Parakeet Care Guide

Congratulations on your decision to bring a new parakeet into your home. The following will help your pet to settle in as quickly and comfortably as possible as well as inform you on its needs.

SETTING UP YOUR NEW CAGE

A Parakeets is a birds that require a lot of room in their cage for adequate housing. They should have a minimum of two perches in their cage. If possible try to acquire perches made up of different materials (such as manzanita, rope, cement) and sizes to keep your bird's feet in good condition.

Toys are very important in a parakeet's life as it provides them with mental stimulation as well as something to do when not out of their cage. Two or three toys are recommended as a minimum however they should be changed at least once a month.

This will give the bird a wide variety of exposures to different things. It is also important not to overcrowd the cage with too many accessories. Your bird will welcome more space rather than a cramped cage.

BRINGING YOUR NEW BIRD HOME

As soon as you arrive home, put your bird in its cage and let it get used to its new environment. Be sure the cage is placed in a spot that allows the bird to freely see, and fell a part of the family activity, but out of the way of constant traffic.

Many birds enjoy being close to a window, which is fine as long as there are no drafts and no chance of the bird overheating. If you plan on placing your cage in the kitchen, make sure it is far away from the stove, and that the room is well ventilated. Teflon coated pans (when used) can excrete a gas into the air that is very dangerous for birds.

After your bird has adjusted to its new home it should be alert and active.

HANDLING

You should let your bird out every day for exercise and amusement. During this time you should NOT leave the bird alone. Constant supervision is always required since parakeets are curious animals.

You should also have a schedule to follow which would include the time(s) you let your bird out of its cage, feeding, as well as cleaning. This way the bird will know what to expect during the course of the day. By doing this you will decrease the stress of the bird being in its cage (if any).

All birds will test their authority at least once in their life by being nippy. If this happens punish your bird right after the deed has been done by putting the bird on the floor for a moment and repeating a simple command such as "no".

This will teach the bird that, even though it is a member of the family, there are some things it cannot do. Do not pull away if your bird bites! This only makes the problem into a game for your pet, eventually he's going to win!