How to Buy a Parakeet

Owning a parakeet, commonly known as a budgie, is a lot of work, so do your research before you bring one into your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird Cages
  • Bird Food
  • Bird Food/water Bowls
  • Bird Perches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to other bird owners before you buy. You can get referrals for pet stores or find a discussion group for parakeet owners online.

    • 2

      Meet with several breeders to find one you like.

    • 3

      Visit local pet shops to see some parakeets up close.

    • 4

      Consider buying a pre-owned bird, but remember that is may be harder to train than one that was weaned recently.

    • 5

      Expect to pay about $20 for an American budgie. (Older birds cost less.)

    • 6

      Check the sex of the bird by its markings if it is over 6 months old. Females have a brown cere (the fleshy area above the beak where the nostrils appear), while males have a deep-blue cere.

    • 7

      Select a male parakeet if you want a more playful bird, or a female if you prefer one that will be quieter.

    • 8

      Opt for a hand-raised bird, since these usually make the best pets.

    • 9

      Find out if the bird you select is likely to talk (hand-raised birds are more chatty).

    • 10

      Be prepared for the fact that parakeets can live for 10 years or more, so buying this bird requires a long-term commitment.