         |
|
|
|
Parakeets (including English Budgies)This is a smaller member of
the parrot family. With its striking colors and patterns as well as its ease in
taming, the parakeet has become a popular pet. If properly cared for,
parakeets can live up to twenty years. Parakeets are hardy birds who
sometimes talk. Some males build up a large vocabulary and can whistle short
tunes. To tame a parakeet, you need to start young. Only a tame bird will
imitate the human voice. Twilight is the best time for voice lessons. Start with
two or three words and repeat them over and over. Short words with many vowels
are easiest to learn. Parakeets are social birds and prefer to be kept in a
colony setting. If breeding is not desired females can be kept together without
difficulty.
Feeding
A
parakeet's metabolism is very active and can starve to death in as little as 24
hours if it does not eat. Parakeets should eat a staple diet of fresh fortified
parakeet seed or pellet daily. Parakeets only eat off the top of what is
offered, so be sure to check the food daily. Besides a variety of seed mix or
pellet, offer chopped dark green and yellow vegetables and a variety of fresh
fruits in addition to a protein source like mature legumes, hard cooked chopped
egg, and grated cheese. Remove fresh fruits and vegetables within 2 hours of
offering to prevent spoilage. If the bird gets too much liquid from the fresh
fruits and vegetables, the droppings could become runny. Stop the fresh food for
a day to see if this is the reason. Millet Spray also makes an excellent
supplement for parakeets. Parakeets require fresh water each day. Wash and
rinse their water cup out thoroughly prior to adding fresh water to reduce
bacteria growth. Powdered vitamins can be lightly sprinkled on the fresh food,
but putting it in the water can encourage bacterial growth.
Housing
When choosing a cage for
your parakeet, remember length is more beneficial to the bird than height.
Ideally the cage for a parakeet should measure a minimum of 14" long by
16" high and 17" wide. Perches are an essential part of the cage and
should be chosen to suit the feet of the parakeet. Approximately 3" of
perch space per bird is best. A variety of perch sizes, shapes, and diameters
will help exercise the bird's feet and toes. Place perches strategically to
prevent droppings from contaminating water and food dishes and to prevent the
tail from hanging in dishes or on the floor. Toys, such as bells and mirrors, in
the parakeet's cage will keep your bird entertained. Always have a
cuttlebone to supply your parakeet with calcium and prevent beak overgrowth. To
aid the bird in keeping itself clean, we recommend placing a suitable size
birdbath in the cage on a weekly basis. Place your parakeet's cage at eye-level
in a bright area free from drafts and direct sunlight.
HandlingParakeets
enjoy being picked up and petted or stroked. They are inquisitive and
friendly to both humans and other birds. Always supervise children
around any Parakeet, as, when they are frightened, their bites can be
painful. Parakeets are very intelligent and should be trained basic
commands such as to "step up" onto your hand and "step
down" when putting them back into their cage. This will make
handling of the Parakeet much easier as it matures from an easily
handled baby to a more independent adult bird. Parakeets become sexually
mature between 6-9 months of age.
Special RequirementsParakeets
are social birds and prefer to be kept in a colony (family) setting.
They need to have a great deal of socialization and stimulation to
remain a happy, healthy member of your family. To aid the bird in
keeping itself clean, we recommend a light misting with tepid water from
a clean spray bottle on a frequent basis.
|
