How Can I Tell if My Parakeet is Happy?

Keeping a pet parakeet requires more than simply providing the bird with food and shelter, it entails keeping the small bird happy. In the wild, the parakeet lives in a large flock where it interacts daily with others of its kind. In captivity, the small bird requires similar stimulation to stay happy. It needs to share quality time with its human flock. A caring owner will become attune to the small bird's needs. A happy, healthy parakeet makes an ideal pet companion.

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch the parakeet for signs of excitement. A happy parakeet will begin to jump and climb around its cage when its beloved human returns home. It will also chirp excitement.

    • 2

      Observe the parakeet as it cleans itself. A happy parakeet spends a great deal of time grooming and preening. If the feathers of the bird appear ragged, fluffy and unkempt, the parakeet may be ill or unhappy.

    • 3

      Place a variety of parakeet-approved toys into the bird's cage and watch it play. A happy parakeet loves to play with a wide array of toys. It especially enjoys looking at itself in a mirror, where it will bob and dance to put on a show for itself.

    • 4

      Monitor the parakeet's food intake. The parakeet should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet each day. If the parakeet ceases to eat suddenly, take it to the vet to make sure its healthy. The bird may be suffering from depression or illness.

    • 5

      Release the parakeet from its cage often to climb on you or play on a playpen. A happy parakeet will nibble on everything. Parakeets love to mouth and chew all objects.

    • 6

      Play an audio recording of other birds chirping and making noise. Parakeets love to sing along in sheer joy to the sound of other birds.

    • 7

      Allow the parakeet to listen to a wide variety music. Music usually puts the happy little bird in a good mood, according to Bird Times Magazine.

    • 8

      Listen at night for the bird to grind its beak. Most parakeets will grind their beak right before they fall asleep, if they feel safe and contented.