Parakeet Behavior Signals

Parakeet means small parrot. About 120 species of parakeets exist, most from Australia. The real name for the bird commonly referred to in the United States as a parakeet is budgerigar, often shortened to budgie. They vary greatly in color, including shades of blue, green, yellow and white. Adult parakeets are 7 to 12 inches long, with a curved yellow beak. Most have long tails. Parakeets are curious, social and playful birds with mood and behavior changes that signal their needs.

  1. Unhappiness

    • Parakeets create their own unique songs.

      Parakeets are, by nature, social birds. In the wild, they interact in flocks. Pet parakeets also require consistent attention and flourish when housed with a companion parakeet. Solitary parakeets will thrive if given adequate attention and made to feel like part of the family. A lonely parakeet becomes distressed and may act out by biting and avoiding human contact. A parakeet that hides in the back of the cage or won't eat may feel threatened. Consider moving his cage to a room with less activity.

    Multiple Bird Behavior

    • A parakeet enamoured with another may eat seeds then regurgitate for his companion. Happy and healthy parakeets preen themselves, and each other, daily. It's their way of keeping their feathers clean. Sometimes one parakeet needs a break from the other and will head to a corner of the cage. The bird left behind may chase the stray to get him to return. An annoyed parakeet may nip the other as a way of saying "Back off!"

    Contentment

    • A singing, head bobbing, parakeet is a happy parakeet. When paired together, the male will typically serenade the female. Beak grinding is another signal that a parakeet is content and may be about to yawn and take a nap. Upon waking, a parakeet will stretch its legs and may flap its wings.

    Signals of Sickness

    • Parakeet illness often comes on suddenly. Behavioral changes may include lethargy, ruffled feathers, tucking its head under a wing or its rump, loss of appetite, cloudy eyes and nasal discharge. Consult a veterinarian for instructions on addressing unusual medical behavior. Protect your parakeet's health by providing him with a large cage, fresh water daily, a diverse diet or grains, seeds, treats and vegetables. Keep a cuttlebone in his cage as a source of calcium.