A few questions about parakeets while debating purchase?

Question

I'm thinking of buying one, but I'm researching it first. Anyway, I'm wondering about a few things:

1) I read about teflon being fatal to them. We have a frying pan in our kitchen I think- can we still use it if I close the door to the room with the bird? I don't think the household will be happy about getting rid of kitchenware. Also- I have a space heater. I read something about chemicals on some of those too. Are those ok? I frequently use it to heat up my room.

2) Are parakeets very expensive to take care of? I thought that they weren't too bad...food, toys, and some necessities, but I read somewhere that they are expensive. Do avian vets charge a lot for a visit?

3) Question about how much time you need to spend with them. I read they shouldn't be in a cage for more than 8 hours- but I leave at say, 9 AM, and don't get home until around 6 PM. Some days (college days) I'll get home at 9 or 10 PM. I do plan on spending at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours of time with it per day,

But is it ok for it to be in it’s cage for that long until I do get home? Otherwise I don’t see how people that work long hour jobs have parakeets.

4) What should the cage be put on? I was thinking a dresser, but will their poo go out of the cage and get all over the dresser? I don’t mind seeds aren’t as dirty.

Oh a few more:
5) How old are the birds usually sold in places like Petsmart and Petco? Are they young enought to train and be molded? I'd also like to get a male, but I'm not sure if the one's in the store are old enought to be distinguished.

6) When do they molt, and what should I expect?

Answer 1

First- THANKYOUGAWD for someone who cares enough about their possibly soon-to-be-baby to research!! We're a rare breed. lol
I'll try to answer your questions without writing a novel. =)
1) Fumes are harmful to us, and a bird's respiratory system is about 10 times more sensitive than ours. So yes, teflon fumes are dangerous. Just keep your bird out of the kitchen. ALSO: candles that are not soy, any cleaning chemicals (these are harsh!), any type of aerosol product - KEEP THESE AWAY FROM YOUR BIRD!
2) 'Keets are relatively inexpensive, unless they have a medical complication. Avian vet bills are INSANE!!! Honestly, they will run you into the ground, and you could buy about 15 more budgies for the price of one visit to the vet if your birdie gets sick. Food is cheap, you can MAKE YOUR OWN TOYS!!!!
3) You may not like this, but with the schedule you have I don't think it's the right time to get a parakeet. You do understand that this is the same as getting a puppy and expecting it to be alone for 9-13 hours a day, and to be healthy and happy like this- right? A parakeet is as smart as a human toddler. They require the same attention and interaction!!! If you are going to insist on this, you need two birds so they can keep one another company. NEVER leave your birds' cage open when you aren't home to supervise. Yes- they need exercise and excitment, but not at the expense of their safety!
4) It really doesn't matter what the cage is on. Just keep it on a surface that cleans easily. They WILL throw their grit/seed/poops out of the cage and you want something that wipes off easily! And they prefer higher up. On the ground is a no no- this makes them nervous.
5) The birds are still babies in a sense. Usually, between 3 - 5 months. You can't determine sex until between about 6 months to a year. Your best bet is to watch the birds for a long time. Pay attention to how they interactive. You want a male? Go for the bird that is "bullying" the others to establish its space or dominance over a toy /food.
6) 'Keets have no set number of times they will molt in a year. It generally depends on climate change and stress. My baby molts a little more than once a year. Basically, there's just more down fluff floating around and your bird gets a little "scruffy" lookin', due to his feathers thinning slightly and all of the "stubs" of new feathers during the molting process. That usually lasts about 2 weeks, give or take.


Alright- well, it was a novel afterall. lol Sorry! I don't want to sound rude, but please really consider this. I don't think you have the time to devote to a new bird, as these require WAY more than 2 hours a day to hand tame and create a bond with.

If you want more opinions, try http://theperch.net , it's a great community!

Answer 2

1. Teflon emits a vapor which is poisonous. It will kill a small bird before it will make you sick. This only happens if you overheat the pan. The same with a space heater, if its putting out carbon monoxide , the bird will get sick long before you do.

Just keep on eye on your bird when using the heater, and keep it out of the kitchen .

2. The biggest cost , other than a vet , is the cost of the birdseed and an occasional cuttlebone or calcium block. The cage and some toys are a one time expense. You can sometimes get birdcages from places like Goodwill.

Find a local vet and ask for costs. Some vets will have special rates for chldrens pets if they know you cant afford a normal visit.

3. If the birds cage is large enough they will be quite happy living in it. Have a few perches and toys for them to play with.

A very large cage or small aviary will give them room to fly around safely. The normally fly back to their cage since its where the food is .

Some of my birds didnt want to play for more than a few minutes at a time , but they liked having their head rubbed whenever I went past the cage.

Answer 3

well i have a parakeet so here are sme of my thoughts

1. i dont really have a problem with teflon so cany really help u with that sorry
2.my parakeet takes barelly any money u just have to make sure to have food change the beding and theres a treat every once in a while like millet but becides that they are very inexpensive
3.i spend about an hour with my parekeets i have two so during the day when im gone they can be wth each other so they dnt get lonely if ur really worried about them getting lonely get two if u can if u can dont sweat it they will be fine i have a large cage so they have room to fly i still take them out but it's not like there going to die if u dont take them out after 8 hours, most bird like it better in there cage cuz they feel more securey but that dependes on the bird
4. i put my cage on a dresser but the thing is is that they are messy i have a traper around the cage so when they kick and throw there food around it gets traped it helps alot with keeping it clean they are very dirty
5.when i got my birds i new they were both males because they had a slight tint of blue on there nostril so i guess some times they can be distingusted but i really didnt care if i got f or m and it is a good idea to train the birds younger even thow u can when there older it's easer to do it when there young
6. when my birds molt it's usally once a year and they are craby and dont like to be taken out but it could be different with every bird so ur going to have to find out
i hope this was helpful and good luck!

Answer 4

Birds in general are "flock" animals meaning the more the marrier. However if you want it to be your "friend" sit on your finger, talk {only male parakeets talk} then start off with one. If your not home 8 hours of the day these little guys do get bored so a Tv on or radio is a must as silence in the wild often means "danger". It doesnt matter if you get 2 males, 2 females or 1 of each. I have 3 males and 3 females all in the same cage {yes the cage is big enough in fact its big enough for 2 full size macaws}. Dont let them fertilize eggs if you do not want babies, if you can not prevent that then simply put an ad in the paper or up at your local grocery store. Some locally owned pet stores will even take your baby birds but if you take them to a shelter odds are they wont find a home ppl going there often are lookin for cats and dogs Remember get them young they are easier to train the more strips on their heads the younger they are

Answer 5

I use teflon and my guys are in the roon next to it.. Teflon is danerest if you dont put oils in in when heating. Other words dont heat your pan with out any tihnk in it.. and use you exused fans..

Any birds do cost money to take care of. Not all birds have to got a vet.. Just take your bird in for a check every 6 months.. But when you do buy a bird.. Yes do take it to a vet..

Time wise.. They do get used to what time you have.. Just have some safe toys for them to play with.

Answer 6

Wow this is the best I've seen as far as the first 3 responders. I am glad you did research BEFORE getting a keet. I am putting this on my watch list because the advice from all are just great. Please read everything the others have said. I would respond, but would only say what the first 3 said.

Answer 7

dont caze the birds or be a part of the process if you are a real bird lover go to the bird centuries

Answer 8

I think you need to do a lot more reseach and dont need to get a bird untill you can answer these questions on your own