How to Raise a Parakeet

Parakeets deserve their ranking as the top selling pet bird -- they are beautiful, cheerful and great companions. Known for being easily tamed, this member of the parrot family is easy to raise. Some parakeets, usually males, even learn to talk. Parakeets come in a variety of colors. Prices for parakeets range from $20 up to $100. Try to get a hand-raised parakeet for easier training if possible, but raising any type of parakeet is rewarding.

Things You'll Need

  • Parakeet cage -- 24" by 24" by 24" with no more than 1/2" bar spacing
  • Perches
  • Food and water cups
  • Toys
  • Food
  • Cuttle Bone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase the equipment that you will need to raise your parakeet prior to bringing your bird home. You will need to wash everything you purchase with a mild soap and warm water. Assemble the cage. You can line the cage with newspaper or paper towels -- do not use magazines as the ink can poison the parakeet.

    • 2

      Give your parakeet time to get comfortable once you bring your bird home. Ease your parakeet's transition by placing the cage in a quiet spot in your home, but make sure the bird can see everything that goes on. Raising your parakeet means helping your bird adjust to your environment and schedule.

    • 3

      Feed your parakeet an appropriate diet. Feeding a healthy diet ensures that your parakeet will live a long life. Proper diet for a parakeet should include pellets, seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables. Unseasoned meat can also be offered in small amounts.

    • 4

      Provide your parakeet with toys and other stimulation. Look for toys with knots -- parakeets love to work on them. Parakeets also enjoy swings. Give the bird lots of attention and stimulation, especially if you are raising only one parakeet. Talk to your bird often, especially if you would like it to learn to talk. Even if you are in another room, call out to the bird every so often so that it knows that you are around.

    • 5

      Exercise your parakeet daily. Your parakeet will need time out of its cage daily, even if you have its wings clipped. Provide a perch outside the cage as a "home base" for your parakeet when it is out of its cage. Try to have your parakeet spend at least two hours a day outside of the cage.