Taking Care of a Parakeet

Parakeets make absolutely wonderful pets. They will provide you with plenty of love and affection; however they require the same from you. While parakeets are truly amazing birds, they need a lot from their owners to stay happy and healthy. They are often loud and antsy, to be prepared for some possible sleep disturbances if you’ve never owned one before. Follow my tips and suggestions below for taking care of your new bird.

1. Before you purchase your parakeet, make sure that you have all of the proper supplies. You will need a large bird cage, bird toys, bird seed, cage bedding and a cage cover.

2. When you are picking out your parakeet, make sure that the pet store you choose is reputable. You certainly don’t want to end up with a sick or diseased bird. Do research online about the particular store you choose. Also, make sure that the store is incredibly clean, make sure the animals look healthy and well taken-care of, and make sure that the staff seems knowledgeable.

3. Once you’ve chosen your bird, transport him or her home safely. You will then need to find a good place in your home for the cage. If you live in a climate that has harsh winters, make sure that you aren’t placing the cage anywhere near cold drafts. Parakeets can easily catch a chill and perish because they are tropical birds and they do fair well in harsh weather. They are also very sensitive to smoke, so it’s best if you keep them away from your kitchen area. Also, make sure you rid your home of all Teflon. It is typically found on nonstick pans and it emits harmful toxic gas that may result in the death of your new bird.

4. Make sure to feed your bird every day. Parakeets eat a lot, so make sure they have plenty of bird seed. Also provide them with fruits and leafy vegetables, which will keep them incredibly healthy. It’s also best if you give them “grit” which is a substance that helps them digest their food properly. You can purchase this at your local pet store.

5. Put bird bedding on the bottom of your bird’s cage and make sure to clean the cage often. It should be done at least once a week to keep your bird’s environment healthy and safe.

6. Make sure to provide him or her with plenty of stimulation. There should be plenty of bird toys and perches for them to play with and on. Also make sure that you play with your bird often.

7. If you are gone from home for long hours at a time, you may want to get two parakeets. They are very amiable birds and enjoy the company of others.
As long as you purchase quality food, a large bird cage and give your bird plenty of love, you’ll will have a happy and healthy bird for years and years.