PARAKEET | BUDGIE  

Colorful, attractive and lively, the parakeet or budgie is a hardy bird originally from Australia. There are over 100 species and colors of parakeets, a type of small parrot. The two basic domesticated types are: American, or small standard budgies, and English, or large size budgies, both with an average lifespan of 12 years. Parakeets are intelligent birds, able to repeat sounds, words and short phrases, are easy to tame and can learn tricks.

Diet

A parakeet will eat about 2 tablespoons of fortified parakeet seed a day and a ½ cup of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Additional proteins can also be added occasionally: cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs, peanuts. Vitamins

can be added to the drinking water or food 2-3 times a week. A cuttlebone or mineral block is important for beak condition and oyster shell or mineral grit for important minerals.

Housing  

Parakeets need room to fly and exercise. Provide a roomy cage, minimum 22”L 12”W 18”H (larger for pairs) with horizontal bars for climbing plus an outside play area. Use various sized perches (without sandpaper guards) and branches for healthy feet and beaks. Equip the cage with a variety of toys, seed treats, and a swing. Do not crowd the cage with toys but rotate toys frequently to keep your bird interested. Cover the cage at night to provide a sense of security and prevent drafts.

Care

Basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes. Change paper bottoms daily and litter coverings every 2-3 days. Clean and disinfect the cage weekly. Wash and completely dry the perches and toys whenever they become soiled.

Grooming

Budgies generally maintain their nails and beaks on their own through climbing and chewing. Your birds will enjoy a bath or a light spray mist of lukewarm water 2 to 3 times weekly. Wings should be kept trim if you want to discourage flight and prevent flight through an open door or window. Occasional beak and nail trims may be needed.

Health

A balanced diet, cleanliness and plenty of exercise will prevent most budgie illnesses. Boredom can lead to feather plucking, biting and screaming. Some signs of illness: sitting with eyes closed, ruffled feathers, lack of appetite, irregular breathing, nasal discharge, keeping its head tucked under its wing. Consult an avian veterinarian if any of these signs are noticed.