China. This means they cannot be kept as pets by individuals. For these animals to be bred and kept in captivity, two conditions must be met. Firstly, the species should be either encouraged for artificial breeding by the state or be of foreign origin. Secondly, they must be purchased from a licensed breeding farm. Setting aside the first condition, the second requires that the birds must be obtained from a licensed breeding facility. Currently, there are no such licensed breeding farms for these parakeets in China. Even if some people are keeping them, they are likely to have been illegally captured from the wild. Therefore, legally owning a Rose-ringed parakeet is not currently possible in China. Fortunately, there are many other parrot species that are permissible to keep as pets in China, such as Cockatiels, Sun Conures, and Budgerigars. These birds are also very intelligent and interesting companions.
Legal Parrot Species for Pet Ownership in China
Here are some of the parrot species that are legal to keep as pets in China:
1. Budgerigars (Parakeets)
Budgerigars are hardy, brightly colored pet birds that can be very affectionate and are capable of learning to mimic human speech. They are not afraid of humans and are rarely sick, making them popular pets. Budgerigars are active, easy to train, and one of the most common pet birds globally, with a population exceeding five million. They are legal to buy, sell, and keep as individual pets.
2. Lovebirds
Lovebirds are named for their strong pair bonds. They are known as "lovebirds" because they often mate for life. Like other parrots, they form close relationships if they receive sufficient care and attention. Lovebirds are one of the smallest parrot species, with most having green plumage, though artificial breeding has produced many color variations.
3. Cockatiels
Cockatiels are beautiful parrots with melodic calls that many find captivating. However, they tend to be timid and shy, and not suited for group living. They are one of the most common medium-sized parrots worldwide, measuring 32-33cm in length with a lifespan of 20-36 years. Common color varieties include white, gray, and pearl. Cockatiels are also one of the parrot species that are legal to keep as pets in China as of 2021.