Instructions
Inside the Cage
Get a cage designed for small birds with narrow spaces between the bars. If the space is too large, the parakeet could get its head caught between them and get badly injured.
Place the cage in a quiet, draft-free area off the floor. Use towels or a small blanket to shield the sides of the cage from drafts.
Close doors and windows when you need to open the cage to clean it or to add food or fresh water. A parakeet can fly out quickly.
When you open the cage doors to feed or water your parakeet, make sure there are no predators around, such as pet dogs and cats.
Put perches away from your bird's dishes to prevent the parakeet's droppings from contaminating its food or water.
Buy the largest cage you can afford in order to provide enough room for your parakeet to stretch and open its wings completely.
Outside the Cage
Allow your parakeet free-flying time in the smallest room possible. A caged bird has to build up the strength of its wings over time. This will prevent crashes and the possibility of being stuck behind furniture and bookcases.
Watch your bird carefully when it's outside the cage. Parakeets can get lodged in small corners and holes when they fly.
Explore each room that'll be accessible to the bird and make sure it's neat and free of hazards. Close doors of any rooms that can't be bird-proofed. Make door signs for other family members that read "Loose Parakeet: Keep Door Closed."
Lower the toilet lid or shut the bathroom door. Use the "Loose Parakeet" sign on the bathroom door when your parakeet is out of its cage.
Remove standing water, such as buckets that contain floor cleaner solution or pots and sinks that are full of water.
Shut off ceiling and window fans. Use window screens or close windows.
Help your bird breathe safely. Avoid poisonous fumes from cigarette smoke, sprays, running the clean oven cycle and the use of Teflon pans anywhere near your bird.
Nibbling Dangers
Watch out for electrical cords, candles and painted window frames. Keep in mind that like babies, parakeets love to nibble on anything.
Remember that junk foods such as potato chips and chocolate, as well as table foods like iceberg lettuce, dairy products and avocados, are harmful to parakeets and cause diarrhea. Stick to seed and treats designed for parakeets. Remove the seeds of fruits such as cherries and apples.
Remove plants that are poisonous to parakeets, such as amaryllis, daffodil, calla lily, holly, English ivy, foxglove, mistletoe, lily of the valley and rhubarb.
When You Leave
Put the bird back in its cage when you leave so that emergency personnel will be able to find and rescue your bird in case of fire, flood, gas leaks, burglary and other unforeseen events.
Leave your parakeet inside its cage when you are out in case it's surprised by a loud noise like thunder or a loud car engine and starts flying around. It could hit a wall or mirror, get hurt and bleed to death without you there to help it.
Remember that birds left alone get bored and will want to explore the house if left outside of the cage. Your parakeet could fly to dangers like electrical wires and other toxic items when you aren't home to supervise it.
How to Create a Safe Environment for Parakeets
Parakeets are colorful and intelligent birds, but their small size and inquisitive nature can get them into trouble. Protect your parakeet in the same way as you would a baby because their intelligence level and curious nature is similar. Learn how to create a safe environment for your parakeet before you bring it home, so you can enjoy a long, happy relationship with your bird.