Care for Parakeets: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

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Are you thinking of bringing a cheerful and colorful parakeet into your home? If so, it’s important to learn how to care for parakeets beforehand to keep them healthy and happy. These lively birds make fantastic companions, but they also come with a bit of responsibility.

Here are a few tips for bird care to keep in mind once you bring your new pet home.

Four Essential Tips to Care for Parakeets

Raising parakeets might not be too much of a hassle, but proper care is still needed. Following are some tips to keep in mind while taking care of parakeets:

1. Habitat Requirements

Providing the appropriate habitat for your parakeets is essential for their well-being and to prevent depression. Here’s how you can make it possible, following these three simple tips:

●       Cage size: The cage should be at least 18 inches wide, with bars no wider than 0.5 inches to ensure safety.

●       Cage placement: Position the cage in a well-lit area, so your parakeets can get enough vitamin D and maintain a temperature range between 60°F and 80°F.

●       Clean environment: Parakeets are particularly sensitive to their living conditions and prefer a clean environment. To make cleaning easier, choose a cage with a pull-out tray and paper-based litter at the bottom.

PRO TIP: Order some fun bird toy boxes and mix things to keep the environment engaging. New toys mean endless fun and happy, active birds!

2. Diet and Nutritional Needs

Your parakeet's diet should contain seeds, vegetables, fruits, and vet-recommended food. It’s also crucial to ensure your parakeet doesn’t go more than 24 hours without eating, as it can lead to serious illness. Studies have revealed that 80-90% of bird diseases happen because of inadequate diet.

Here are a couple of things you should know as well:

●       No Human Food Sharing: Human bacteria can be harmful to parakeets, so avoid sharing food from your mouth or the plate.

●       Essential Diet Components: The diet must contain high-quality pelleted food and a birdseed blend. You can also feed them parrot treats, but in a minimum quantity—be sure to read the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper portioning.

●       Safe Fruits and Vegetables: Parakeets can safely enjoy fruits like melons, papaya, and berries. Vegetables such as bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and broccoli are also safe to eat.

NOTE: Don’t feed your parakeet fresh vegetables or fruits for 24 hours if their stool becomes runny. It’s usually caused by excess water absorption.

3. Keep the Space Clean and Safe

If your parakeet seems reluctant to bathe, you can gently use a clean spray mist a few times a week to help keep it refreshed. To ensure comfort and safety, monitor its nail growth and trim it every few weeks to prevent injuries or cuts.

4. Regular Veterinary Checkups

After adopting a parakeet, an initial health checkup with a veterinarian is essential to ensure its overall health and to catch any potential issues early. Watch for unusual signs such as discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth or any visible bleeding, and consult a veterinary immediately if you notice these symptoms.

Give Your Parakeet the Care They Deserve

Care for parakeets involves creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where they can thrive. Also incorporate parrot training into their routine to strengthen your bond and To enhance their well-being, consider adding exciting toys from FluffyFeathers to their routine. Our bird toy subscription boxes are thoughtfully created to match your bird’s size and preferences.

Head to our store and subscribe to give your parakeet care and the joy they deserve.