Owning a Parakeet aka Budgies

Parakeets, also known as Budgies, make terrific pets. If you would like a pet that is low-maintenance, intelligent, and friendly, a parakeet would be a great pet for you! Parakeets are simple to care for, requiring only a few items. They also are very intelligent, so they make great companions. They are smaller birds then a parrot so there is less risk of injury, making them great children's pets as well.

When you go to a pet store, chances are you will see a lot of parakeets ready to be taken home. They are normally kept in an open area, because the pet store clips the baby parakeet's wings to make it difficult to fly away. They are very social, so you can keep numerous parakeets together. Though they do enjoy the company of other parakeets, if you want the bird to bond to you, you should consider only having one to start with.

There are many different varieties of cages available for your parakeet. There are small square cages you can set on a table that have built in food and water dishes. There are also cages with multiple stories so the parakeet will have plenty of room to explore. Some cages will also have a play area on top, so that when you are home with your parakeet, it can play on top. Most parakeets enjoy playing a lot. There are numerous toys available for entertaining your parakeet. There are ladders for climbing as well as bells for ringing. A lot of toys you will find will have a mirror on them. This is because parakeets are social creatures and they tend to think that their reflection is actually a friend. As a general rule, be sure to not get a toy with a mirror on it when you first get your parakeet. This will greatly improve the chances of your parakeet bonding with you, instead of its reflection. Now, if you will be away a lot, a mirror is a good alternative to having multiple parakeets.

You will need to be sure you are feeding your parakeet a balanced diet. They should eat a combination of bird seed, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional treats. Your parakeet will enjoy any type of green vegetable. Fruit is also a good addition to a parakeet's diet. Be sure you keep the treats for special occasions so as not to upset your parakeet's digestive system.

Parakeets make wonderful pets for all people, young and old. Be sure you have the time to care for it though. When left alone, parakeets will become wild, and they become harder to tame as they get older. If you start young, you will raise a docile, intelligent parakeet.