Washington DC Veterinary Clinic

The Basics of Parakeet Care

If you are considering welcoming a parakeet into your family, congratulations! They are very intelligent and highly entertaining pets. Before you bring your new friend home, however, there are certain facts about parakeet care that you should be aware of.

The Cage

One of the most important steps is setting up an adequate home for your bird. Parakeets need plenty of space to stay healthy and happy. A recommended cage size is at least 1.5’ x 1.3’ x 1.3’. It’s a good idea to pick a cage that has bars that are no more than .5” apart; otherwise, there can be accidents with your bird getting its head stuck, or even escaping.

You’ll also want to provide plenty of bars for your parakeet to perch on. You can purchase perches of varying sizes, use natural sticks, or both.

Nutrition

Like most small birds, parakeets eat a variety of seeds. It is important to provide your bird with the highest quality of food as possible, as fresh as possible. The bulk of the seeds you feed your bird should be canary seed. Your DC veterinarian can recommend brands and treats for your bird.

Toys

Parakeets are very active and curious creatures. Before you introduce your bird to his or her new home, you’ll want to make sure it has a toy or two available. Parakeets need to chew to keep their beaks healthy and they love to do it, so look for toys that are designed to be chewed on. Any dangling toy that can be climbed or swung in will likely be a hit. Mirrors are also a good idea, for “company.”

Visit a Washington DC Veterinarian Clinic

For more advice about preparing your home for a parakeet, contact a Washington DC vet.