Birds - Parakeet Care

Parakeets are one of America's most popular birdsyou purchase don't contain any small parts that your
today. They make great pets because they are verybird could swallow and choke on.Lots of parakeets
friendly, have a cheerful disposition and are verytake a long time to build trust in their owners. It will
entertaining. They also have very beautiful bright colorprobably be very shy when you first get one. Every
varieties. Parakeets don't require a lot of maintenanceday you should just put your finger in the cage in front
or money.Parakeets are also known as Budgies orof the bird. Eventually it will get the courage to get on
Keets. They are one of the smallest members of theyour finger. If you have the patience your bird will learn
parrot family. They originate from a desert-like area ofto trust you, but some birds even can take months to
Australia where it doesn't rain much, which makesbuild trust.Parakeets love to sing and chirp. They seem
parakeets very hardy birds. There are a variety ofto love when you play music and will often sing along.
colors, such as yellows, dark greens, pastel blues,When you are gone, you might want to leave the
purples, solid whites and many combinations of severalradio on for them. Most parakeets won't learn to talk.
colors. The average life span of parakeets is 8 to 12However, it is possible to teach some of them if you
years.In the wild, parakeets are flocking birds so theyare consistent.Parakeets always need fresh food and
are used to companionship, so it is best to get morewater in the cage. They are vegetarians and like
than one. However, keep the birds separate whenseeds, greens and fruits. Their food should have a
they are young so that they will get used to humans.large variety of millet seeds and grain. Ready made
When they get older then you can put them together.seed mixes are sold at pet stores and supermarkets.
If you plan on keeping just one bird, you should playOther than the seed mix, you should also provide fresh
with it as much as possible. You should also put agreens. However, do not leave these in the cage long
mirror in the cage so that they won't feel so aloneor they will spoil.The best way to keep your bird
when you aren't there.You should choose the largesthealthy is by providing a good diet and by keeping the
cage that you can afford for your parakeet. It needswater and cage clean. Make sure you clean and
to be large enough so that he can comfortably movesanitize all the toys and accessories in the cage also.
around. You will also need room for toys and perches.Birds are very good at hiding illnesses so if you think
The minimum size is 20" X 12" X 18". Parakeets areyour bird is acting strangely at all, be sure to take it to
very playful and inquisitive. Because of this, they enjoythe vet.Parakeets are fun to watch and make a great
playing with a variety of toys. They especially lovecompanion pet. If you provide the correct care for
shiny objects, bells, bright colors and objects they canyour bird and spend plenty of time with it, you will have
move around with their beak. Be sure that the toysa great pet for a long time to come.