Bird Care of a Parakeet

A parakeet is a small, long-tailed, slender-bodied parrot. Parakeets originate from all over the world, including Australia, Africa, Asia and Central and South America. Potential parakeet owners should research the care of parakeets to ensure they have the time and resources to care for them properly. Improper care can cause the parakeet to die prematurely or be seriously injured.

  1. Cage

    • A parakeet needs a safe, clean cage to live in. Owners should line the cage with multiple layers of newspaper, replacing the top layer on a daily basis because it will repeatedly get soiled. All items in the cage should be cleaned as needed with warm water and mild soap. The cage should be big enough to accommodate a perch, food, water and toys to keep the bird occupied. A cuttlebone or natural wood perch is preferred to give the parakeet something against which to keep its beak trimmed. The perch should be set in an area of the cage that would prevent the bird from dropping feces into its food or water.

    Diet

    • Parakeets enjoy seed and pellet mixtures purchased from the pet-supply store. However, these items aren̵7;t enough to ensure good health. Birds need variety in their diet, which can include vitamins that can be added to their water or food. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a parakeet̵7;s diet and may include bananas, apples, berries, oranges, broccoli, peas and carrots. They also need protein and calcium, which they can get from dairy products, legumes and meat.

    Activity

    • Wild birds are constantly active because of their need to search for food. However, the tame bird has its food provided and needs other things to keep it active and occupied. Owners should provide a variety of interesting toys. Parakeets enjoy complex toys and puzzles that challenge them. Purchasing a feeder that releases food only after the bird solves the puzzle gives the parakeet a similar experience to hunting for food. Parakeets also enjoy bathing. Owners can use a small container for this purpose or allow the bird to bathe in the shower. They should take the time to play with parakeets, because birds enjoy human interaction. Playing a radio or television also provides adequate stimulation.

    Safety

    • Owners may choose to clip their parakeet̵7;s wings. Doing this prevents birds from flying around the house where they may run into windows, doors or mirrors. It also protects the bird from nibbling on hazardous plants, wires and lead-lined items. Parakeets who fly around the house may also risk drowning in the toilet or a filled sink or tub. Clipping wings also eases the owner̵7;s mind that the bird will not escape through an open window or door. Parakeets should not be kept in the kitchen, where they can be exposed to hazardous fumes and smoke.

    Health

    • Wild parakeets and other birds are used to hiding their illnesses from other animals that would take advantage of them. Therefore, they could be sick without the owner realizing it. Regular checkups are helpful to detect early diseases. A vet will draw a blood sample and conduct a fecal examination to determine the bird̵7;s health. Sick parakeets may experience discharge from the eyes or nose, weight loss, a change in wings or feathers, decreased appetite or abnormal texture in droppings. If the bird is visually sick, it has been sick for a while. Owners should take the parakeet to the vet immediately rather than waiting to see if it will improve on its own.