Parakeets, also known as budgerigars or budgies, are a popular choice for pet owners, especially families with children, due to their friendly and intelligent nature. Originating from Australia, these small birds are known for their vibrant personalities and ability to mimic sounds, including human speech [cite:0, cite:2]. This guide provides an in-depth look at everything you need to know to keep your parakeet happy and healthy, covering habitat setup, diet, behavior, and health care.
Understanding Your Parakeet
Parakeets, with the Latin name Melopsittacus undulatus, are characterized by the distinctive black wavy lines on their bodies and faces. Sexing a parakeet is typically possible around 10 months of age by observing the cere, the skin around the nostrils: males usually have a blue cere, while females have a brownish-pink one. These birds have an average lifespan of 10–12 years with proper care and are considered beginner-level pets.
Socialization and Behavior
Parakeets are social creatures that can be easily hand-tamed and enjoy daily interaction [cite:0, cite:1]. While they can be kept singly, in pairs, or in groups, careful introductions are crucial to ensure they coexist peacefully. Parakeets can learn basic commands and even “talk” by mimicking words and sounds, especially when simple words are repeated consistently.
Setting Up the Ideal Parakeet Habitat
A spacious habitat is essential for a parakeet’s well-being. The minimum recommended size for a single bird is 18” W x 18” D x 18” H, with the space between cage bars being no more than a half-inch to prevent escape or injury. Always opt for the largest cage possible to allow ample room for wing stretching and flapping. Avoid homemade habitats or those made from wood or galvanized wire, as these materials can expose birds to toxic chemicals.
Habitat Environment
Parakeets thrive in average household temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C) and should be protected from extreme temperature fluctuations. The habitat should be placed in a well-lit, draft-free area away from other pets. Ensure all cage parts and toys are free from lead, zinc, lead-based paints, or galvanized metal to prevent poisoning.
Bedding, Lighting, and Accessories
Line the bottom of the habitat with paper-based bedding for easy cleaning. Birds require exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to produce vitamin D and absorb calcium. While placing a habitat near a window is insufficient due to glass filtering UV light, providing a full-spectrum UV bird lamp for 10–12 hours daily can supplement natural exposure.
Perches: Offer perches of various sizes, heights, textures, and materials (at least 4 inches long and 3/8-inch in diameter) to allow birds to exercise their feet and prevent sores. Avoid sandpaper perches, as they can be abrasive, and do not place perches above food or water dishes.
Toys: A variety of enrichment toys made from safe materials like cardboard, paper, or soft wood are essential to prevent boredom and harmful habits like feather plucking [cite:0, cite:3]. Rotate toys regularly and ensure they do not have small, ingestible parts.
Dishes: Use separate dishes for dry food, fresh food, and water. Water dishes should be large enough for bathing, and all dishes must be washed daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Cuttlebones: Cuttlebones provide essential calcium and trace minerals for strong bones, beaks, nails, and feathers. A cuttlebone holder can help keep it securely in place.
Outdoor Housing
Parakeets can be housed in outdoor aviaries in climates with consistent temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Ensure the aviary is secure from predators and provides access to both shade and sunlight, always supervising birds when they are outdoors.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Daily spot-cleaning of soiled material and discarded food is necessary. Water and food bowls require daily washing, and substrate or bedding should be replaced at least weekly, or more often if multiple birds are housed together. When cleaning the habitat, use only pet-specific cleaners or a 3% bleach solution, rinse thoroughly, and allow everything to dry completely before returning the bird.
Nutrition for Parakeets
A balanced diet for parakeets should consist primarily of a high-quality pelleted food formulated for parakeets, making up 60–70% of their intake [cite:0, cite:4]. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times and changed daily.
Safe Foods:
- Pelleted food
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Berries, melons, papaya, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, pea pods.
- Fortified seeds and millet (as treats).
Foods to Avoid:
- Avocado
- Fruit seeds
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Foods high in salt or fat.
Important Note: Never share food from your mouth or plates with your parakeet, as human microorganisms can cause illness in birds. Discard uneaten fruits and vegetables after a few hours.
Grooming and Essential Care
Wing Clipping: If performed, wing clipping should only be done by a trained professional to prevent injury. It involves trimming the outermost flight feathers to allow the bird to glide safely to the ground. This procedure needs to be repeated every few months as feathers regrow.
Bathing: Provide a water dish large enough for bathing, or gently mist the bird with warm water from a spray bottle a few times a week if they do not bathe themselves.
Nail Care: Nails should be trimmed by a professional as needed. Styptic powder can be used to stop any bleeding. Most parakeets do not require beak trimming; however, abnormal beak growth should be addressed by an avian veterinarian.
Avoid Nonstick Cookware: Nonstick coatings (like Teflon) release toxic fumes when heated that can be fatal to birds. Keep parakeets away from these appliances.
Veterinary Care for Parakeets
Annual physical exams with an avian veterinarian are recommended for all parakeets.
Signs of a Healthy Parakeet:
- Ideal body condition
- Smooth, bright feathers
- Clear, bright eyes
- No nasal discharge or discoloration
- Healthy skin
- Clean vent
- Formed droppings (green-brown with white).
When to Contact a Veterinarian:
- Changes in droppings (watery, loose, discolored)
- Soiled or sticky vent feathers
- Sneezing or nasal discharge
- Tail bobbing or open-mouth breathing
- Overgrown beak or nails
- Unexplained growths, swellings, or discoloration
- Broken, missing, or bleeding feathers
- Seizures, weakness, or lack of appetite/balance.
Common Parakeet Illnesses:
- Tumors
- Goiters
- Hypovitaminosis A
- Parasites (mites)
- Obesity
- Liver disease
- Foot disorders (e.g., Bumblefoot)
- Psittacosis
- Osteoarthritis [cite:0, cite:5].
Frequently Asked Questions
Are parakeets easy to care for?
Yes, parakeets are engaging and relatively inexpensive to keep, making them suitable for beginners.
How can I keep my parakeet happy?
Consistent daily interaction, adequate enrichment, a balanced diet, sufficient social interaction (or attention if kept alone), regular veterinary check-ups, daily out-of-cage time (at least one hour), and placement in an active part of the house contribute to a happy parakeet.
How much do parakeets cost?
Prices typically range from $20 to $100 for common parakeets, depending on age, coloring, and species.
Are parakeets good pets?
Parakeets can be wonderful pets for individuals with the time to dedicate to them. They are quick learners and enjoy interacting with their owners.
For a downloadable PDF of this parakeet care sheet, click here.
