Parakeets

'Parakeets' means "small parrots". Parakeets have as many variations of their breed as there are varieties of their color. Parakeets come in a large variety of colors including pastel blues, yellows, dark greens, violets, solid whites and almost limitless combinations of the same. Parakeets are spread throughout the world. In Australia there are Parakeets that live in the grass. Parakeets are one of America’s most popular pet birds. The first parrots I bought were Parakeets.

Parakeets include Alexandrine Ring-Necked, Indian and African Ring-Necked, Rosellas and Scarlet Chested. Turquoisine and Elegant are types of Grass Parakeets. Their small size, bright colors, and cheerful disposition make them perfect pets. It is calming to listen to their quiet chattering and chirping. Some Parakeets even learn to talk.

Parakeets should have a large variety of grain and millet seeds. They need fresh water, and their water dish cleaned, everyday. Honey sticks are another good treat. Favorites include broccoli, leaves of flowering kale, shredded carrots, peas, corn, slices of apple or pear, and grapes cut in half. Trained Parakeets are absolute dolls in the house. Untrained ones, however, can cause a lot of embarrassment.

Parakeet Training

Parakeets are intelligent so Parakeet training is not much of a problem. Parakeet training can teach your pet to talk, perform tricks, and perch on your hand, shoulder or head. The Parakeet loves to play with shiny things like mirrors and bells, and when hand-tamed, it enjoy gentle petting, too. Parakeets are loving and social creatures, so make sure of good Parakeet training.

Parakeet training takes a bit of patience and time.The first step in Parakeet training is to get the bird used to your hand. You must be very careful while you are doing this. The Parakeet may get afraid when it sees your hand in its cage. It may bite you too. Don't lose your calm and for God's sake, don't yell at the cute bundle of feathers! With Parakeet training, your bird will perch on your finger in no time.

Parakeet training also involves not leaving the bird lonely in its cage. It should interact freely with the rest of your family.

Parakeet Care

Parakeet care is the most important step in keeping Parakeets as pets. Remember their immune systems can be touchy. This means that at the first sign of illness, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Even a simple virus can turn deadly overnight. Parakeet care means a regular checkup of their plumage. Birds keep their plumage in peak condition by preening. You can encourage this by occasionally misting it with warm water.

Selecting the right cage for your Parakeets is an important part of Parakeet care. Choose a cage that is large enough to allow it plenty of exercise. Most cages come with 2 perches. For more specialised Parakeet care, you can attach a cuttlebone to the side of the cage. It will help keep the bird's beak in good condition and will serve as a source of calcium and other minerals.

The most important step in Parakeet care is the positioning of the cage. This crucial decision can make or break your relationship with your Parakeet. This also determines whether your Parakeet is healthy and playful or lonely and depressed!

Parakeet Behavior

Communal nest building is a striking characteristic of Parakeet behavior. Keeping Parakeets with other species of parrots is a form of punishment. It is known as solitary keeping. This can lead to communication problems and other related Parakeet behavior problems.

Turning their heads all around and burying them on their backs and resting on one leg are not to be diagnosed as Parakeet behavior problems at all.

Quaker Parakeet

The Quaker Parakeet is a green bird with grey feathers on neck and forehead. Variations include a blue color and a very rare yellow color. The Quaker Parakeet originates from southeastern Brazil and Argentina. With a personality that has no rival the Quaker Parakeet is becoming increasingly popular. The reason the Quaker Parakeet is outlawed in several states is because it is considered a potential agricultural pest. A Quaker Parakeet owner like myself can attest to the fact that this special little treasure is in a class of its own.

The Quaker Parakeet has proven to be just as intelligent and much more personable than the common Parakeet. Unlike many other parrot species, a Quaker Parakeet's behavior can often be predictable. Therefore the Quaker Parakeet is more responsive when behavior modification techniques are needed. The Quaker Parakeet is a cheerful, happy and active bird. It is very vocal by nature. It is a fast learner, rapidly picking up words and phrases that it hears often, and can frequently be heard "conversing" with its neighbours as they practice saying different things.

Quaker Parakeets will put great effort into learning short tunes heard on the radio, television, or from humans. It is also famous for its terrific sense of humor. It will spend hours swinging, climbing and playing with toys. As you can understand, a trained Quaker Parakeet is a source of unlimited fun. Since it is often referred to as a bundle of energy, an untrained Quaker Parrot can make your life miserable.

Life Expectancy : 25 to 30 years

Copyright (c) 2006 Nathalie Roberts