How Hard Is It to Take Care of a Parakeet?

Before adopting any pet, you should research its needs to ensure the animal fits into your lifestyle. Parakeets are not animals that you can simply put in a cage and forget about. They are intelligent, social animals and need plenty of attention and exercise. If you have the time, parakeets make rewarding pets. If you don̵7;t, you̵7;ll have a miserable bird that could develop serious behavior or health problems.

  1. Equipment

    • Parakeets should have the biggest cage possible. A spacious purpose-built aviary is ideal. However, the absolute minimum size is a 16-inch cube for one bird or a 20-inch cube for two, which allows the birds to stretch their wings and make short flights. You also need food and water dishes, several perches, a few toys and a supply of parakeet pellets. Newspapers make a suitable lining, being safe, absorbent and easy to change.

    Exercise and Companionship

    • Let the parakeet out of the cage for attention and exercise for at least an hour a day. Keep windows and doors closed, draw the blinds and cover any mirrors beforehand. Being social animals, parakeets are happiest in pairs or small groups. If you do keep a single bird, spend as much time with it as you can, at least a few hours a day. Position the cage in a busy family room so the parakeet is around activity and people most of the time.

    General Care

    • Daily parakeet care involves filling up the feeder and changing the water. Change the lining when it becomes soiled. Once a week, transfer the parakeet to a pet carrier or let it out while you clean the cage properly. Dispose of lining material, wash the food and water dispensers and any toys in soapy water and wipe the cage down with hot water with a few squirts of dishwashing liquid. Dry the cage with paper towels before adding new lining and replacing the accessories.

    Medical

    • To find a vet who specializes in parakeets, ask a local breeder, animal sanctuary or zoo for recommendations. Alternatively, phone a few clinics and ask how much experience each vet has with birds in general and parakeets in particular. Bird medical care is different than that of cats and dogs or farm animals. Put aside some money each week to cover possible emergencies. Pet insurance is another option, but check the policy carefully before deciding if this is a cost-effective option for you.

    Grooming

    • Parakeets appreciate water for a bath. A shallow dish of water is suitable, or you can mist the parakeet with a plant mister a couple of times a week. During the initial check-up, ask your vet to show you how to trim the nails properly. Some owners also trim the wing feathers to stop the parakeet flying too far, although this is not necessary if you are careful to close all windows and doors before letting the parakeet out of the cage.