How to Keep a Parakeet Happy

Getting a parakeet is a big undertaking. You need to ensure that you will be able to keep the bird happy. Unhappy parakeets are miserable. They are lonely and they will most likely develop behavioral issues. Keeping a parakeet happy can be quite simple, but you have to be willing to put in some work.

Things You'll Need

  • Parakeet
  • Parakeet cage
  • Toys
  • Pellet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure you are completely ready to accept a bird into your house. Do your homework and be ready for the work that lies ahead.

    • 2

      Buy the biggest cage you can afford. Yes parakeets are small birds, but they have tons of energy. They need plenty of room to jump and play. Putting them in a tiny cage, especially if they are never let out, will make the bird miserable.

    • 3

      Buy the bird plenty of toys that you can rotate in and your of the parakeet’s cage. Of course retain any toy the bird loves, but keep enough other toys around so you can keep offering them a variety with which to play. Make sure that the toys don't have lead or zinc in them and that they are the right size for the parakeet. Don't give it toys that are too big.

    • 4

      Feed them a healthy mix of pellet and human food. A healthy bird is a happy bird. Of course occasionally treat them to regular seed and millet. Treats are always a quick way to a parakeet’s heart.

    • 5

      Socialize the bird. If it is your only bird, make sure that you spend time with it. Talk and sing to your parakeet daily. Parakeets are flock birds. If it is the only bird, then you are his or her flock. If you properly socialize him or her, the parakeet will start eating with you and regarding you as the alpha bird of the flock.

    • 6

      Hand train your parakeet. If every time you put the bird in or out of the cage, the parakeet runs in terror, this is bad. Your bird should understand that your hand is not Satan. Don't strike fear into their little hearts. Take the time to get the parakeet to learn to not fear your hand.