Parakeets, commonly known as budgies, are one of the most popular choices for pet birds, making them an excellent companion for families, including those with children. Originally from Australia, these small, social birds thrive in large flocks. Their scientific name, Melopsittacus undulatus, reflects the distinctive black wavy patterns adorning their bodies and faces. By around 10 months of age, their gender can be identified by the color of their cere, the skin around their nostrils: males typically display a blue cere, while females have a brownish-pink one that may darken with age due to reproductive hormones. Parakeets are among the most popular pet birds, making them a great choice for families with children.
Understanding Parakeet Characteristics
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty of Care | Beginner |
| Average Lifespan | 10–12 years (with proper care) |
| Average Adult Size | 7 inches (head to tail) |
| Diet | Grainivorous (grain-eaters) |
| Minimum Habitat Size | 18” W x 18” D x 18” H |
Behavior and Socialization of Parakeets
Parakeets are known for their friendly and intelligent nature, making them relatively easy to hand-tame. With proper socialization, they can readily adapt to daily handling and even learn basic commands. They can be kept individually, in pairs, or in groups, but careful introductions are crucial when housing multiple parakeets together. Introductions should be gradual, conducted in neutral territory, and closely supervised to ensure a harmonious living environment.
Do Parakeets Talk?
Indeed, parakeets possess a remarkable ability to vocalize a variety of sounds and can even mimic human words and sounds! To encourage this learning, consistently repeat simple words daily in the same tone. Parakeets can even “talk” by mimicking humans’ words and sounds!
Essential Supplies for Parakeet Owners
To ensure your parakeet remains happy and healthy, having these basic supplies readily available is essential:
Setting Up Your Parakeet’s Habitat
The ideal habitat for a single parakeet should measure at least 18 inches in width, depth, and height. The spacing between cage bars should be no more than half an inch to prevent escapes or entrapment of body parts. The cage must be spacious enough to allow the parakeet to comfortably stretch and flap its wings. Always opt for the largest habitat possible. Avoid homemade cages or those constructed from wood or galvanized wire, as these materials can leach toxic chemicals if ingested.
Creating the Ideal Habitat Environment
Parakeets are content in average household temperatures ranging from 65–80°F (18–27°C). Protect them from extreme temperature fluctuations. Position the habitat in a well-lit, draft-free area away from other household pets like cats and dogs. Ensure that no part of the cage or toys is made from lead, zinc, lead-based paints, galvanized metal, or other potentially toxic materials, as these can lead to severe health issues if ingested.
Bedding and Lighting Considerations
A removable metal grate at the bottom of the habitat allows droppings to fall away from the bird’s feet. Line the tray beneath the grate with habitat paper or other paper-based bedding to maintain cleanliness and minimize dust. Birds require exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to synthesize vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption. Glass windows block UV rays, so placing a habitat near an indoor window is insufficient.
For natural UV exposure, consider allowing your parakeet supervised time in an escape-proof outdoor cage when weather permits. Ensure they are never left unattended outdoors and are protected from direct, intense sunlight. To supplement UV light, use a full-spectrum UV lamp designed for birds, shining it on the habitat for 10–12 hours daily.
Decor and Essential Accessories
Perches
Provide parakeets with a variety of perches in different sizes, heights, textures, and materials to encourage foot exercise and prevent pressure sores. Each perch should be at least 4 inches long and approximately 3/8-inch in diameter. Perches with diameters that are too wide can make it difficult for the bird to grip, potentially leading to falls and injuries. Avoid sandpaper perches or covers, as they can be abrasive to a bird’s delicate feet. Position perches so they do not hang over food or water bowls to prevent contamination from droppings. Perches of assorted sizes, heights, textures, and materials are crucial for their well-being.
Toys
A selection of enrichment toys is vital for providing exercise and mental stimulation. Without adequate engagement, parakeets can become bored, leading to detrimental habits such as feather plucking. Toys made from cardboard, paper, soft wood, or plastics that are too hard for parakeets to chew and ingest are suitable. Regularly rotate toys to maintain their interest and prevent boredom. Ensure toys do not have small, detachable parts that could be swallowed.
Water and Food Dishes
Offer dry food, fresh food, and water in separate dishes. If housing multiple parakeets, each bird should have its own feeding station to minimize competition. Water dishes should be large enough to accommodate bathing. It is imperative to wash and rinse all dishes thoroughly daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Cuttlebones
Cuttlebones are an excellent source of supplemental calcium and other essential trace minerals, crucial for maintaining strong bones, beaks, nails, and healthy feathers. A cuttlebone holder, such as the JW Pet InSight Cuttlebone Holder Bird Toy, can securely hold the cuttlebone and prevent debris from scattering outside the cage.
Outdoor Housing for Parakeets
Parakeets can be housed outdoors in climates that suit their needs, provided they are in a secure aviary where temperatures consistently remain between 65–80°F (18–27°C) and the weather is clear. While outdoor access offers beneficial sunlight for vitamin D production, it’s essential to monitor for overheating and ensure constant access to shade. Protecting your parakeet from predators by securing the aviary is paramount, and all outdoor supervision must be vigilant.
Parakeet Habitat Cleaning and Maintenance
Perform daily spot-cleaning of the parakeet’s habitat, removing soiled materials and discarded food. Food and water bowls require daily washing, and the substrate, bedding, or habitat liners should be replaced at least weekly, or more often if multiple birds are housed together. Use only pet-specific cleaning agents, as birds have sensitive respiratory systems that can be irritated by aerosolized fumes.
To thoroughly clean a parakeet’s habitat:
- Relocate the parakeet to a secure, separate space (e.g., a travel cage). Remove all old substrate, bedding, and accessories.
- Wash the habitat and accessories using a bird-safe cleaner or a 3% bleach solution.
- Rinse all items thoroughly with water, ensuring no residual cleaning agent or bleach odor remains.
- Allow the habitat and its contents to dry completely before reintroducing new substrate, bedding, and clean accessories.
- Return the parakeet to its refreshed habitat.
Regularly inspect perches, dishes, and toys for wear or damage and replace them as needed. Introduce new toys one at a time, as parakeets can be creatures of habit and may experience stress from significant changes.
Nutritional Needs of Parakeets
Parakeets thrive on a varied diet that includes pelleted food, seeds, fresh vegetables, fruits, and occasional treats. Always ensure access to fresh, clean water, changed daily. Never share food directly from your mouth or plate, as human microorganisms can cause illness in birds.
A high-quality pelleted food formulated specifically for parakeets should constitute the primary component of their diet, making up at least 60–70%. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for daily feeding amounts, discarding uneaten food before each new feeding. A nutritious and well-balanced parakeet diet includes a high-quality pelleted food formulated for parakeets.
Fruits and vegetables, along with treats, should be offered in moderation, accounting for no more than 10% of the bird’s total diet. Safe and beneficial options include berries, melons, papaya, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and pea pods. Remove any uneaten fruits and vegetables after a few hours.
Fortified seeds and millet can be given as treats. Parakeets naturally remove the hulls from seeds before consumption, so a grit supplement is unnecessary for seed digestion. Crucially, avoid feeding avocados, fruit seeds, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol, as these are highly toxic and can be fatal. Limit treats high in salt or fat. Parakeet treats should be given sparingly.
Parakeet Grooming and Health Maintenance
Wing Clipping
Wing clipping is a temporary measure to prevent a bird from achieving lift and flying away. A correctly performed wing trim should allow the bird to glide safely to the ground without sustained flight. Only trained professionals or individuals with proper instruction should attempt feather trimming to avoid severe injury. Clipping the outermost flight feathers can help prevent escape and potential injury. Consult an avian veterinarian for guidance before attempting this procedure. Feather regrowth necessitates repeating wing trims every few months.
Bathing
Ensure water dishes are large enough for bathing. If your parakeet doesn’t bathe regularly, gently misting them with warm water from a clean spray bottle a few times a week can encourage cleanliness.
Nail Care
Nail trimming is required as needed, ranging from every few weeks to months. It is best performed by a trained professional, avian veterinarian, or suitably experienced individual to prevent injury. Styptic powder can be used to stop any bleeding that may occur.
Most parakeets do not require beak trimming, as daily use generally keeps them in good condition. Abnormal beak growth can indicate underlying health issues such as liver disease or trauma and requires veterinary attention.
Veterinary Care for Parakeets
Annual Check-ups
Parakeets should undergo an annual physical examination by a veterinarian experienced with avian patients. While routine annual diagnostic tests are uncommon, your vet may collect samples if necessary. Bringing a fecal sample from the enclosure to your vet’s appointment can be helpful for examination and testing.
Signs of a Healthy Parakeet
A healthy parakeet exhibits:
- Ideal body condition
- Smooth, brightly colored feathers
- Clear, bright eyes
- Nares (nostrils) free of discharge or discoloration
- Smooth, healthy skin
- A clean vent
- Formed droppings, typically green-brown with a small white component
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
Seek veterinary attention immediately if you observe any of the following signs:
- Watery, loose, or discolored droppings
- Moist vents or fecal matter clinging to feathers
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge or discolored feathers around the nares
- Tail bobbing
- Open-mouth breathing
- Overgrown beak or nails
- Unusual growths, swellings, or discoloration on the skin, legs, feet, wings, or face
- Broken, missing, or bleeding feathers
- Seizures
- Weakness or lethargy
- Abnormal behavior or loss of balance
- Lack of appetite
Common Parakeet Illnesses
Parakeets are susceptible to various health conditions, including:
- Tumors
- Goiters
- Hypovitaminosis A (Vitamin A deficiency)
- Parasites (particularly mites)
- Obesity
- Liver disease
- Foot disorders such as Bumblefoot
- Psittacosis
- Osteoarthritis
For a downloadable PDF of this parakeet care sheet, click here!
Frequently Asked Questions About Parakeets
Are parakeets easy to care for?
Yes, parakeets are engaging and relatively easy to care for, and their upkeep is not excessively expensive.
How can I ensure my parakeet is happy?
To keep your parakeet happy, provide consistent daily interaction, adequate enrichment, a balanced diet, and sufficient attention (especially if kept singly). Regular annual wellness exams with your veterinarian are also crucial. Allow them at least one hour of out-of-cage time daily and house them in an active area of your home.
What is the cost of parakeets?
The price of parakeets can vary based on age, coloring, and specific species, but common parakeets typically range from $20 to $100.
Are parakeets good pets?
Parakeets can make wonderful pets for individuals who have the time to dedicate to them. They are quick learners and enjoy interacting with their owners.
