Parakeet Care FAQS

Did you know that there are more than 100 types of parakeets? These small parrots have definitely won a lot of hearts. Most of the time, when you hear people referring to parakeets, they are talking about the common parakeet. This adorable little bird is the most popular pet parakeet. Cute, lovable, and full of personality, they make great companions! A local Deer Park, TX vet discusses the parakeet, and goes over some basic care tips in this article. 

Parakeet Basics

There are about 115 parrots hanging out on the Psittacidae branch of the parrot family tree. The common parakeet is native to Australia, and was first documented back in 1805. These birds are small, with long tails. They can sport many different colors of feathers, but are most often green, blue, or yellow. Fun fact: Polly’s official Latin name, Melopsittacus undulatus, means  “songbird with wavy lines. It’s probably safe to say that this refers to the pattern of black wavy lines parakeets sport on their bodies and faces.

Polly can live about 10-12 years with proper care, and can grow up to 7 inches long.

Is A Parakeet The Same As A Budgie?

Actually, yes. The distinction is really just a matter of geographical dialects and preferences. Here in the U.S., we call them parakeets. The rest of the world calls them budgerigars or budgies. 

As Shakespeare put it, a rose by any other name …

Do Parakeets Make Good Pets?

Parakeets can make wonderful pets … for the right person. They are not only adorable, they are typically quite gentle, and can get very attached to their humans. Because they are so fragile, we don’t really recommend them for small children, though. You can certainly welcome Polly into your household: you’d just want to see to her care yourself and carefully supervise any interactions. 

Do Parakeets Need To Be In Pairs?

This isn’t an absolute must, but it’s definitely recommended. Parakeets are very sociable, and are happiest with buddies. Polly will be happiest with another bird to keep her company. Also, keep in mind that if you get two birds, they will bond closely to each other. If you only get one, the bird will bond with you.  That may be sweet, but there’s a downside. If your feathered friend is an only pet, you’ll need to be diligent about spending lots of time with her every day, so she doesn’t get lonely.

That said, you should never just put two strange birds together. Introductions have to be made slowly. You’ll need to keep a very close eye on things, especially at first. Even though parakeets are social, there are no guarantees that individual birds will get along. 

Ask your Deer Park, TX vet for specific advice.

What Sort Of Cages Do Parakeets Need?

No matter what type of bird you get, she’ll need a suitable, comfortable cage. Different types of birds require different types of cages, so do plenty of research before purchasing one.

Here are a few tips for that:

Choose The Right Size Cage 

With parakeets, you would need a cage that is 18″ x 18″ x 18” at a minimum, for a single bird. If you have two birds, that minimum size would go up to 30″ x 18″ x 18″.  In general, though, you would want to get the biggest cage you have room for.

(Tip: Measure the space before you go shopping. That way you’ll know exactly how much room you have to work with.)

Get The Proper Shape

Birdcages come in a variety of different shapes. You’ll want to find out what the best option is for your bird. Many larger parrots love to climb. However, parakeets often go from side to side, so they need a cage that offers vertical and horizontal space.

Consider Access

When you are looking for a cage, you’ll probably find yourself musing over cages that have specific extras. These may be slide-out trays, removable tops, or doors that allow for easy access. While these features may bump the price tag up a bit, they are, more often than not, well worth the extra cost.

This is one downside of those beautiful antique cages: they really do offer more form than function.

Consider Getting A Stand

Many cages come with stands. In other cases, you can order it as an accessory. You don’t have to get an actual stand, though: you can use a piece of furniture. Just be careful here if you have a cat. Fluffy probably won’t mind being able to get a direct view into the birdcage. That could very well frighten your feathered friend.

Don’t Overlook Safety Concerns

When choosing and setting up the cage, there are a few things you would want to keep in mind. One thing to check would be the bar spacing. These ideally should be less than a half inch apart. For some birds, the recommendation would be 5/8” maximum. Look the cage over carefully, and make sure there aren’t any small pieces or sharp edges that could hurt your pet.

It’s also important to check the cage information and find out what it is made of. Stainless steel or powder-coated steel are good options. Avoid anything that contains zinc or lead: these are actually toxic to birds.

You’ll also want to be careful with used cages. If the prior occupant was sick, the cage could possibly be contaminated still. 

Ask your vet for more information on bird cages.

Choose The Right Spot

Picking the right place for your birdcage is also important. You don’t want to put it in a drafty area or in direct sunlight. Polly won’t be comfortable if she’s too exposed, but she could get lonely if she’s too isolated. Often, the corner of a den or family room is a good spot. You will need to make sure your pet’s cage is in a room with excellent air quality, as vapors and fumes could make your pet very sick.

What Do Parakeets Eat?

Polly can eat a good, high-quality parakeet food. You can choose between a seed and a pellet form. Both are fine: just don’t go back and forth randomly. Changes to any pet’s diet should always be made slowly.

As far as treats, you’ll want to get a specific list from your vet. However, here are a few possible options:

• Nuts: Almonds; cashews; pecans; walnuts; pistachios; hazelnuts and macadamias
• Fruits: Fruits are high in sugar, and should be offered sparingly. Some suitable options include apples (no seeds or pips), grapes, mango, banana, passion fruit, papaya and peaches.
• Pasta: Pasta is also fine, and is quite popular with these guys. You can offer it raw or cooked: chances are, Polly will enjoy it either way.
• Seeds: While not all seeds are safe, your feathered pal can enjoy several, including watermelon seeds, millet, sunflower seeds and chia seeds.
• Popcorn: This is a healthy and easy snack for people and parrots! Just give your pet hers without the salt, butter, or toppings. 

Your parakeet can also have small amounts of bread, grain, and cereals. However, you’ll need to get specific advice on these. Also, take care not to go overboard with these carb-heavy snacks. Ask your vet for specific advice. 

Make An Appointment At Our Deer Park, TX Pet Hospital

Do you have questions about caring for a parakeet? Please feel free to contact us anytime. As your Deer Park, TX pet hospital, we are dedicated to offering top-notch care!