BUDGERIGAR PARAKEET

Scientific Name Origin Food Life Span Size Housing Diet Feeding Recommended Supplies Normal Behavior & Interaction Habitat Maintenance Grooming & Hygiene Signs of a Healthy Animal Common Health Issues Red Flags

 

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SCIENTIFIC NAME: Melopsittacus undulatus

ORIGIN: Australia

FOOD: Seeds and pellets

LIFE SPAN: 8 years on average, though 15 years when well cared for

SIZE: 7 inches

 

HOUSING:

• Birds acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme temperature change; habitat should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts
  
  
• A habitat approximately 18"W x 18"D x 24"H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1/2" apart, makes a good home for your parakeet; as with all animals, it is best to provide the largest habitat possible; a flight habitat is strongly recommended
  
  
• Perches should be at least 4" long and 3/8" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended
  
  
• A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the
  droppings tray with habitat paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning; to avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches.
  
  
• Bird owners should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release
  fumes hazardous to your birds health
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DIET:

• Specialized pelleted diets are highly recommended and should consist of 60–70% of the diet; use fortified seeds in moderation as they are higher in fat and less nutritious than pellets
  
  
• Fresh vegetables and fruits, such as grated carrots, raw broccoli and green, leafy vegetables and apple slices
  
  
• Clean, fresh, filtered and chlorine-free water changed daily
  
  
• Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol or caffeine as these can cause serious medical problems
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FEEDING:

• If your bird is used to a seed diet, convert to pellets gradually; fresh pellets or seeds and fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should always be available
  
  
• Fresh vegetables and fruits should be given daily and discarded when not eaten within 24 hours; parakeets appreciate quality and variety in their food
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RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES:

• Habitat and habitat cover
• Grooming spray
• Vitamin supplements
  
• Habitat paper or substrate
• Millet spray
• Variety of perches
  
• Pellets and fortified seed
• Play gym
• Variety of toys
  
• Food and water dishes
• Treats
• Cuttlebone
  
• Book about parakeets
• Bird bath
• Nail clippers and styptic gel
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NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION:

• Parakeets are talkers, but their little voices are sometimes hard to hear
  
  
• Active and need daily time out of their habitats to interact with the family
  
  
• Enjoy a variety of chew toys; social and get along well with their own kind
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HABITAT MAINTENANCE:

• Clean and disinfect the habitat and perches regularly; replace substrate or habitat liner weekly or more often if needed; replace food and water daily; Replace perches, dishes, and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat regularly
  
  
• Ensure that there are no habitat parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead and lead-based paints or galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird
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GROOMING & HYGIENE:

• Provide filtered, chlorine free, lukewarm water regularly for bathing; remove the water when done; as an alternative, mist the bird with water or a grooming spray
  
  
• Clipping flight feathers is not necessary, but when done correctly it can help prevent injury or escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird; Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird
  
  
• Because all parakeets are potential carriers of infectious diseases such as Psittacosis, always wash your hands before and after handling your parakeet and/or the habitat contents to help prevent the potential of spread of diseases.
  
  
• Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing and/or caring for a parakeet and should consider not having a parakeet as a pet. For more information regarding parakeets and disease, contact the Center for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/
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SIGNS OF A HEALTHY ANIMAL:

•Active, alert, and sociable • Eats and drinks throughout the day • Dry nostrils and bright, dry eyes • Beak, legs, and feet normal in appearance • Clean, dry vent • Smooth, well-groomed feathers
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COMMON HEALTH ISSUES:

Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action

Chlamydiosis: Appetite loss, fluffed feathers, nasal discharge
Seek immediate veterinary attention

Diarrhea: Fecal portion of stool not formed. Multiple causes Seek veterinary attention; ensure correct diet; reduce fruit intake

Feather Plucking: Bird plucks own feathers
Relieve boredom with attention, new toys, or space; improve diet; seek veterinary advice

Mites: (Scaly Face and Leg Disease) White scales around eyes, beak
(cere), legs, and feet
Seek treatment from veterinarian
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RED FLAGS:

•Beak swelling or accumulations • Fluffed, plucked, or soiled feathers • Sitting on floor of habitat • Red or swollen eyes • Loss of appetite • Eye or nasal discharge • Wheezing or coughing • Runny or discolored stools • Favoring one foot
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REFERENCES & LINKS: