Parakeets As Pets
Parakeets are the most common kind of parrot. They can be found in pet stores internationally. They are easy to take care of and are full of vitality and character. Budgerigars are social creatures that like to interact with toys, chatter and interact with their owners and as social animals, other birds. Actually, it is believed that there are over 5,000,000 birds found in natural habitats in countries like Japan, Brazil, Florida and Columbia.
When purchasing a parakeet or budgie ask for a younger bird. Look for indications such as black eyes, and stripes just behind the bare skin around the birds nostrils. In older birds, the stripes lead from the eyes across the head and the eyes are white. Parakeets consistently gossip and can talk if taught when young. ‘
The birds come in many shades. Budgies are best known for having a bright green body and a face that is yellow. Other colors includeblack rimmed feathers and a blue dot on the cheek. The end of the budgies beak is brown. The birds are skilled at self grooming the feathers. Breeders have mixed parakeets to create a rainbow of colors. This includes colors such as yellow, blue, white, gray and spots of lighter colors. The most healthy parakeets are green.
Younger birds can be trained. The wings of young birds can be clipped for easier handling and to avoid injury if the bird jumps out of your hands. Birds are first taught how to leap onto a the owners finger. Speak a command that the bird will associate with the action. Once the bird makes the connection, he or she will step on a finger every time the parakeet hears the word. Sessions should happen every day until the response is understood.
Feed your bird to an array of foods when young. This will create a familiarity with foods that'll be used across the birds life. Parakeets eat a mix of seeds. The most popular type of seed is white millet. To be sure that the bird stays healthy, this should be mixed with vitamin enriched seeds. The diet should contain dark green plants, and fruit slices such as apple or grapes. If an owner plans to breed a bird, or when the bird is young, also include an boiled egg or supplement. Instead of fortified food, an owner can provide a vitamin supplement in a feeder type bottle.
Taking these steps and keeping your birds cage clean will result in a long relationship between you and your parakeet.
Cathy Doggins is the writer of many featured articles on birds and animal well being. She is also the editor of many small pet websites. When not writing about pets, Cathy can be found playing with her cats, dogs, and obviously parakeets. Also she is a volunteer at her local pet shelter and is a typical speaker on pet care issues.
