How to Take a Parakeet Home

A new addition to a family often takes preparation before arrival. The same goes for pets. When you take your parakeet home from a breeder or pet store, it is important to not only ensure it is safe and comfortable during transit, but that it has adequate shelter and other essentials once it is in your home. While you and your family may be excited about your parakeet's arrival and might want to watch it quietly for extended periods of time, naturalist Lisa Shea states that birds get very paranoid when it's completely silent. Continue living your life as usual in your home and your parakeet will acclimate properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Large cage
  • Newspaper
  • Small cage
  • Cardboard box
  • Scissors
  • Towel
  • Paper
  • Pen
  • Tape
  • Water
  • Bird seed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a large, permanent cage to house your parakeet once it arrives at your home. If you have other animals, especially cats, hang your cage high from the ground or place it out-of-reach on a dresser or table away from possible danger. Line the base of the cage with newspaper.

    • 2

      Purchase a small cage to transport your parakeet. Punch numerous small air holes into a cardboard box for a less-expensive alternative to a cage. Place your parakeet into the box and do not open it during transport as the bird may fly away.

    • 3

      Drape a towel over your cage if your parakeet is showing signs of distress such as hyperactive wing flapping or hurling its body against the insides of the cage. A towel over your parakeet's cage will most likely produce a calming effect.

    • 4

      Drive home taking the shortest route possible. If you are taking public transportation such as a bus or train, plan ahead so that you spend the least amount of time in transport. Like other types of animals, parakeets can become stressed when confined to a small cage or box in a foreign environment.

    • 5

      Close all windows and doors once you and the caged parakeet are inside your home. Make paper signs that read "Do Not Open Doors." Tape them to the outside of all of your doors as a warning for visitors.

    • 6

      Open your small cage or box. Your parakeet may fly out. If this is the case, allow it to fly around your home until it calms down. Once it is calm, wrap a towel around its wings and torso. If your parakeet doesn't fly out of the box, gently encircle your hands around its wings and torso and remove it.

    • 7

      Place your parakeet into its permanent cage. Provide it with fresh water and bird seed.