Pet Parakeet Care: Is This the Right Bird For You?

Budgie or parakeet can bite and be temperamental depending on their surroundings and how you handle them as the smallest member of the cockatoo family, parakeet birds are some of the most popular pet birds in the world. This means that if you have grabby children that like to pull tails or squeeze birds, the parakeet may not be the best choice for a pet.

On the other hand, parakeet birds don't require as much attention as larger members of the cockatoo family, thus they would be a good pet if you work long hours and are away from the home for a majority of the day. A sad parakeet is an unhealthy parakeet because they tend to stop eating and drinking and plucking away at their feathers - none of which are beneficial behaviors.

The budgerigar (budgie) is a small native Australian bird that is often referred to in other countries as a parakeet. However, they make up for their diminutive size through their intelligence. You can very quickly tame a new pet budgie bird, especially if you hand feed them from the day that they are brought into your house.

Both the males and females of the species can talk; but, in general, your better bet is to buy a male budgie bird if you want to increase the chances of getting one that does. It is difficult to tell the two sexes apart when budgerigars are young but as they grow older the color of the area surrounding its nostrils on its beak will change color - blue in males, brown in females. However, there is a chance that this method of sexing your budgie is not reliable because of the different color variations exhibited by different budgies.

Pet Parakeet Care: Best Tips to Make a Perfect Home

Home For a Parakeet - Best Tips to Make a Perfect Home

Before you bring your parakeet home to your folks you would like to ensure that you have everything he wants set up. If you're going to be housing him in a cage within, then an appropriate cage and accessories already set up and waiting for his arrival would be a great idea.

If on the other hand you're going to put your new bird in a bird house, you need to have all that set up outside, prepared to just open the door and set him free. Both options make a great home for parakeet.

With a cage option, you must ensure that the cage is spacious enough for the bird to feel space. They like to fly, forwards not upwards, and they like to climb too so there are a couple of things to think about when employing a cage as home for parakeet.

Firstly the scale of the cage, which is truly dependent on the amount of residents there'll be. As a minimum for one bird, the cage should be 16x16x16 inches, but there is not any harm in having a much bigger cage than this.

A special parakeet cage will come with a pull out bottom tray which keeps the bird away from droppings, and makes it straightforward to scrub the tray out.

You must confirm the birds head doesn't hit the apex of the cage that his tail doesn't touch the floor or sides, and there's plenty of room for him to stroll, climb and have a laugh.

Talking of climbing, parakeets love to climb. Ensure that the bars round the cage are horizontal as this provides a more comfortable climbing experience, instead of vertical bars. You also have to make sure that the bars are spaced suitably apart so that your pet can't put his head between them and strangle himself.

Ensure there are no sharp items in the cage environment and that there is not any lead anywhere. Lead can be lethal to birds. If on the other hand you are using an out of doors bird house for your new pet, and this can be home for a parakeet, guarantee there are no deadly plants or substances in the bird house. Make special care to see that there's no lead metals anywhere, nor any sharp objects the bird could fly into.

Again with the dimensions of the openings in the wire round the bird house, confirm there isn't any space for the bird to stab his head through. This can lead to hideous issues, completely avoidable by putting some attention to your home for a parakeet.

In every case, have lots of perches available. Differing kinds, and sizes mean the bird is inspired to get some great exercise, and with an outside bird house, really there's no limit. You may have small enclosures he'll fly into and hide, you may have tree branches, little bushes, natural water (pumped and filtered) pools, and lots of other items that keep him having a great time, and that gives him plenty of reason to play.

With an indoor cage confirm there's sufficient room within for him to get to his food and water. You may have rope perches, swings, and other decorative items for your new pet to play on, making a great home for a parakeet. Mirrors and bells have frequently been seen in parakeet cages.

Cages should be cleaned out frequently ensuring there isn't any waste around anywhere. Change and clean feeders daily and watch for dust and other particles getting into the environment.

Pet Parakeet Care: What To Do When Your Pet Bird Gets Sick

What To Do When Your Pet Bird Gets Sick

Like other pets, your parakeet can get sick but unlike other pets your birds illness can become serious, even life-threatening, very quickly. If your bird is acting even the slightest bit ill you should get him to your veterinarian right away since birds can go downhill very fast.

Sometimes, however you can get your bird to the veterinarian right away so here are some steps you can take to help care for your sick bird.

first off, you want make sure that you sick parakeet stays warm. Keep his cage out of many drafts and you might want to try using a grow light ( the same kind you use to grow plants) aimed at the cage but placed in such a way so that your bird can get out of the direct light if he gets too hot.

If you find that your bird is just sitting on the bottom of the cage and is to sick to even sit on his perch, then you might want to move into a hospital cage for better safety. A glass aquarium can make a great hospital cage. Put a towel or some newspaper on the bottom of the cage and put shallow bowls of food and water where your bird can get to it. Newspaper can be kind of slippery so you want to put something that has a little more grit like paper towels on the bottom so that your bird isn't sliding around.

If you can get a freestanding low perch in the aquarium this is perfect in case you bird wants to perch. Position the light so that It shines and to only one side so that the bird can get out of it if he gets too hot.

if you don't have an anti-aquarium readily available than you can make a few changes to your bird's regular cage. Cover most of it with a towel to keep in the heat input the birds food and water dishes on the bottom of the cage where he can get to them. Also, if you have a freestanding parts put this on the bottom two.

You've got to make sure that your bird keeps up his strength as he can easily become weakened by lack of food and water. electrolytes can give your sick bird some quick energy and if he is a hand fed bird then you might see if he'll try taking a few drops of a sports drink from a spoon or eyedropper. If you have a hand feeding formula ready mix that up with some of the sport strength instead of water and see If you'll take that. if you bird is eating on his own make sure that he's getting enough and maybe offer him a tree like a spray millet so that he can get some quick energy. Make sure he also gets enough water.

If you bird is bleeding you need to provide emergency care before you can get them to the vet. Look him over to see where the blood is coming from. While most others do not bleed new feathers that are still growing can bleed. These occult blood feathers and if you do find that the blood is coming from one you'll need to pull the feather out completely. It's a good idea to cover your birds head with a towel while you are doing this. If it's not a feather that's bleeding check his nails and toes and if it's coming from they are applied to styptic powder to the cut. If you don't have styptic powder handy you can use flour In a pinch.

The key to successfully treating your sick parakeet is getting him to the vet at the first sign of illness. Be sure that you're always watching your bird in checking him for signs of illness. If you notice that your bird Is acting a little different or even look sick it's best to call your bet and get them in right away. It may be that nothing is really wrong with your bird but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Pet Parakeet Care: Preparing Parakeet Cage

Parakeet Cages Could House Your Bird For Up to 20 Years So Pick Wisely

Are you thinking of having a parakeet or do you already have one and need to buy a cage? You will have to take into consideration all the things your parakeet will need regarding his cage.

Bigger is definitely better when it comes to parakeet cages. Although this bird is a climber it also likes to stretch its wings and fly so you should not be looking at anything under 39" x 20" x 32" for a pair of small parakeets.

Because they climb as well as fly you need both horizontal and vertical bars. They will use the horizontal bars as steps when they are climbing. Always make sure the bar space width is smaller than their head, you wouldn't want them to get their heads stuck.

They are choosy little birds, they don't like draughts and they don't like to be near a kitchen and get the cooking smells or smells from the bathroom either.

Humidity is something you seriously must consider. They need a 60-70% humidity level so if you are keeping them in a centrally heated house you will need to use a humidifier kept on low to give them the atmosphere they need.

Parakeets love to play with toys, they just love to pull and tug at things so one of those rope toys is perfect for them. They also enjoy swings and ladders. If you give them anything to play with that was not specifically designed for birds you must make sure that there is nothing on it that can harm them, like breakable parts or any long strings that it might swallow.

They like a lot of perches set at different levels for interest. If you keep their food and water containers higher up, you need a perch nearby so that they can get at their food and drink. Always be sure the containers are not underneath anything else where the bird can perch and let his droppings foul his food and water. This could make him ill.

They really enjoy a cuttle bone firstly to shape their beaks,to get rid of any untidy edges and also it will provide them with much needed extra calcium.

You can even give them stone perches and they will use this to smooth their beaks out.

Always keep in mind that a parakeet can live anywhere from 15-20 years so their environment must be right for them. If you want happy, healthy birds then you must be prepared to spend time making sure that you choose the correct parakeet cages

All caged birds need to be let out of their cage each day. Even though you have provided him with everything he wants and needs in his cage, it is still necessary for them to be able to fly freely each day say for an hour or so.

Pet Parakeet Care: Essential Tips How to Raise Safely Your Baby Parakeets

Essential Tips How to Raise Safely Your Baby Parakeets - Avoid Deadly Mistakes

Caring for an adult parakeet is one thing, but caring for a baby is another thing altogether. Babies, irrespective of what variety they are, need additional care and occasionally care only the natural parents know the easiest way to provide. For humans to go into the realm of rearing baby parakeets, you want to absolutely understand some basics so you only do good, and not damage.

Parakeets are a part of the parrot family, and as such are social creatures that love attention. They do make great pets and we will be able to simply take on the job of taking care of adults. What about baby parakeets?

Firstly, if you are trying to find how to look after your babies, it is due to either the mom refusing to feed the babies, or as you have received the parakeet, where there isn't any mom present. Looking after baby parakeets is a fragile process, as they're minute and really easily hurt. You've got to ensure that the nest is extremely low in the cage, and you want to also place some soft cloths (clean fresh material with NO chemicals, dyes, or foreign matter), round the nesting box to cushion any fall.

Understand that you'll have to feed the baby parakeets. This process will be similar to that of a human baby, whereby the feed will have to be administered every 2 hours. If this isn't done, your baby parakeet WILL die! This is critical so do not forget to keep a timer or alarm somewhere close by so you do not forget. To feed your parakeet, you'll have to have some baby bird feeding mash, because typically the mom will regurgitate the food for the baby parakeets, and place it into their mouth. You'll need to feed the baby with a syringe, being extremely careful not to bump it in so that the baby bird breathes it in. Baby parakeets have a curved neck, so feeding the bird could be a challenge initially.

Remember the recommendation you get from the vet or from the pet store, and make efforts to feed the baby extremely carefully.

Ask somebody to show the best way to feed the baby. You'll need to be doing this for a minimum of a month, till the baby is powerful enough to leave the nesting box and fend like any adult would. Meanwhile don't forget to:

Keep the baby birds nest area warm with soft cloths, so it simulates his mom sitting on him. If the mom is present, handle the baby with plastic gloves and always give it to the mom so she'll look after him, after feeding.

Ask the pet store or your animal care center to show the right feeding strategy, and take notes. Always ensure that your baby parakeets are warm and loved. If for whatever reason you believe your baby is dying, take it to the pet store or your vet to see what can be done.

Feed the baby every two hours, and keep it warm or it'll die!

Pet Parakeet Care: Clipping Parakeet Wings

Parakeet Perils - To Clip the Wings Or Not?

If you're planning on getting a parakeet, you're probably wondering whether or not to clip its wings. Well, that's one of the major arguments in the world of bird owners. Here are some things that you should know about the perils of parakeets in either situation.

First of all, when you first get your parakeet, the chances are good that it will have already had its wings clipped. That was to prevent it from getting loose in the store. If done properly, the wings will grow back. It will then be your responsibility to decide whether to have them clipped again or not.

That means that, when you first get your new parakeet home, you'll have to deal with the perils of clipped wings. A parakeet's natural instinct is to fly. Another natural instinct is to get as high as possible. So, your new feathered friend is likely to try to fly across the room and almost immediately drop like a rock. It's important to start out with your parakeet in a small room with plenty of blankets, pillows or other soft objects around, in case it falls.

Now, when the wings grow back, you're faced with another problem, potential escape. The best way to avoid a major escape is to lock your door when your parakeet is out and to confine the parakeet to only one room. Also, it's important to train the parakeet very early that you equal comfort and food. So, if it does get loose in a part of the house that you don't want it in, you can get it to return to you or its cage easily.

Pet Parakeet Care: How to Choose Your Parakeet Cage

Parakeet Bird Cages - How to Choose the Best One

If you have a parakeet, choosing a bird cage for your bird will not make you any problems, however, there are still several important thing you need to know before you make a decision which one to buy. In this article I will share a few important tips on choosing a great bird home which will make your parakeet's life better. So let us start.

The most important thing in any cage is its size. Experts say that each bird requires different size. For example if you home canary in macaws cage, it will fill itself in jail. Small birds require smaller homes, however there should be enough space to fly and spread wings. Parakeets are usually small and do not need huge cages or aviaries.

You should also consider materials. The problem is, there are materials which can be harmful for your pet. For example, you should avoid zinc or brass cages. Of course, usually they are less expensive as wrought iron or stainless steel cages, however, if you care about your bird, avoid these materials.

I do not recommend wooden cages too because they can be easily damaged by any bird, even parakeet. They like to chew everything they see and wooden cage will be the perfect thing to chew. if you do not want to change it every month, choose stainless steel. Personally, I prefer stainless steel and wrought iron cages since they are very durable and easy to maintain. It is undoubtedly a perfect house or any bird.

Pet Parakeet Care: Eliminate Bad Habits and Behavior From Your Parakeet

Parakeet Training - Eliminate Bad Habits and Behavior From Your Parakeet

Parakeets can adopt some reasonably annoying habits, and it's best if you do not like them, to coach your bird out of these habits. Parakeet training isn't too troublesome and with some practice, you'll see some truly fantastic results terribly fast.

Biting is one habit that must be purchased in order. Infrequently the biting is a technique to communicate with the owner, but there are much nicer and less unpleasant paths to communicate, so this behaviour should be stopped at each opportunity.

Biting is also a natural reply to fear, so there's the possibility that your bird is scared of something, when he attempts to bite. This may be the results of making an attempt to reach in and remove him from the cage, or it may even mean that frightening clown mask that you could be wearing. Either way, it is thanks to a fear.

If you're bitten at any point, even during parakeet training, it is highly necessary to keep calm. Don't hit the bird or make an annoyed gesture towards it. Be mindful of the hazards of this and you accept them by putting your hands where they can be bitten. Infrequently the bird will bite as his technique of informing you he's had enough, and wants some space, and let's accept it, we do have a tendency to act selfishly often towards our pets.

We hold them when we'd like, touch them when we'd like, play with them when we need, and they do have a mind of their own.

The smartest thing to do at any point when he attempts to bite you is walk away quietly and do nothing. You'll potentially find that as this occurs more, he is going to learn to trust you, and the biting may stop.

Feather picking is another thing that may become an issue for both owner and bird. It makes your bird look not attractive and it might be suggestive of stress or illness. If the bird is picking badly, there's the likelihood of him leaving open sores on his body, and this can cause infection and other issues.

Always attempt to cross out medical problems for this behaviour before attempting anything more. If it's a medical problem, it may become far worse quickly, so fast action should be undertaken. Your vet will be in a position to offer recommendation on the only way to deal with non-medical feather picking, and perhaps direct you to appropriate parakeet training.

Are you wanting to learn how to coach your pet to sit on a perch on command? It all begins with good parakeet training. When your parakeet is used to you putting your hand in its cage, put some soft background music on and ensure the room is quiet (except for the music).

Provide your pet with fresh food and water as you typically would every day, and ensure your pet is watching you do this. After the food and water are in place, pause for some moments, and then slowly take a perch from the opposite side to the parakeet.

Moving the perch round the cage meticulously, hold it at the same level as the parakeet and slowly move it towards your bird. Talk softly while you do this, and move the perch nearer to the bird's feet.

If the parakeet flies away, wait some more minutes and try the same process again.

Pet Parakeet Care: How to Hand Train a Parakeet

How to Hand Train a Parakeet

Who ever said training a parakeet was hard is lying. I thought it would be sweet of me to buy my fiancé a parakeet for valentines day. She always talked of having one, and we could use a little noise around the house. What I mean by noise is the sweet chirping and singing of a new Budgie. This would have been the hardest animal we owned so far to train, or so we thought. We already have a cat, and cats come pre programmed to be a domestic, friendly, loving pet, that needs little or no training. Then we have two fish tanks, It was pretty tough teaching our guppies to roll over, or fetch, so we just let them swim around at their own free will. So it's time for a step up, and take on a bigger challenge. This is when we got our bird, or should I say her bird.

Let me introduce you to Marty.

First off, let me start by telling you we bought our budgie at Petsm**t. Now we all know buying from a big box store like that only makes it harder to train. When you use these stores, the birds are handled like freight, like another item to stock on the shelf. Then they stuff the birds in a small cage with about a hundred more birds. So naturally they start to bond with each other, they interact, and react with each other (one bird flies they all fly). Then you finally pick the one you want, and the birds first real encounter with a human is usually some punk high school kid who just reaches in and grabs him. Pulls him away from his friends and family to stuff him in a small dark box with little holes. No that's not scary at all, that's not going to have an effect on the birds opinion of people, he'll be fine, no problem right.......Wrong! This must have been pretty scary if not traumatizing. Next time I'll use a local breeder and get one for a little more money but already hand tame.

So you did the same thing I did. I felt sorry, what am I supposed to do? Little guy, stuck in a strange place, he can't leave. I'll save you birdie, we'll take you home and let you be free, kinda. First thing you notice is how gitty he is. He wants nothing to do with you, and would go to great extremes to not be touched by you, check out this video and you'll see what I mean.

Does your parakeet do this? We can help.

Rules of buying a bird:
A) Buy as young as possible
B) Buy a cage big enough for him flap his wings and stretch.
C) Have plenty of food on hand, never run out.
D) Provide a safe environment for him.
E) Buy a cuttle bone and a mirror.
F) They like to rip things apart. I use manila rope.
G) Ensure you have time to dedicate
H) Get him some treats too, they love millet.

Now you have a bird at home and he's afraid of everything and anything. We can get started.

(Week 1)
1. Firstly, leave him alone. Put the cage in a corner preferably, this way he doesn't have to watch 4 sides at all times, this will help him relax. He can sit in one position and see everything that's going on. If you don't have a corner put him in, put him up high. If nothing else, put a towel over his cage draping two sides. This will really help him be less jittery. It's nice if he can have some sun, but not full blown sun he can't hide from. Make sure to cover him at night and uncover him each day (this is a good chance to do some talking). Talk to him regularly, as you pass the cage, from across the room, and don't go in the cage, except to change the water and food. And for god's sake do this everyday. He will build a small amount of trust, he'll start to know you won't hurt him. I would leave him alone at least two weeks. Just talking to him as much as possible. Let him hear your voice and get accustomed to it. He will watch your every move and learn your daily routines. This makes a more stable home for him at first that he understands better.

(week 2-3)
2. When he's finally eating regular and chirping around, he is getting comfortable. This is a good thing. He knows you feed him and take care of him. He sees the same people everyday and starts to believe this is his "flock". Now the fun part, You're going to need a lot of patience. He is still not finger trained and this part takes time and patience. Bring the cage in a room that has little or no hiding places, (he will find them and you will be moving furniture to get him out, I promise). Once he's in the room and you got it birdie proof, turn off the lights. I mean a dark room, no lights at all. Go in his cage and put your finger under his chest closer to the leg side and lift up gently. Talk to him as you do this, so he knows it's you. Always use a soft voice and don't let him see you mad or frustrated. This will only scare him more. When he steps up just find a resting place for your hand and leave it there. He has no idea where he is sitting, and you'll show him soon enough. Do this every other night for a week, and try to do it at the same time, so he knows it's coming. Once he steps up on his own you can start the next step.

(week 4)
3. Now he's stepping up on your finger without even trying you say? Now the fun part. Grab a flash light, turn it on but standing on the floor (blocking the light). Once he's up on your finger, slowly pick up the flash light to lighten the room gradually. He still don't know it's you holding him, but he'll realize that as soon as his eyes adjust. Once he sees it, he'll probably jump off and panic. Don't worry put the light down (to darken again) give him time to adjust and start over. Work him like this daily or every other day. And soon you'll see he's sitting on your finger out of habit. It's becomes something he does all the time, but, at this point, in his cage (safe place) during the day he wouldn't consider going near you, this is all normal and will change as time passes. If you want to try to turn on the light in the room like i did, try. He might take well to it. Don't be let down if he's not completly trusting yet. If he spazzed out turn off the light and do it again. The trick is letting his eyes adjust to the dark.

Tricking him on our finger.

The lights were off for about 3 minutes or so.

(week 5-6)
4. So now he sits on your finger in his cage from the dark and he's not that jumpy, WOW! Now it's time to take him out of the cage. Still training in the almost dark, if you have any other pets this is the time to introduce them face to face, with no bars in between. Our cat is a good boy for the most part, he just want to smell him. We introduce them and talk to both the cat and the bird.

We remind the cat to be a "Good boy" and we pet him as he's checking out the bird. This way he associated the bird as family and wouldn't think to hurt him. Once he's had his fill, he'll walk away and get bored with the whole bird thing. Now have someone turn on a light in the other room. It'll be brighter than the flashlight, and it's like a shock to his eyes, and give you time to work with him. Always talking to him make step up over and over on your finger so he don't get distracted. His eyes will adjust and chances are he'll fly towards the light. Walk over there and pick him up with your finger, don't grab him roughly and break all the work you already did. He'll soon realize you're coming to his rescue. Do this as much as possible and be gentle with him. This is a scary thing for him and your his protector.

(week 7)
5. Once we got him used to being on our finger it was time to start doing it during the day. It feels like lost progress, but he has to put it together on his own and will soon be jumping up on your finger whistling Dixie. You'll be chasing him around his cage again, but it will all work out. Once you get him up on our finger, don't push it, let him see what's happening and adjust. Keep talking and drill the sound of your voice into his little brain. At one point you'll be able to take him out. Chances are if he sees his cage, he will take off for it. So I got a little trick for this, see video below.

Getting him out. takes a little practice.

You get him up and turn around quickly so he can't see his cage

Once he's out, take him to where he can't see the cage and won't be tempted. He will always try to go to the cage at first but with clipped wings he'll rarely make it, and you'll have to "Rescue him" and bring him up so he can reach. This develops a bond because you bring him back home every time. Using the same trick to get him away from the cage, do to get him back. So he don't fly from your finger but, step from your finger to his house.

(week 8)
6. You'll soon see, he finds it more interesting to hang out with you, rather than be alone in the cage. What I did was make it more accessible for him. I put some rope in places where I do things, like my computer for example. There's a rope going from a shelf to my computer monitor. He just sits there and watches me type. He finds that rather enjoyable and doesn't fly away. He also like watching us do dishes, he whistles with the sound of the water.

He also likes to sit on top of our laptop while the wife does her internet thing. There are certain places he he likes more than others. I found any of the curtain rods in the hose he likes. I think it's because he's so high and he can see the whole room. When he does fly down he'll wander the floor. Remember let the other animals check him out. If he's not in danger let them interact with each other. My cat is funny, he chases him while the bird comes in for a landing. The bird in turn lands and walk towards the cat and the cat don't know what to do so he jumps back. The bird want to check him out this time and the cats scared...lol it's hilarious

(the rest of time)
7. Soon your budgie will be interacting with you, you'll find him talking and squawking as you talk to people. He feels it's his contribution to the flock. And if we stop, he stops, it's so funny. He even tries yelling over us just to be heard, we acknowledge him and he stops. He just wants to talk that's all. They are social creatures that need interaction. Just don't ignore him and don't abuse him. Teach your kids why and how to treat the bird. Remind them that he is little, and he trusts them. They need to make sure he don't get hurt so he lives a long happy life.

Hope this helps I know it sure worked for me and I have video proof of it. Enjoy your bird, and remember he's a part of your family now, treat him like it. Once he's adjusted well you can put his cage anywhere. Try not to put him in direct sunlight he can't escape from. Birds are a shade loving animal.

Pet Parakeet Care: How to Choose the Best Parakeet

Picking a Parakeet - How to Choose the Best Parakeet

If you have made a decision to get a new pet to introduce to your family environment, and a Parakeet is the pet you want then be certain to pay some attention to the things that you want to have a look for and understand, when picking a parakeet.

You must make sure you are getting a healthy bird, and preferably from a reliable and reputable source, like a parakeet breeder, or respected pet store. Make your selection, based on what it is you want from your bird, either a friendly interactive companion, or something more beautiful that can be admired from a distance.

The way in which a bird is raised, either by humans or its natural parents, determines the way the bird will behave around folks.

To obtain a pet that is to be kept in an aviary and can be admired from a distance, consider a parent-raised parakeet, this way he has not yet been too affected by human intervention and will act more natural in his environment.

On the other hand, if you want a playful bird that will interact with family and pals, a hand-fed bird is a much better choice. These birds are removed from the nest at a very early age, at which time they are cared for by humans instead of the natural parents.

Picking a parakeet is really quite easy. Actually obtaining your parakeet needs some care. Picking a parakeet isn't something that you want to do gently, so make sure that you either (a) buy from a breeder (b) buy from a reputable pet store, or (c) Adopt a bird from an animal rescue shelter.

Parakeet Breeders dedicate a large part of their lives to parakeets, and are intensely knowledgeable when it comes to picking a parakeet. They are totally in tune with the care and training needed for your pet. One of the great things about purchasing from a reputable breeder is the fact that they are certain to coach you through the various stages of parakeet management.

An important thing to think about is that when you visit with the breeder, you need to naturally get the impression that the person loves birds, and that they are receptive to your questions both now and into the future.

Pet Stores should be reputable stores with a great reputation, and preferably with a specialty in birds. Picking a parakeet is a heavy consideration for you now, and the last thing you want is for a salesperson attempting to change your intelligence, or sell you things you do not want. Staff should be very knowledgeable and you must feel that you can approach them anytime after the sale, to gain help.

All animals in the store should appear healthy and clean, and food should be fresh. Take a little time and wander the store, conduct an investigation of sorts, and do not be afraid to ask questions.

Animal Shelters and bird rescue centers are a great source of animals, particularly birds. Birds are well cared for generally, receive all necessary health checks before being put up for adoption, and the cash you spend here, is usually going to a good cause as against somebody's mortgage.

Take a look at your local council guides for information about centers in your area.

Pet Parakeet Care: Home For a Parakeet

Home For a Parakeet - Best Tips to Make a Perfect Home

Before you bring your parakeet home to your folks you would like to ensure that you have everything he wants set up. If you're going to be housing him in a cage within, then an appropriate cage and accessories already set up and waiting for his arrival would be a great idea.

If on the other hand you're going to put your new bird in a bird house, you need to have all that set up outside, prepared to just open the door and set him free. Both options make a great home for parakeet.

With a cage option, you must ensure that the cage is spacious enough for the bird to feel space. They like to fly, forwards not upwards, and they like to climb too so there are a couple of things to think about when employing a cage as home for parakeet.

Firstly the scale of the cage, which is truly dependent on the amount of residents there'll be. As a minimum for one bird, the cage should be 16x16x16 inches, but there is not any harm in having a much bigger cage than this.

A special parakeet cage will come with a pull out bottom tray which keeps the bird away from droppings, and makes it straightforward to scrub the tray out.

You must confirm the birds head doesn't hit the apex of the cage that his tail doesn't touch the floor or sides, and there's plenty of room for him to stroll, climb and have a laugh.

Talking of climbing, parakeets love to climb. Ensure that the bars round the cage are horizontal as this provides a more comfortable climbing experience, instead of vertical bars. You also have to make sure that the bars are spaced suitably apart so that your pet can't put his head between them and strangle himself.

Ensure there are no sharp items in the cage environment and that there is not any lead anywhere. Lead can be lethal to birds. If on the other hand you are using an out of doors bird house for your new pet, and this can be home for a parakeet, guarantee there are no deadly plants or substances in the bird house. Make special care to see that there's no lead metals anywhere, nor any sharp objects the bird could fly into.

Again with the dimensions of the openings in the wire round the bird house, confirm there isn't any space for the bird to stab his head through. This can lead to hideous issues, completely avoidable by putting some attention to your home for a parakeet.

In every case, have lots of perches available. Differing kinds, and sizes mean the bird is inspired to get some great exercise, and with an outside bird house, really there's no limit. You may have small enclosures he'll fly into and hide, you may have tree branches, little bushes, natural water (pumped and filtered) pools, and lots of other items that keep him having a great time, and that gives him plenty of reason to play.

With an indoor cage confirm there's sufficient room within for him to get to his food and water. You may have rope perches, swings, and other decorative items for your new pet to play on, making a great home for a parakeet. Mirrors and bells have frequently been seen in parakeet cages.

Cages should be cleaned out frequently ensuring there isn't any waste around anywhere. Change and clean feeders daily and watch for dust and other particles getting into the environment.

Pet Parakeet Care: Buying a Parakeet Bird Cage

Buying a Parakeet Bird Cage - 4 Important Things to Know

When people speak of wanting a parrot as a pet, many times they are visualizing a parakeet. It is the term that is loosely applied to many small and medium long-tailed parrots including budgies and conures. So if you are thinking of bringing home one of these birds, you should first buy a parakeet bird cage. It is important that you have a home ready for your pet before you pick it up.

When looking for a parakeet bird cage there are a few things that you should know.

1. Size: Although parakeets are relatively smaller than many other birds they should not be housed in a cage smaller than 24"x16"x16". This is because your bird will need enough room to spread its wings fully. You should factor in the wingspan and room to spare in all directions.

A parakeet should never feel crunched for space from having its wings or tail brush against the sides when it tries to spread them. This will negatively impact their physical, and eventually, their mental well-being. So, as is the recommendation with any bird cage, you should pick up the largest parakeet cage you can afford.

Since parakeets do like to nest with each other, you can get a really big cage and keep two or three of them together. Many parakeet cages come with multiple feeder bowls and water bottles to accommodate such an arrangement. But you should avoid housing a parakeet with other kinds of parrots as this can lead to behavioral problems.

2. Shape: Whatever size cage you are able to afford, it is key to note that parakeets benefit more from a wide rather than a tall cage as the birds tend to fly back and forth. Height almost tends to get wasted in regards to flight but it may come in handy if you have perches at varied levels to encourage climbing.

In terms of the recommended shape of the cage, a rectangular one with one side of the parakeet cage against the wall will probably make the bird feel most secure. Repeatedly, we hear parrot experts say that a round cage is not the best idea.

3. Bars: Given the small size of the parakeet, the cage you choose should have bar spaced no more than ½ an inch apart. A wider spacing may tempt the bird to push its head through and this can be dangerous as it can get stuck in that position. Speaking of bar spacing, experts recommend that two cage walls with horizontal bars may be ideal for parakeets as they love to climb.

4. Type of Material: The next question is what material is ideal for a parakeet cage. Stainless steel tops the list of recommendations and wrought iron and cold rolled steel are also candidates.

Stainless steel is easy to maintain and rust resistant and this is the reason it the material of choice. Avoid cages made of brass, lead, galvanized steel or zinc as these can be toxic for the parakeets.

Parakeets like to chew and explore and they may ingest poisonous tarnish or rust that can cause serious harm. This is the also the reason to keep a constant eye out for chipped paint or dislodged metal. Look for a cage that is made with naturally treated materials rather than ones that use too many chemical elements.

With this list in hand, you will have no trouble locating the perfect parakeet bird cage.

Pet Parakeet Care: Caring for Parakeets

Caring for parakeets is the most important step in keeping parakeets as pets. Remember their immune systems can be touchy. This means that at the first sign of illness, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Even a simple virus can turn deadly overnight. A regular care and checkup of your parakeet can keep you away from visiting the vet too frequently. Caring for parakeets means:

  • A regular checkup of their plumage - birds keep their plumage in peak condition by preening. You can encourage this by occasionally misting it with warm water.
  • Selecting the right cage for your parakeet - choose a cage that is large enough to allow it plenty of exercise. Most cages come with 2 perches. For more specialized caring for parakeets, you can attach a cuttlebone to the side of the cage. It will help keep the bird's beak in good condition and will serve as a source of calcium and other minerals.
  • A proper and adequate diet – this is the single most notable aspect in shaping the health, vitality, and permanence of your parakeet. Give them leafy green vegetables, rice, tofu, some seeds and fruits like orange and papaya. These would give them all the required nutrients to keep them healthy.
  • Regular bathing of your parakeet – give your parakeet a regular shower of 5-7 times a week in the summer and 3-5 times a week during the winter. This routine will help you keep your parakeet clean and avoid skin related diseases.
  • Proper grooming of your parakeet – proper and regular trimming of the toenails is very essential. Consult a veterinarian if you wish to clip its wings.
  • Lack of parakeet care can result in feather plucking, moody and ill-trained parakeets at home. It is always a good idea to know what injuries and what diseases can affect your parakeet, what is the ideal diet for a parakeet, how many times a week should you give it a bath. These would help you undertake foolproof caring for your pet parakeets.

A healthy parakeet is more likely to be immune to diseases and can stay around for a long time to make you laughFind Article, make you entertained and give you a moment to smile…

Pet Parakeet Care: Choosing A Pet Parakeet

If you see a small to medium sized parrot that is quite colorful and has a long pointed tail chance are it's one of the many parrots that belong to the parakeet family. Parakeets tend to be on the move throughout the day. They will be chewing on whatever they can get a hold of, playing with their toys, or just moving about.

The most common parakeets are the budgie birds which are often referred to as parakeets, even though they are just one of the many different types of parakeets.

Captive budgerigars are available in a wide range of color mutations, but in Australia where the budgie originates from they are a light green. With their intelligent and social nature budgies are easy to tame and teach tricks to. They can learn to talk, and in general the males are better at speech than the females.

Of all the talking parrots - quaker parrots are some of the best with their ability to for word association and clarity of speech. Quakers are about 12 inches long and somewhat stockier than the cockatiels are. They have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

Monk parrots or gray-breasted parakeets as they are sometimes called have gray throats, breasts, cheeks and foreheads with an overall green body. They have a blue tinge on their primary wing and tail feathers. If a small, intelligent, talking parrot describes your ideal parrot you won't be disappointed with the quakers.

Cockatiel birds are extremely popular pet parrots and are rapidly catching up to the budgies as the bird of choice for new parrot owners.

The second smallest member of the cockatoo family, cockatiels have the characteristic crest of feathers on their heads that are the trademark of cockatoos. Unlike some of the larger cockatoos, they don't require constant companionship. As long as they get a little attention each day they will become tame and quite cuddly.

Cockatiels are smallFeature Articles, inexpensive and highly intelligent birds that make a great pet parrot for someone with a limited budget or space.

Pet Parakeet Care: The Ringneck Parakeet As A Pet Parrot

A ringneck parakeet is a medium sized parakeet bird that is 16 inches long a good part of which is it's tail. These parrots have an average lifespan between 20 to 25 years. It's possible to find domesticated ringneck parakeets in just about any color imaginable, but the wild ringnecks all have a green body.

You can find pied ringnecks, lutino ringnecks, cinnamon ringnecks, blue ringnecks, and gray ringnecks just to name a few. Male ringnecks have a rose and black ring around the neck and both sexes have a red beak.

An adolescent ringneck parakeet will go through a stage known as bluffing. This will tend to make it more aggressive and prone to biting.

Slapping a parakeet bird, yelling at it, shaking you hand vigorously, or any other aggressive action is not the way to teach it to not bite. Biting is a parrots way of defending itself. If you make your bird afraid of you it will only serve to make it bite more. Ignore your pet parrot when it bites and try to remain calm until it stops.

Ringneck parakeets are easy to handle and train when they aren't in the bluffing stage. Their ability to mimic speech is well known and they are good at learning tricks. When a ringneck parakeet has bonded with a person they become protective and act aggressively to any bird, pet or human that it feels is too close to that person.

Without daily handling and socialization ringnecks can revert back to being aggressive and wild birds. Your parakeet also needs time out of it's cage on a regular basis to play and explore. Just be sure to keep an eye on it. They will chew on everything in sight and can soon destroy your furniture or get themselves in trouble.

Ringneck parakeets are playfulComputer Technology Articles, intelligent pet parrots that make a great addition to any home.

Pet Parakeet Care: Ringneck Parakeets and Parakeets - Small and Smart

There are many different parakeet bird species in the world, all with varying personalities, handling and feeding requirements. Although this makes every parakeet bird species very different, they are also similar in many ways. All parakeets are constantly on the go, curious about their surroundings and always playing with toys or exploring the world around them. Also, they all look very similar - small, colorful birds with long, tapered tails.

Parakeets are easy to take care of because they don't have many specialized requirements, unlike larger parrots that are available as pets. They are also easy to tame and tend to get along with other bird species, making them a good choice for a child's pet. They are also incredibly entertaining, having the ability to learn tricks as well as learn to talk. This can provide endless entertainment for you and guests to your home.

Ringneck parakeets or rose-ringed parakeets are easily tamed and trained choices for a household pet. They are naturally green in color with red beaks and the males have a black and rose colored ring around their necks (hence the name 'rose-ringed parakeets'). However, it is possible to obtain different colored ring neck parakeets that have been specially bred such as the blue and cinnamon ringneck.

The only downside of ringneck parakeets is that they need a lot of attention as they tend to get moody and nippy if you don't handle them daily. If your once gentle bird turns into a biting menace, resist your first instinct to be aggressive back as this will only encourage it to bite more. Instead, ignore it and be gentle so that it realizes that you aren't a threat to its existence.

Their intelligence causes them to become bored easily and when they are bored, ring neck parakeets chew things. Thus, it is important to provide them with toys and other suitable objects to chew on or else you run the risk of them destroying something that you value.

Pet Parakeet Care: Buying A Parakeet

Parakeets (Melopsittacus undulatus) are one of the most common birds purchased as a pet bird. These delightful pets are usually friendly and relativly easy to handle. Although they can sometimes be difficult to understand, with a little hard work they have been known to mimic our sounds.

Parakeet Facts:

Life span: 10-15 years (up to 20).Origin: Australia. Colors: the normal wild coloration is green with black bars on the wings, back and head.

Determing Sex: The area around the nostirls is called the cere. You can use this as a way to distinguish between males and females. Mature females will have a beige colored cere. Males will have a blue tint to their cere.

Temperment: Known for being a very doscile and friendly bird, they are easily tamed if you aquire them while young. I've found that having more than one parakeet resulted in the parakeets being hard to handle and less vocal. When I have just one parakeet, the bird looked to me for interaction and was much easier to handle and actually could say a few words. I placed a parakeet mirror in the bird cage and was amazed at how much my parakeet played with his own image in the mirror.

Choosing a Parakeet

I highly recommend you choose a young bird that has been handled regularly and has been hand fed. The extra costs you experience buying a hand raised bird will be worth it in the long run. While their is nothing wrong with a store bought parakeet, my experiences have taught me that they are slower to adjust to being handled.

Use the same techniques you would use when buying a pet dog or pet cat. Look for a parakeet that is active and has shining and smooth feathers. A bird that is inactive and its feathers are puffed up may be a sign it is sick. Take note of the birds feet. Make sure the scales are smooth and the nails are in good shape. Don't forget to inspect the birds beak for any problems.

Parakeets are playful and active and do well in large cages. We always kept our parakeets on top of our refrigerator. We bought a cage that would fill the entire top of the frig. Add a couple of rod perches and maybe a bird swing along with your water and feed bowls. Even with a large cage, parakeets need a little time outside of the cage as well. Letting them out once in a while to stretch their wings is a good idea. The exercise is very benefical for your pet bird.

Pet Parakeet Care: Train Your Parakeet to Talk

Parakeets are small, vibrant and lively birds that can be a wonderful addition to your family. While some parakeets learn to talk without coaching or training, some will require encouragement to get their beaks speaking. Some parakeets only start talking when their owners let them hear specific phrases, words and sounds. If you successfully train a parakeet to talk, you and your family will love your pet even more.

A nourished and well cared pet will more likely demonstrate an interest in repeating sounds as well as talking. A parakeet that is watered, well-fed, and has a mirror and other plaything in his cage is the best aspirant for speech training. This is for the reason that loved pets will want to gain knowledge on how they can communicate effectively with their master and provider.

It's important to note that the male parakeets are distinguished as good talkers. So if you want to have an outspoken pet, it's best to adopt a male parakeet. This doesn't mean that female parakeets just make sounds and do not talk, but in general the female birds are slower in adapting new words and training a female bird might not give you the results you are looking for.

Remember, even if you choose to train a parakeet that is a male, it doesn't give you a guarantee that it will talk. Some parakeets only become skillful in whistling, but talking is not a talent every bird of this kind desires to learn. You should be patient enough to see results. Some breeds of parakeets that are more likely to utter words are the Alexandrine, Australian, English, Plum-head and Ring-necked parakeets. They are also known for having the ability to distinguish individual objects and even people.

Parakeets find it easier to repeat or reiterate words exhibiting hard syllables. You should examine what words are more difficult to speak than others. One of the common phrases parakeets speak is "pretty birdie". This specific phrase encloses hard syllables that make it effortless for talking birds like parakeets to repeat or mimic. You should think of words and phrases containing hard syllables and say them to your bird frequently.

Birds respond well with a dark surrounding. So when you start your training session, you should darken the room to get your parakeet's full attention. Begin saying a phrase or word and repeat it several times. Teach your bird three times a day for about fifteen minutes each. Don't get disappointed if your bird didn't talk immediately. Put in mind that most birds take several days or even weeks before it speak the phrase or word you're teaching.

If you go to work during weekdays, consider making speech training sessions on a recorded tape and leave it to someone who stays in your house. This will not only save you time and effort but the training will be more consistent with this strategy.

If you follow these steps to train a parakeet, your pet will start repeating sounds and words in no time. This will also make your pet the center of attention in your home, making you the proudest mentor ever.

Pet Parakeet Care: Signs of a Sick Parakeet Revealed

If you take care of your bird long enough, chances are he'll get sick sooner or later. Since he will do his best to hide whatever is wrong, it's important that you learn to recognize the signs of a sick parakeet. This article will share a few things to look for.

Droppings

One of the most common symptoms of a health condition is a change in your bird's droppings. It may change color, be watery, or appear looser than usual. Also take note if you every spot seeds in the droppings. However, a change in droppings can sometimes be attributed to a minor cause such as a change in food.

Appetite

Speaking of food, one of the next common signs of a sick parakeet is a change in appetite. You should also be aware of your keet's eating habits. That way, you can easily tell if it changes one day. So, be on the lookout for excessive eating or a reduced appetite. Birds with a reduced appetite will also start losing weight.

Feathers

The appearance of your bird's feathers can also tell you if something is wrong. They shouldn't be ruffled or puffed up for long periods of time. They also shouldn't be discolored.

Discharge

The appearance of discharge can also tell you if there is something wrong with your bird. Sick birds can sometimes produce discharge from their nostrils or eyes. This may also be accompanied by sneezing or eye swelling. These are usually serious symptoms that require prompt veterinary attention.

Breathing

A sick parakeet may also experience difficulty breathing. You should particularly look for rapid breathing, wheezing, or breathing through an open mouth. Some birds will also bob their tail with each breath they take.

Pet Parakeet Care: Four Expert Tips for Taking Care of Parakeets

Parakeets are very popular pets. They're very sociable and playful. They also come in many different colors, so you can easily find the perfect one for you. If you're thinking about buying one of these birds, there are a few things you'll need to know. This article will give you a few tips for taking care of parakeets.

Cage

The type of cage you buy is very important. Make sure that the cage is big enough for your keet to flap its wings completely without hitting the side. Also, the door should be big enough for you to easily reach inside to get your bird out. Although there are cages available in many shapes, it's best to get a rectangular design.

Bathing

When taking care of parakeets, it's important that you bathe them frequently. It's best to do so two or three times each week. Some birds like a dedicated water dish that they can use for bathing. Others like it better if you use a spray bottle to mist water on them. Whichever method your bird uses, make sure he has a bath in the morning. This will give his feathers time to dry off before night.

Trimming

It's important that your bird gets exercise time out of his cage. If you let him out, it's best that you have his wings trimmed so that he can't fly away. You will also need to trim his toe nails periodically whenever they get too sharp. His beak will also get sharp and need to be trimmed with an emery board too.

Companionship

When taking care of parakeets, you should know that they are very sociable. Your bird will feel a lot less lonely if you provide him with another keet to keep him company. However, this will severely reduce the bond that you share with your bird. This is due to the fact that birds would rather bond with each other than humans.

Pet Parakeet Care: Stop Parakeet From Screaming

Ways to Handle Your Pet With Care

If you have set your eyes on parakeets to be your pets, you are making a good choice because these are known as intelligent and beautiful animals. You must make sure though that you know the basic things about caring and how to stop parakeet from screaming before you proceed with the purchase. You may want to enjoy the bird as your pet, but you also have to consider the people living with you or near your house. These birds' natural behavior is to scream when they were still living on their original habitat. They do such act in order to call the attention of other birds and as their means of communicating with their own kinds.

There are various things that you must learn more about aside from how to stop parakeet from screaming. If you will be able to be good to your pet, they will definitely reward that with good behavior and may even abide most of the things that you tell them to do. If this is going to happen, you will have fewer problems with their attitude. You will also be able to enjoy their company and be proud that you are the owner.

Here are some basic ideas about proper caring for the birds in order to keep them satisfied and to limit the times that they will resort to making loud noises.

1. You must find time to bond with them or teach your birds some tricks that you want them to follow. This is your opportunity to be close with the bird. This is your chance to start introducing your role as their owner.

2. Make sure that the bird is comfortable in the cage that you have chosen for them. Get the kind of cage that is intended for small birds with cage bars that have narrow gaps. The larger the cage, the better it will be so that the bird will have enough room to move about and open their wings fully. Choose the one that has a swing. It is also advisable to get something with at least two perches. You can attach a cuttlebone on the side of your bird's cage where it can trim its beak whenever it wants to.

3. Your must make sure that you give your bird right amount of food and drink everyday. They will resort to making noises if they get hungry, so make sure that you handle the matter properly. You can buy a good mixture of seeds that are intended for these birds and you can give them with supplements like vitamin drops and bird gravel that can be bought in most pet stores.

4. You have to understand that they get frightened easily. You have to handle them with care and you have to be gentle whenever you try to approach and touch them. Do not make sudden movements and avoid unnecessary noises whenever you are handling your pet. You must be very careful, especially during the first few days that you have brought the bird home. This way, you will be able to gain their trust and you may also succeed to stop parakeet from screaming after some time.

Pet Parakeet Care: How to Create and Organize a Parakeet Nest Box

If you are interested in breeding parakeets, your number one thing to prepare will be a parakeet nest box. And if possible, not only one. If you can, offer more of them to the birds so they can choose it. These little birds can be very picky.

Parakeet nesting box can be made in different shapes and sizes, with various measures. However, there are some rules that need to be followed when it comes to making (or buying) a perfect nest box.

The first rule is to make enough space for the bird. Space is extremely important for laying eggs and even more for proper development of baby parakeets once they hatch.

Second important rule is about the room in which we are keeping the box. The room has to have optimal conditions. It will need proper temperature, humidity and lighting as a foundation for birds to mate and lay eggs.

In the winter you will need to keep the room warm (always keep a thermometer in the room). In the summer, avoid to put the parakeet nest box in direct sunlight. And in both seasons, you need to maintain a certain level of humidity in the room. Don't let the air get too dry.

Making a parakeet nest box

You can make a nesting box yourself. It can be done with thin wooden panels, hardboard or even wire. Avoid using any paper or cardboard material because the female bird will destroy it very fast. They have the urge to dig in and she will chew threw paper materials.

The bottom of the nest box is important. Find a board that is about 0.6 to. 0.8 inches thick. It can be thicker of course. You will need to make a dent on its surface. The dent should be wide and shallow.

Why the dent? Because the female budgie parakeet will turn around and move eggs and you don't want them flying out of the nest box. Birds in the wild put feathers or grass on the bottom of the nest. It would be good to imitate that. You can put wood shavings on the bottom. Use the wood shavings that are used for guinea pig cages. These wood shaving pieces are larger and that kind is better than fine dust-like wood shavings. The fine one can get into birds nostrils.

To make it easier on you, if you are making a parakeet nest box all by yourself, build one with a removable top. It will make the nest box easier to clean and you will be able to reach the eggs or little birds easier.

Important things for the box:

* bottom with a dent and some wood shavings * a round hole in one of the sides for the bird to get in the nesting box * a perch on the outside, just bellow the hole * removable top

Where to put the nest box?

Now that you know how to build it, where do you put a parakeet nest box? It should have a lot of light but try not to put it in direct sunlight. It would be great if you could find a nice spot opposite to the window. Make the nest box easily accessible to the bird.

There you are. Your basic guidelines on how to create and organize a nesting box. You are all set to breed parakeets and I hope you have a lot of success with it.

Pet Parakeet Care: Proven Ways For Breeding Parakeets That Guarantee Best Results

There's a huge difference between owning and caring for a parakeet, and breeding parakeets. Like every other animal, breeding requires a certain quantity of additional attention so that your breeding animals are always kept in the absolute best condition.

One of the first things to think about is that to maintain the absolute best health for the breeding pair and the offspring, is the breeding pair shouldn't be related. They should also be freed from any illness or sickness, and show no appearances of any birth defects.

A clean health check from an animal health pro would give you the confidence to go forward with your planned breeding program. The breeding pair should also be more than a year old.

The cage you need to use for two breeding parakeets shouldn't be any smaller in comparison to 20x20x20 inches, and it should always contain a wooden nesting box that itself is more than 12x12 inches. Correct nesting material should also be placed at the base of the nesting box to make it comfy, and this would ideally be pine chips or an analogous product.

Parakeets need a sundry diet composed of seed, top quality pellets, and heaps of fresh fruit and plants. Breeding parakeets should be supplied with a cuttlebone and a calcium supplement to guarantee the correct egg development, and also to help the hen regain nutrients she'd have lost in the midst of making her eggs.

Female Parakeets will always lay their eggs extremely shortly after mating. Many varieties of birds are the same, and it's not unusual to find the parakeet laying one egg each day till all eggs have been released. There are typically between four and eight eggs in each clutch, however this could alter.

The incubation time for parakeets will be between seventeen and twenty days, but this too can alter by 2 days either way, and this is no cause for concern.

Your call on ways to raise the hatchlings will figure out how you treat them when they break out into actuality. If you're going to tame the hatchlings as pets, then some breeders permit the natural parents to raise the hatchlings till they're weaned, at which time they're going to remove the babies to start them becoming familiar with humans.

Most babies are weaned when six weeks rolls around, and it is then safe to take them from parental care.

For specialised recommendation on breeding parakeets, you can contact other breeders to work out if there are any clubs around which will support new breeders, and occasionally the breeders themselves will be pleased to aid wherever they can.

You may also get lots of info from the Net and from books available thru your local book store, or at the library. Ensure that whatever recommendation you are listening to or reading the person offering the recommendation is experienced in the topic.

Pet Parakeet Care : Getting to Know Your Parakeet

Top Secrets Revealed

Getting to know your parakeet is one of the most enjoyable things you'll get to do with your pet, and even though it can appear a little uninteresting initially, one of the finest methods to become acquainted with your bird is to play with her or him.

Naturally there are more ways to become closer to your pet, but you want to start somewhere, and this is as good a place as any.

Start by learning how to hand feed your bird. One of the elementals in relationship building with any animal or person is trust, and the more that you can bond with your bird the more trust will build between you.

Getting to know your parakeet starts with these bonding experiences, and your bird will worship you for it. To start your bonding session, first take him out of the cage by placing your index finger on your bird's lower stomach. This should coax him onto your finger. Ensure he's relaxed. Next, put him up on the top of the cage and start speaking with him in a soft friendly demeanour. This is how your parakeet will recognize that you are being friendly.

After 15 minutes or so, let him go back into his cage. The trick is to do this each day, and after a few days your parakeet will become pretty close with you. The bond has started to develop, and this is something you'll see occurring right in front of your eyes.

Be certain that you provide your pet with plenty of fresh food and water, and spend as much time with him as you doubtless can. When you're with him, whistle a little and try clicking your tongue. This could keep him interested and it'll seem sort of like you are talking with him. Do not do anything that's likely to get him indignant.

Getting to know your parakeet will help with knowing when he could be annoyed. There are signs that your bird could be irritated, and a large amount of birds do this. They open and close their beak in a threatening kind of way, and it's a sign to say, I'm getting a little pissed off, but in bird talk! He might also squawk and try to bite if he is indignant, show any of these signs and you need to know to give him some space.

Let your bird out every day to exercise, and confirm to cover any mirrors in the house, otherwise he may fly into them. It is okay to have a little swinging mirror in his cage, but this is much different than having a six foot mirror in the lounge above the fire. Be with him when he's loose in the house. Clearly I do not mean this literally, unless of course your name is Tinkerbell, but be in proximity. He'll know you are there, and he'll enjoy your interest.

Ultimately as a means of getting to know your parakeet, always be mild with your pet. Birds frighten awfully simply and the very last thing you would like to do is inspire your pet to be frightened of you. It requires a lot longer (if ever) for you to unravel this fear, than it does to develop a friendly companionship that you're going to both get heaps of joy from.