Parakeets are friendly birds that have made great pets for bird-lovers all over the world.A parakeet isn't just a pretty thing to look at.Making a parakeet part of your family is what it means to bring it home.The social birds want to be in a home where they can bond with people.You will have to provide the regular needs of them.If you are willing to put the time in to socialize and care for one, a parakeet may be the pet for you.
Step 1: If you're ready for a 15-20 year commitment, you need to make a decision.
You will need to account for a parakeet's lifespan before you buy one.A parakeet can live for 15-20 years, which is more than many cats or dogs and most small mammals, but less than larger birds like parrots.If you plan to travel or make lifestyle changes in the future, a parakeet might not be the best pet for you.
Step 2: If you can handle their personality, then you should.
Most parakeets share two values: they are social and stubborn.A parakeet will want to socialize with you when it is let out to play.It will chew and peck around the house and leave droppings on furniture and on you.Parakeets can be trained.If this is something that appeals to you, consider it.Cleaning is a big part of taking care of a parakeet.When you let the bird out to play, you can put down towels and papers.
Step 3: The noise level can be considered.
Parakeets will make a loud screaming noise at least once a day for several minutes on end, up to half an hour.A parakeet might not be the right pet for a child who needs a lot of sleep or someone who is sensitive to noise.
Step 4: Determine how long you can stay.
Parakeets need daily attention because they are friendly and social.You need to be able to commit time every day to cleaning your parakeet's cage, changing out food and water bowls, and socializing with it.The amount of time you spend with your bird depends on your schedule and commitments, but they should get at least an hour of social time a day.
Step 5: Prepare to own multiple birds.
Parakeets are social.If there is no one in the house to socialize with most of the time, your parakeet will want a friend.If you want to double the noise, social time, and clean-up, you need to keep 2 birds at the same time.
Step 6: Evaluate household activity.
Parakeets are vulnerable to hurting themselves or weakened immunity.It may be difficult to keep your parakeet healthy if you move frequently or have small children.
Step 7: You should consider your other pets.
Your parakeet could be at risk if you own a cat, dog, snake, or other pet.It requires very careful attention to every interaction when there are multiple types of pets.Think about the behavior of your pets.A dog who just wants to play could hurt your parakeet.If you are going to bring your parakeet into a home with other pets, make sure you have a secure cage with bars small enough for the other animals to get in.Do not leave the parakeet unattended.
Step 8: The space you have to give the bird should be measured.
While some choose to keep parakeets in small cages, they are typically much happier in larger environments.Make sure you have room in your home for a large cage that is large enough to fit your parakeet, it's food and water dishes, multiple toys, and multiple perches and still give the bird room to fly.The biggest cage you can afford is the general recommendation.
Step 9: When you are away, factor in your time away.
Parakeets are not birds that can be left alone if you travel or are away from home frequently.Do you trust someone to come and feed the bird?
Step 10: If a person in your home has health issues, don't get a parakeet.
Consider if anyone in the family has a weak immune system.Birds can carry diseases that don't make them sick but can be passed onto people, such as giardia and campylobacter.A pet parakeet may not be appropriate for a person with a weak immune system.
Step 11: You can add regular expenses.
Keeping a parakeet requires you to regularly buy food, chew toys, treats, new bowls, and supplements like mineral blocks.You need to be prepared to regularly spend money on your bird because these are not high-cost items.
Step 12: The vet visits should be factor.
An avian vet should see a parakeet every year to make sure it's doing well.If you notice symptoms of an illness in your parakeet, you may have unexpected vet costs.If you have a way to pay for unexpected illness, you should be prepared to spend money at least once a year on vet visits.In the U.S., the cost of visiting an avian vet can range from $50 to $200 per appointment, not including medication or off-site work such as lab work, depending on the vet and the bird's condition.
Step 13: Increased heating and air conditioning bills have an account for them.
Parakeets like a temperature between 65 and 80 F.If you live in an area that gets very cold or very hot, your parakeet may require you to turn up your climate control systems, which could boost your energy and/or gas bills.