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- Training & Behavior
New to parakeets? Essential care tips for first-time owners.
Parakeets, also called Budgerigars, are small members of the parrot family and they can become good mimics. The average adult size is 7 inches long, head to end of tail. The average life span is between 10 to 20 years with proper care. A well-balanced Parakeet diet consists of: Specialized pellets should make up 60-70% of diet, fresh vegetables and fruits and small amounts of fortified seeds Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water, changed daily. Do not feed birds: avocado, fruit seeds, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol; it can cause serious medical conditions. Avoid sugar and high fat treats. Things to remember when feeding your Parakeet: Fresh food and water should always be available. Vegetables and fruits not eaten within a few hours should be discarded. Remember, treats should not exceed 10% of total food intake. Housing Parakeets acclimate well to average household temperatures, not to exceed 80°F; be cautious of extreme temperature changes. The habitat should area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A habitat approximately 18"W x 18"D x 18"H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1-2" apart, makes a good home for one Parakeet. A flight habitat is strongly recommended. It is best to provide the largest habitat possible. Perches should be at least 4" long and 3-8" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. Perches should be at least 4" long and 3-8" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with habitat paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning. To avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches. Parakeets can be kept alone to bond with pet parent or in pairs to bond with each other. Different birds she not be housed together. Normal Behavior Parakeets are talkers, but their little voices are sometimes hard to hear. Active and need daily time out of their habitats to interact with family. Keep in pairs if unable to devote daily interaction time. Provide foraging toys, which provide important mental stimulation. Housing Maintenance Clean and disinfect the habitat and perches regularly; replace substrate or habitat liner weekly or more often as needed. Replace perches, dishes, and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat regularly. Ensure that there are no habitat parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead-based paints or galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird. Do not use a lot of cleaning agents around your bird a natural cleaner. Grooming & Hygiene Provide filtered, chlorine-free, lukewarm water regularly for bathing; remove the water when done. As an alternative, mist the bird with water. Clipping flight feathers is not necessary, but when done correctly it can help prevent injury or escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird. Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird. Signs of a Healthy Animal: Active, alert, and sociable Eats and drinks throughout the day Dry nares and bright, dry eyes Beak, legs and feet normal in appearance Clean, dry vent Smooth, well-groomed feathers Common Health Issues Chlamydiosis: Appetite loss, fluffed feathers, nasal discharge, green stool. Seek immediate avian veterinary attention. Diarrhea: Fecal portion of stool is not formed. Multiple causes from diet change to internal parasites. Consult with an avian veterinarian and ensure proper diet. Feather plucking: Bird plucks own feathers; may be due to boredom, poor diet or other illness. Consult your veterinarian and relieve boredom with attention, new toys or new space. Mites (scaly face and leg disease): White deposits on eyes, beak, legs, and feet. Consult your veterinarian. Red Flags Beak swelling or accumulations Fluffed, plucked, or soiled feathers Sitting on floor
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Training & Behavior
Are parakeets fun pets? Do they get along with other animals?
Whether or not a parakeet is a good pet for you depends on what you are looking for in a pet. In terms of being around other animals, for the most part they should be kept separate from larger animals like cats and dogs because they are small and easily injured and a dog or cat may consider them a prey animal and attack the bird or unintentionally hurt them through play. When we let our parakeet out we are sure to keep our dog outside. If your parakeet is hand-raised then it can be trained/handled and will sit on your shoulder or finger and interact with you. If you get a parakeet from a typical pet store like petsmart then these birds are not hand-reared and aren't likely to be hand-tame so they are entertaining to watch, but not easy to get out of their cage. They can be entertaining birds, and like to play, but they can be noisy at times, and can also be messy, spreading feathers and pieces of food around the outside of their cage.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Vet Q & A
My parakeet is puffed, tail bobbing, sleeping. Can't afford vet.
Sorry to hear about Sky, but is sounds as if he is having respiratory problems (due to the tail bobbing). I would reach out to the Humane Society for help. It is important to seek help quickly as it sounds as if Sky is fairly sick. At home, providing heat support in the range of 85-90 degrees. This sometimes stimulates the immune system but will not replace seeking a veterinarian. Sorry I can't help more. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Food & Nutrition
What's the best senior food for my aging Quaker parrot, a rescue?
Feed mainly a commercial pelleted diet such as Harrison's, Lafeber or Higgins pellets. This should make up about 80% of the diet. The other 20% can be a mix of a fortified seed mix and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Training & Behavior
What are the best toys for parakeets to chew on and play with?
There is no one perfect toy for all parakeets. They need toys that can be destroyed and toys that can't. Cardboard boxed, paperback books work well. Forging toys to stimulate puzzle solving, can be beneficial. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
