Parakeet Care Guide
Parakeets are a variety of species of small parrots. These chirpy chatters make excellent pets and companions for people of all experience levels. Learn all about Parakeet care here.
Parakeet Size:
Because of the wide variety of Parakeet species, there is a lot of variation in their size and lifespans, but an average Parakeet will grow to about seven inches at full maturity, with average lifespans ranging between ten and twenty years with well-kept birds.
Parakeet Care:
Parakeets have a relatively low maintenance care requirement. Keep them fed, make sure they get plenty of exercises both in and out of their cage, give them attention and plenty of toys to keep their minds stimulated, and in general they should thrive.
These playful and social birds generally do much better when kept in pairs than alone, so we highly encourage planning to raise and keep multiple Parakeets instead of just one. Your birds will be happier and healthier as a result.
Parakeet Diet:
Parakeets need a well-balanced diet of seed mix, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables should account for about a quarter of their diet, with seeds and nuts making up the rest.
It’s important to provide them with fresh feed daily. A Parakeet can die after just a single day without food due to their high metabolism rates.
Parakeet Habitat:
Despite their smaller size, Parakeets need a lot of room to move around, spread their wings, and play in, so to keep your bird happy and healthy ensure to provide an adequate-sized cage. This is especially important to consider when you keep two or more Parakeets.
Parakeet Behavior:
Happy Parakeets tend to be very vocal, typically chirping and singing, talking and mimicking various sounds they hear in the environment regularly. For most owners, this is a lovely and relaxing experience that can entertain you for hours, but for those living in apartments sometimes it can be a bit much.
Parakeets, especially males, will do a lot of head bobbing and prancing about, often it can appear as though they’re dancing. It’s highly entertaining and a good sign that your bird is happy.
Parakeet Care Synopsis:
Being sturdy, affectionate, social, easy to tame, and low-end on the maintenance needs scale, Parakeets make excellent pet birds for owners of all levels and typically do well in homes with children as well.
Learn more about Parakeets and other birds straight from veterinarians here.
Nicholas Burns – Veterinary Technician, amateur Ornithologist
Nick has volunteered at bird rescues since he was a teenager and worked as a veterinary technician for almost two decades. He has extensive experience with animal care and a special love for birds, especially his African Grey, Scrooge (who knows all the bad words!).
Related Guides:
African Grey Parrot Care Guide
Budgie Care Guide (Budgerigar Care Guide)
Cockatiel Care Guide
