Are parakeets good pets? Yes, these are a small to medium-sized parrot with long tail feathers in various taxa and is mostly found in warm regions worldwide. The parrot family includes over 393 species, including crows and magpies, and consists of some of the world’s most intelligent birds. There are about 12 different species of parrots. Because of their low price, they are also one of the most popular pet birds in the world. In addition, these small parrots are highly friendly and delightful to be around. Ever wondered how to take care of a parakeet as pet, here we provide all the parkeet care guide for you. Let’s get in to it.
How to Take Care of a Parakeet?
Food
Parakeets need varied diets to thrive. You should avoid feed specific foods to make them intoxicated or possibly kill them. Toxins are also discovered in the seeds of many different fruits. Seeds are a common food source for parrots in the wild, but they can potentially induce bacterial illness, lowering the health and lifespan of your bird. Bacterias can build up over time and overwhelm your bird. You can use parakeet treats to replace 60-70 per cent of your parakeet food. Other difficulties include feeding them rancid nuts by accident and providing them human food that does not suit their needs and could jeopardize their health.
Housing
Have any idea about how big do parakeets get? What size bird cage you should pick. Make sure to get a big cage for your parakeet birds. The horizontal measures should take precedence because parakeets fly horizontally rather than upwards. Never purchase a circular enclosure because it lacks sufficient flight space, and tapering bars near the top of the cage might easily injure a birds tiny feet. The parakeet bird cages should be made of stainless steel. Because parakeets are toxic to many other metals, including zinc, brass, and lead, you should never use a cage that is rusted or chipped. The cage’s floor should be lined with paper towels or copy paper, both of which are better possibilities than newspaper.
Health
Parakeets in good health eat a lot, especially first morning. If the bird loses its appetite, it could indicate that something is seriously wrong with it. Always look for signs of a sick parakeet and assist it with proper care. Also, make sure you have a relaxing sleeping environment. Budgiesleep for about 10 hours every day, mostly at night, but they can also take naps during the day. This birds have a hard time adjusting to drastic temperature fluctuations. However, they can tolerate the temperatures found in most homes. Keep the cage out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
What Should You Feed Parakeets?
Although parakeets are predominantly granivores, they also consume seeds and grasses in the wild, which explains why many feeds on the ground. Budgie, like giant parrots, eat buds, berries, fruits, and tree seeds. You birds need the healthy parakeet food that includes a variety of nuts, including:
- Peanuts
- Hazelnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Walnuts etc
You can feed vegetables to parakeets; make sure to cut it small for smaller beaks. You can feed budgie a variety of vegetables, including:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Green lettuce
You can also give fruits such as apples, apricots, bananas, grapes, and other small fruits (due to sugar content) to parakeets from time to time.
Parakeet Care Tips
Taking care of a parakeet is not a rocket science. Although parrots and other pet birds are not tamed like cats and dogs, they require special care that many people are unfamiliar with. In addition, managing a bird is exceptionally different from handling a domesticated animal, and if done incorrectly, it can be fatal for both the bird and owner. Putting in the effort to handle your bird safely and correctly can go a long way toward ensuring that both you and your bird remain safe and enjoy a long and happy relationship.
Hygiene
It would be best if you cleaned their housing at least once a week, using a pet-friendly detergent and a non-toxic disinfectant. In addition, you must clean water, food bowls, and the rest of the accessories in same manner. Even toys must be cleaned once a week or twice a week because they might become filthy. It is vital to keep your budgies’ living habitat fresh and tidy so that they do not become ill. Like any other bird or mammal, their droppings contain bacteria and other pathogens.
Handling your Parakeet Outside its Cage
Even though the bird can fly in cage, it is an excellent idea to let the bird out once a day for free-flying. Close windows and doors, extinguish candles and be cautious of any threats. The skeletons of birds, as well as their breathing systems, are delicate. Squeezing them too hard can lead to broken bones, organ damage, and various other problems that can lead to severe injury or death. To keep your bird safe, never put too much pressure on any region of its body. Even the friendliest and most tame birds can bite if frightened or otherwise distressed. Allowing a bird to rest on your shoulder places them directly in front of you, putting you at risk of a deadly bite if something goes wrong.
Regular Vet Visits
Even if your parakeet appears to be in good health, they often do not display signs until they are pretty sick. Therefore, you should have your new parrot examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Psittacosis is a deadly bacterium that can infect you and your family, and the vet will most likely test for it. In addition, the veterinarian will test internal and external parasites, yeast, Macrorhabdus fungus, and certain other bacteria.
Grooming
You can teach yourself how to clip your parakeet’s wings. However, proceed with caution and ensure that you fully comprehend what you must do before attempting it. If you’re not careful, you could gravely harm your bird. If your parakeet’s nails grow too long, it will be difficult for him to climb and maintain a secure perch position. Trimming its nails keeps them from becoming too long and becoming hazardous.
Avoiding Certain Food Items
Fatty Liver Disease is caused by birds’ inability to digest high-sugar or high-salt meals. Unhealthy meals have the potential to kill a bird. Some meals are life-threatening, meaning they will kill you swiftly.
- Avocados
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Alcoholic beverages
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Parakeet
Owners of birds face very different challenges than owners of more widely kept pets like dogs or cats. Therefore, there are a few things that all potential owners should be aware of before bringing a bird into their house.
Picking the Right Breed
There are about 100 different kinds of parakeets on the globe. If you go with a breeder, check sure they have a good track record for keeping healthy parakeets. Ensure your budgie is bright-eyed and active when you get them from the store or a breeder. They shouldn’t be unclean, and they shouldn’t have any missing feathers. Examine the budgies’ housing as well, as this can indicate whether or not they were kept in good shape.
Parakeets can be clumsy
Potential parakeet owners should be aware that parakeets can be filthy. They tend to waste a significant percentage of their food and like tossing various items from between the bars of their cages to the floor below.
Parakeets Want Attention
Parakeets are gregarious birds that require much attention. A budgie may not be the best companion for you if you are regularly away from home, whether for business or pleasure. When choosing whether or not a parakeet is suitable for your family, think about how much time you can commit to it. A Psittacula Krameri might not be the best pet for your family if no one is home all day. You may wish to adopt more than one parakeet to keep each other company.
Parakeets can be Noisy
Parakeets can be noisy as pets, singing, chirping, and even screeching. They are skilled imitators, and some species can even learn to speak specific words or phrases. They might sing along with the music or react to your comments. A parakeet may not be the most fantastic choice if you desire a quiet pet.
Conclusion
While parakeets are tiny birds, they require the same level of care as any other pet. Taking care of parakeets needs focus and effort. Before bringing a budgie home, make sure you’re prepared to meet all of its needs. It may take some time for your parakeet to trust you and realize that you are not trying to harm it.