Parakeets are beautiful little birds that make great pets. In fact, they are the most common animals in our homes after dogs and cats. The parakeet is a bird of Australian origin, it is not particularly expensive to maintain, it adapts well to the home environment and over time it also learns to repeat your words. If you brought your first budgie home, you need to ensure it is healthy and happy.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Preparing her Home
Step 1. Purchase a large cage
Birds need space to play and spread their wings. If you are concerned about your pet's well-being, try to get a model that lets in a lot of light. The cage should be at least 18cm deep, 18cm high and 30cm wide.
- Choose one that is wider than the height and with a square shape. Parakeets fly horizontally and not vertically like quails. The very uniquely shaped cages at the top are just a waste of money and space.
- The parakeet must be able to spread its wings. Do not fill his cage with toys, perches or other parakeets.
- Try different models and look for one that is easy to clean. Does your hand enter the cage easily? Are you able to use a brush inside it? Remember that parakeets defecate every 10 to 15 minutes!
- You can use the same cage if you decide to buy another bird. Get a much larger cage instead if you plan on keeping more than two parakeets.
Step 2. Add a bath tub
Although parakeets do a lot of "poo", they love to stay clean. They also go underwater to have fun. Go to your favorite pet shop and look for a stable mini-tub made of plastic that can clip onto the cage. It must be accessible for the bird and easy to fill from the outside.
- Don't overdo the amount of water. You must avoid that the parakeet spills a lot of water on the bottom of the cage every time it enters the tray.
- Choose a container that is similar in size to the animal so that it can immerse itself completely.
- The pan is ideal for the budgie and will certainly appreciate it, but be careful that it is not too big to take up much of the space inside the cage. The parakeet will be able to clean itself even if you splash water on it; the tray is not absolutely necessary.
Step 3. Add a few toys and perches of different thicknesses, shapes and textures
Natural perches are excellent, especially when compared to plastic ones or wooden spines; they are even more beautiful to look at. Make sure the perch is stable to avoid any risk of injury.
- There are many types of toys. Look for ladders, bells, balls and so on. They are all tools that allow you to mentally stimulate the parakeet.
- Check that the type of wood you have chosen is safe for the animal, such as eucalyptus. Wooden spikes and plastic perches can cause problems for the parakeet's paws because they do not guarantee adequate exercise.
- Avoid perches and toys made from prunus wood, as it contains cyanogenic glycosides. Also avoid oak as it is rich in tannins. There have been no reports of bird deaths due to these elements, but it is always best to be cautious.
- Do not buy concrete perches, as they are too hard for the bird's legs; if you are forced to use them, however, place them at the lowest point of the cage.
- Don't give your little bird too many toys. Two or three games, of different kinds, are enough; there is no need to fill the cage with unwanted toys. The important thing is that they always have something to play with to mentally stimulate themselves; boredom leads the bird to pluck its feathers.
Step 4. Evaluate the room in which you will put the budgie
Choose a warm one, where there are no changes in temperature. A bright environment keeps her happy and active.
Avoid placing the cage in front of a sunny window or near an open door. Drafts and excessive sun exposure can kill the pet
Part 2 of 4: Caring for the Budgie
Step 1. Give the parakeet the right foods
Good food for this type of bird is fresh seeds, fruits and vegetables. Try introducing feed pellets into your diet, as a seed-only diet could lead to obesity.
- Never give her avocado, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol. They are all toxic foods for parakeets.
- Make sure there is always enough water in the drinking bottle. These little birds are famous for their water consumption. Change it every day to avoid bacterial growth.
- Add a cuttlefish bone. It is a natural source of calcium, perfect for parakeets. Sometimes, in pet stores, you can find mineral blocks. Some people rely on vitamins and liquid mineral supplements, but these nutrients should be obtained through fresh fruits and vegetables.
Step 2. Clean the cage at least once a week
This way you avoid exposing your pet to diseases and germs. Use only mild dish soap and water and do not use any other detergents unless you are absolutely sure they are bird-safe.
Try spraying the bird with some water spray to keep it cool
Step 3. Create a good sleep environment
When it's time for bed, place a light cloth or blanket over the cage. Make sure there is always sufficient ventilation, you certainly don't want to suffocate the bird!
- This trick is also particularly useful when there is a lot of noise. The blanket will block out most sounds.
- If your little bird is afraid of the dark, then install a light spot for the night. Do not leave the animal in a panic, it will start flying in the cage madly and end up injuring itself.
- Check the cloth to make sure the parakeet's claws aren't getting caught on it.
Step 4. Don't forget to monitor your health
Take the parakeet to a veterinary surgeon once a year for a routine checkup. If you feel he is behaving strangely or notice anything unusual, go to the vet's office as soon as possible.
Look for abnormalities in breathing, discharge from the eyes or beak, traces of mucus on the feathers, strange behavior and weight loss. If you have any or all of these symptoms, then call your vet immediately
Part 3 of 4: Get it used to the House
Step 1. Make sure the budgie is comfortable when it arrives in the new home
Give her some time to get used to the environment, at least three to four days. Never rush her, she will adapt at her own pace.
- Stay close to the cage. Speak to the cocorita in a soft and calm voice; while you wait for it to settle, do not try to pick it up. In a few days or weeks he will get to know you too.
- For the first four weeks, leave it in quarantine if you have other specimens. Once you are sure of its health, you can bring the cages close together, but without joining the animals. The new cocorita will slowly get to know her new friends.
- Avoid loud noises and screams. Your little bird is already stressed enough from the new environment.
- Choose his name. Say it often, especially when you feed it, so it gets used to the sound.
Step 2. Introduce the parakeet to the rest of the family gradually
Your new feathered friend may feel overwhelmed if there are too many people around him. For this reason it is advisable to bring the various members of the family close to the cage one at a time and ask them to pronounce the name of the bird. Allow everyone to feed him so they can earn his trust.
- Be very careful if you own another pet, especially if it is a cat. Kittens are natural predators and may think your parakeet is a perfect meal. Keep the cat in another room to avoid unnecessary stress for the bird. Dogs can also be excited by the presence of the parakeet and their barking could terrify the little bird.
- Make sure the children treat the bird with respect. Particularly young children may be very upset when a new pet is brought into the home. Make sure you are always present with them in the room and don't allow them to hit the cage or grab the budgie.
Step 3. Try to earn the bird's trust
After a few days you can try to put your hand in the cage. Just insert it without moving it. Repeat this maneuver for a few days to get your pet used to your presence.
- When you have the feeling that you accept your hand, put a finger in the cage. Push it very gently on the breast of the parakeet. This encourages her to perch on her finger. Repeat the exercise for a few days.
- Feed the bird with your finger. Dip it first in water and then sprinkle it with a few grains of millet. The water will allow the seeds to adhere to your skin. Put your finger near the parakeet's beak and you will see that it will start eating if it has developed some familiarity with you.
- After repeating these steps a few times, gently hold the parakeet in your hand. At first do this for only short periods and then extend the time you handle it.
Step 4. Avoid excessive physical contact with the bird for the first two to three weeks
Eventually he will get used to the new home and start interacting with you more and more until he realizes that you are a friend and not a predator.
If you try to rush things, the parakeet will get a little anxious and scared. This will prevent a good bond between you
Step 5. Always treat her with love and kindness
Remember that the bird is very fragile in relation to the strength of the human hand, so you must always handle it carefully.
Always remember to teach those who are not used to dealing with a parakeet how to handle and play with this little creature
Part 4 of 4: Stimulating the Budgie
Step 1. Consider the pros and cons of a mirror
Mounting a hand mirror in the cage can be a way to keep your bird entertained for hours. This type of animal loves to look and talk to its own reflected image, but know that there is a very heated debate on the possible psychological repercussions.
- Instead of a mirror, consider purchasing a second one. Budgies love company, and yours will likely welcome their new friend with joy.
- Since budgies regurgitate food to feed their mates, a mirror could cause infections (almost certainly in males, often females too). A mirror could never "return" the gesture of nourishment as a real companion would necessarily do.
- If you decide to mount a mirror, make sure it is securely attached to the cage and does not pose a risk to the animal.
Step 2. Talk and play often with the budgie
Your little bird loves to interact and play, and may even become talkative over time. Move your finger in front of him, if he swings his head in the same direction it means that he wants to play and that he is very active.
Step 3. Let it fly into a room
Once the bird has adapted well to you and its surroundings, you can allow it to fly into a room, where you have previously closed all windows and doors. When it's time to call him back, turn off all the lights and close all the curtains, except for one window (remember, however, that the windows must remain closed). The budgie will be attracted to the light and, at that point, you can gently pick it up and put it back in the cage.
- Always check that the bird is safe. Place the cat in another room and check for potential escape routes.
- Think about the hygiene of your home. The budgie will likely defecate on the floor, do not fly it into a room with carpet and rugs.
Advice
Follow a general routine to keep your budgie (and yourself) quiet
Warnings
- Don't cut the wings or claws off the parakeet, you need to find a good vet to take care of these procedures.
- The budgie may also peck you as a warning sign or because you scared it; for this reason try to keep it quiet when handling it. Don't worry if it catches you, a "bite" like this rarely causes bleeding. Speak to her in a gentle and calm voice, never violently withdraw your hand when you get a bite; just touch her beak or blow on her face, but don't back away. If you overreact, the budgie will think it's a game.
