This article provides a short course on Parakeet Care 101, which includes information on basic care requirements for these birds, including housing, feeding, maintenance, and health.
If parrots were cars, then parakeets would be economy models. You can get the intelligence and playful personality of the larger parrots for a fraction of the cost by getting a parakeet, also known as a Budgerigar. Additionally, parakeets require less maintenance than the larger parrot species do.
Native to Australia, parakeets are among the smallest members of the parrot family and are popular pets. Like their larger relatives, they are intelligent, playful, and affectionate when socialized. They are also easy to train. Parakeets have a long lifespan. They can live to 15 years old, and there are accounts of them reaching 30 years!
Parakeet Care: Housing Your Pet Parakeet
The enclosure for your parakeet should be at least 18β³ wide x 18β³ long x 18β³ high. Parakeets are active birds who need room to exercise and flap their wings. If you plan to get more than one bird, your enclosure will need to be much larger.
The cage bars should also be no more than half an inch apart to prevent your parakeet from getting its head stuck or escaping. Horizontal bars are preferred as they allow your parakeet to climb and exercise.
I recommend that you avoid homemade cages made of galvanized wire or wood. If ingested, these materials can be toxic to your parakeet.
Choosing a Location For the Enclosure
When keeping parakeets, it is also important to consider where you will place the enclosure. Avoid areas of the home where there are drafts. Also, the temperature of the space should be considered. Parakeets prefer a temperature between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is no problem for Brevardβs Space Coast. You will also want to avoid places where there are extreme temperature changes.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you want to avoid placing the enclosure where it may be exposed to the same airspace as the kitchen. Cooking with nonstick cookware, such as Teflonβ’, produces fumes that are harmful to birds when inhaled.
If possible, place the enclosure in an area of the home that people frequent. Parakeets are social animals, and the presence of people will keep your bird connected with you. But here is the paradox! You also want to provide a place for your parakeet to retreat when it wants solitude. What is a pet parent to do? Buying a nest box can meet this need.
Picking the Perfect Parakeet Perch
I highly recommend that you furnish the enclosure with a variety of perches. The perches should be positioned at different levels and be of various widths. Providing different perch widths will help prevent your parakeet from developing pressure sores.
The minimum width of the perches should be 3/8 inches in diameter. If the perch is too wide, your parakeet cannot grip it.
Also, do not place the perches above water or food dishesβunless you want to turn mealtime into a βpoopyβ situation! Birds naturally relieve themselves wherever they are perched, so keeping their dining area poop-free ensures a healthier and more pleasant environment for your feathered friend.
Enrichment Toys to Keep Your Parakeet Stimulated
Parakeets are intelligent, curious, and active birds. Toys and other accessories in their enclosures offer the mental and physical engagement parakeets need to stay happy and healthy. They may become bored and resort to harmful behaviors like feather plucking without opportunities to stay occupied.
I recommend that you switch toys regularly. As with children, parakeets can get bored when they experience the same toy repeatedly. I like to switch one toy at a time to avoid causing stress.
When selecting toys, choose ones made of paper, cardboard, or plastic that are too hard for your bird to bite off and swallow. Softwood toys are also good. Do not use toys made of lead-based paints, zinc, or other potentially toxic materials.
Lighting
Your parakeet needs ultraviolet light to stay healthy. Ultraviolet light allows your petβs body to produce vitamin D. We recommend purchasing a full-spectrum UV light for the enclosure.
Housekeeping
The enclosure should be spot-cleaned daily by removing soiled material and uneaten food. The water and food dishes should be washed daily. We recommend replacing any bedding and substrate once a week.
When using cleaning agents, only use ones formulated for pets, as aerosolized fumes can harm birdsβ respiratory systems. I use a 3% bleach solution when washing the enclosure and accessories.
Parakeet Care and Nutrition Tips
Feed your parakeet a mixture of formulated pellets and fresh foods to keep it healthy. Between 60-70% of your petβs diet should consist of formulated foods, while 20-30% should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as:
- Squash
- Leafy greens
- Sweet potatoes
- Peppers
- Carrots
- Apples
- Pears
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Mango
- Papaya
Foods that you should never give to parakeets are:
- Avocados
- Onions
- Garlic
- Macadamia nuts
- Caffeine
- The pits of any fruits
- Apple seeds
- Processed foods
- Dairy products
- Meats and eggs
Grooming Your Pet Parakeet
Wing and nail clipping are commonly done to keep parakeets healthy and safe. Clipping the wings prevents the bird from flying away. Birds with clipped wings can safely fly to the ground but have minimal lift. Wing clipping should only be done by a veterinarian or a trained professional every few months.
Depending on the bird, nail clipping should be done as needed, ranging from every few weeks to every few months. Like wing clipping, this task is best performed by a veterinarian or trained professional to ensure your birdβs safety.
Bathing is another essential part of grooming. Fortunately, you will not need a veterinarian for this one! Provide your parakeet with a large enough water dish for bathing. If your parakeet is stubborn and refuses to use the water dish, try misting it with a sprayer several times a week.
Where to Buy a Pet Parakeet
Most pet stores sell parakeets; however, I recommend getting your bird from a breeder. While you may pay more from a breeder than at a pet store, purchasing your parakeet from a breeder has advantages.
Professional breeders tend to be more attentive to their birds, which makes them healthier. They also have more knowledge of their animals since they raised them.Β One aviary where you may find your perfect feathered pet is Feathered Treasures Aviary, located near Gainesville in North Central Florida. No matter where you go and who you buy from, do your due diligence to ensure they are a safe and reputable place.Β
If you intend to train your parakeet, purchase a young bird, as they are easier to train.
Parakeet Care: What to Look Out For
When selecting your parakeet, you want to look for signs that it is a healthy bird. These signs include:
- Active and alert.
- Feathers are brightly colored and smooth.
- Eyes are clear and bright.
- No discharge from the nostrils.
- Healthy, smooth skin.
- A clean vent.
There is a reason for concern if:
- The droppings are watery and loose.
- The droppings are discolored (the standard color is brown-green with a small amount of white).
- The vent is moist, or fecal matter is stuck to the feathers.
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Discolored feathers
- Sneezing
- Tail bobbing
- Open mouth breathing
- Overgrown beak or nails
- Broken or missing feathers
- Trouble balancing
- Weaknesses
We hope that you found this article informative! Space Coast Pet Services is a team of experienced and professional pet sitters and dog walkers serving central Brevard County. Please check out our in-home pet and bird care services at Space Coast Pet Services.
You can also visit our website for frequently asked questions.
In the comments, share any tips we may have missed when caring for your pet parakeet, and we may include them in the article! We look forward to hearing from you!
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