Fun Facts
- The type of pet parakeet most common in the United States is just one of more than 120 species and sub-species.
- Feet of a parakeet can tell you a lot about their health—scaly feet can be a sign of parasites or a nutritional deficiency.
- A cere, located right above a parakeets beak, reveals their gender. A fully mature male parakeet has a blue cere, while a females is brown.
- Parakeet’s beak are continuously growing. An easy way to promote wearing and combat overgrowth is to provide your bird with a cuttlebone and chew toys.
- In nature, parakeets regurgitate their food to feed their young. Don’t be concerned if your parakeet does this in your presence. It just means they consider you family and want to take care of you as they would their own chicks.
Nutrition
Diets of birds contain a variety of seeds, fruits, berries, and other vegetation. Fruits, vegetables, and greens should account for no more than 25% of the daily diet. Pellets are ideal for nutritional value and should make up at least 75% of the diet. World Birds is a good resource for finding food for various kinds of birds.
Basic Hygiene
Providing a bath and water will allow birds to clean themselves, though sometimes they need extra help.
If a birds feathers become soiled by something that self-bathing will not remove, the bird will need help cleaning. Dirt and other soilents can be removed by using a soft wet cloth and bird-friendly soap, followed by a rinse. Avoid the birds’ eyes and beak. Normal detergents such as hand soap or shampoo should never be used on birds.
Living Conditions
Birds vary in size, activity, and personality, so living environments will vary for each type. You should look into specifics for the bird you will be adopting, but generally, they all need the following: a chew-proof cage, cage lining, chew toys, and interactive resting spots like perches, swings, tunnels, nest boxes, etc.
If you are considering adopting a bird, consider checking local shelters before going to breeders.