Parakeets are the most popular caged birds in the world. The parakeet is a smaller member of the parrot family, and comes from Australia. More than 115 species still exist in their natural habitat of Australia. They are also known by the name Budgerigar. They are very friendly and intelligent birds that enjoy the company of humans. No other companion bird offers such a wide variety of colors. Because of this, parakeets have become popular show birds.
Feeding
In the wild, parakeets feed on grass seeds, eucalyptus leaves, buds and bark and a large variety of greens. Parakeets are vegetarian by nature, and should never be fed meat, milk products or animal proteins, as their digestive system will not be able to process those foods. Parakeets seem to do fine on either a pelleted diet or a "parakeet seed" diet. You should feed finely chopped greens, and other fresh vegetables, every day. The biggest mistake new owners make is thinking that if a seed cup is full, it still has food in it. However, the truth is that parakeets eat the seed and leave the hull behind, often in their dish. So, be sure to refill your parakeet's food supply daily and to give him or her lots of fresh foods too. Don't forget to give fresh water daily. By the way, parakeets love to play and bathe in water.
Housing
Parakeets can be kept individually, in pairs or in large aviary groups. Parakeets need to be able to fly, so your cage must allow for this. Also, keep your pet's cage away from drafts, windows and out of direct sun.
Taming/Handling
Parakeets, especially hand fed ones, can become very tame. They bond well with their human owners. If you decide to only keep one parakeet, then you should give it lots of attention. If you can't play with your bird at least 2 times a day, you should consider buying two parakeets. All parrots are very social and need the company of either humans or another bird.
Special Requirements
Companion birds are very susceptible to bacteria, so the most important thing they need, is that you keep the cage very clean.
Toys are essential for birds in order to prevent boredom.
Always supervise children around any parakeet, because when they are frightened, their bites can be painful.
Parakeets are very sociable birds and like watching the action. Living rooms, family rooms and kitchens are great places to keep your pet's cage.
Care and feeding:
Fresh food and water must be provided daily. In the wild, parakeets feed on seeds, fruits, nuts, berries, blossoms, leaf buds, and some enjoy nectar, insects, spray millet and grains. A parakeet's diet consists of a good seed mixture supplemented with sprouted seed, various fruits, green foods, millet spray (for small parakeets), and for some, occasional mealworms are generally regarded suitable. Different seed mixes for parakeets are available, depending on its size and the strength of its bill.
There are parakeet seed mixes for birds the size of a budgerigar, cockatiel mixes for birds a bit bigger, and conure/small parrot mixes for the larger parakeets. A single small parakeet will eat about two tablespoons of seed a day and a half a cup of fruits and vegetables. A larger parakeet will eat about four tablespoons of seed a day and a cup of fruits and vegetables.
Supplements are very important and can be put in an extra dish and rotated for variety. Some of the supplemental fruits include apples, grapes, bananas, pears, cherries, mangos, oranges, papaya, melons, peaches, and berries. Many garden vegetables that are good include spinach, watercress, field lettuce, poppy, chickweed, dandelions, carrots, corn on the cob, peas, zucchini, green peppers, endive, and sweet potatoes. Additional proteins can be offered on rare occasions and definitely when your parakeets are brooding. Some proteins are cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs, peanuts, monkey chow, and even dog food.
Note: Do not feed avocado as it is toxic to birds! Other foods that are indigestible to birds are raw and green potatoes, all the cabbage family, grapefruit, lemons, plumbs, rhubarb, and dried fruits that have been treated with sulphur dioxide.
Vitamins can be added to the drinking water or the food about 2 or 3 times a week, offer sparingly or not at all if they are being offered a wide range of other supplements. A cuttlebone or mineral block is important for their beak. Bird sand or gravel and oyster shell provides important minerals and can be offered in a separate dish.
The personal hygiene of your parakeet (for those species that like it!) can include a bath or shower two or three times a week to help keep it's plumage in good shape. Different species prefer different kinds of bathes and some do not want a bath at all. Bathing can be accomplished with either a flat earthenware dish that your bird can step into and use it's beak to throw water on itself, or by spraying your bird with a light mist of lukewarm water. Use either a hand held shower sprayer or a hose with a fine spray head.
The wings should be kept trim if you want to discourage flight and to prevent the loss of your pet through an open window or door. The beak needs to be trimmed if it becomes overgrown or deformed. There are many mineral blocks, lava blocks, and other beak grooming items available at your pet store to help your bird keep it's beak in shape. A variety of concrete type perches are also available to help keep the nails trim, but they should be trimmed if they become overgrown. Bird nail trimmers and styptic powder to stop the bleeding are also available at pet shops.
2006-09-25 12:48:38
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answered by meggiepoo94 2
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