Parakeet Care

Care Level: Beginner

 

Natural History: Originate from the dry grasslands in Australia. The species was first described in 1891. 

 

Age and Sexing: Can live 10-15 years. Males will have a blue cere and females a pink or brown cere.

 

Talking: Yes, parakeets can learn words and phrases to talk, most say males are more likely to learn. 

 

How Many?: The more parakeets you keep, the larger of a cage you will need. A single parakeet will be more bonded to its owner than one with cagemates. Parakeets are flocking birds and if you're not able to give them enough time and attention, it is recommended to get another parakeet to keep them from being lonely and stressed. 

 

Cage Requirements: As large a cage as you can afford with adequately spaced bars so they can't get their heads through them and stuck. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from drafty areas. Multiple perches with varying sizes and textures should be put at various heights in the cage to keep their feet healthy. Cage should be completely cleaned at least every two weeks.  (A lot of cleaning agents fumes are dangerous and potentially fatal to birds, do your research before using any chemical around your bird.)

 

Entertainment: Make sure to offer a variety of toys to your parakeet and rotate them every week or two so they don't become bored. A bored bird can develop behavior problems. For a well bonded parakeet you will want to give it at least 30 minutes of attention outside of its cage daily.

 

Feeding: A varied diet is always beneficial for your parakeet. A good mixture of seed and commericial pellet will help your parakeet get the required nutrition it needs. Fruits and veggies can be offered as well. Cuttlebones should be offered for calcium and keeping the beak healthy. Spray millet can be given as a treat and kept in the cage as a toy that they will break apart and enjoy.

 

Watering: Always keep fresh and clean water readily available for your parakeet. 

 

Bathing: It is important that your parakeet can take a bath, it helps their skin and feather health. This can be accomplished by either offering a small bowl of water that your parakeet can easily get in and out of or by misting your bird with a spray bottle using room temperature water. Never use soap, never soak your bird, and never use a blow dryer to dry them. If necessary you may you paper towels to help dry them.