Parakeets as Pets: How to Find the Best One For You

A parakeet can make a wonderful pet. They are one of the most lovable parrot species. They are colorful, cheerful birds that are easy to care for. Parakeets are social creatures and enjoy the company of their human companions.

Parakeets make great first pets for children and adults alike. They need time and patience to bond with their owners, but the effort is well worth it. These fascinating birds come in many colors and varieties, making them perfect for any pet lover.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss all you need to know about parakeets – from their short history to the various types of parakeets available as pets. We’ll also share tips on how to take care of parakeets and adopt a parakeet.

If you are considering getting a parakeet, here is what you need to know about these delightful little birds.

What Are Parakeets?

Parakeets are small or medium-sized species of parrot. Generally, they had long tails and shiny feathers. They are small in size, slender, and have long tapering tails. Seeds are their favorite food. In North America and Europe, they are very popular as pets.

They originated from Centre Australia. John Gould and his wife first brought parakeets to England in 1838. Soon they became very popular as pets among pet owners. In the United States, South Africa, Great Britain, and Australia, more than 45 million parakeets are kept as pets.

They’re generally easy to care for and make great pets because they’re affectionate and playful. However, parakeets are small birds and may not be the most active pet. It’s also important to research different types of birds before choosing one.

Some people have had negative experiences with parakeets due to their behavior patterns. So, before you make your decision, be sure to do your research.

Types of Parakeets as Pets

Many types of parakeets are available, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your needs. A budgie might be the perfect option if you’re looking for an easy pet that can be kept in a small space.

For people who want a more active pet, look into parakeets like macaws or cockatiels. Make sure to research different types of parakeets before making your decision to adopt one.

1. Budgerigar as Pet

Budgerigars are small, colorful parakeets that make great first-time pet owners. They are only 30 to 40 grams in weight and 5 to 8 inches in measure. Be prepared for many birdie antics if you’re considering getting it as a pet.

They are high-energy birds that require plenty of stimulation and exercise. They make great pets for people who have time to devote to their birds daily, as they can be quite destructive if left unsupervised.

If you’re an introvert or live in a small space, there might be better options than this. Because budgies need at least one perch per bird, be prepared to purchase or build one. Budgies are also very social birds, so you must find a friend for your budgie if you want them to feel happy and content.

2. Blue Parakeet as Pet

Blue parakeets make perfect pet birds because they are very social and friendly. They range in size from around 7 inches and weigh approximately 30 to 40 grams only makes them a good choice for first-timers. They are docile and easy to handle, making them perfect for first-time bird owners.

These birds primarily eat seeds and nuts. So provide plenty of food and water daily. Like most parakeet species, blue parakeets can be difficult to train but with patience and consistency. But after that, you’ll be able to have a bird that loves spending time with you.

3. Saddleback Parakeet as Pet

Saddleback parakeets are one of the rarest parakeets you can find. It has a V-shaped area of red or lighter color that resembles a saddle.

They average around 6 to 8 inches in length, making them a good size for most homes. They are easy to care for, smart and lovable, and don’t require a lot of bird feed or exercise.

Like other parakeet species, saddleback parakeets require lots of birdie love daily, at least one hour of playtime each day. This means you’ll need to provide plenty of toys and perches for your bird to enjoy.

Their diet consists mainly of seeds and nuts, so be sure to have a good variety available. Again, like most pet parakeets, saddleback parakeets can be challenging to train. But with patience and some bird-appropriate training aids (like birdhouses).

4. English Budgie Parakeet as Pet

English budgies are popular Pet parakeets because of their small size and social nature. Their average of around 10 to 12 inches in length and 45 to 65 grams in weight makes them an ideal choice for most homes.

These birds don’t require a lot of bird feed or bird playtime to be happy, but they do enjoy a good jug of fruit cocktail once in a while.

These birds primarily eat seeds and nuts, so they provide plenty per day. They can talk and pick up some vocabulary if you can train them properly. They are a little quiet in nature compared to other budgie species.

So, keeping them as pets doesn’t require a particular qualification. Just a little love and care will take it all.

5. Blue Indian Ringneck Parakeet as Pet

The famous blue Indian ringneck parakeet is a good choice for pet owners who want a small bird that is social and easy to care for.

These birds average around 14 to 17 inches in length and are very colorful. They require fresh fruit and vegetables daily, as well as various types of seeds, nuts, pellets, and bird feed.

These parakeets enjoy playing with toys, so they will be happy if you have one available. This species can also be trained to talk, which makes them an excellent choice for bird owners who want to be able to converse with their pets. They need large cages; an empty room will be fine.

6. Elegant Grass Parakeet as Pet

Grass parakeets are another famous pet parrot. They average around 8.6 to 8.75 inches in length and weigh between 40 to 51 grams. They come in various colors, including green, blue, yellow, and red.

They have a grass-green back that looks exceptionally beautiful. These birds require bird feed of all sorts (including fresh fruits and vegetables), water dishes with fresh water available at all times, and toys to keep them entertained.

Grass parakeets are popular pet parrots that make great companions. They require a lot of room up to 7.5 sq. ft. per bird, so be sure to have enough space for them in your home if you’re thinking about getting one.

They are a little fragile, so take care of them like a child. These birds also love being around people and can be hard to keep clean. They like to flock with other birds as well.

7. Bourke Parakeet as Pet

Bourke parakeets are famous pet birds that measure between 7 to 8 inches. It weighs nearly 45 gm when fully grown up. They are also known as pink parakeets.

They love to fly around and be quiet in nature. They build a special bond with the owner if the owner loves and cuddle them from the very beginning.

They don’t need much training and can get along very quickly. Although they are small in size, they need large cages because of their flying habit. So, if you have enough empty places then Bourke parakeet is the right one for you.

8. Kakariki Parakeet as Pet

The kakariki parakeet should definitely be on your list if you are in the market for a pet bird that is easy to handle. These small parrots come in 2 varieties of colors, red-fronted and yellow-fronted. They are known for their chatterbox behavior. They love to chat, and it’s easy to train them to talk.

The grown-up Kakariki is almost 65 grams in weight and 9 to 11 inches in measure. They make great pets because they are extremely intelligent birds and can easily learn tricks.

In addition to being popular as pets, kakariki parakeets also make great aviary birds as they like to flock together. Many people keep them in pairs or groups, so there is always someone around who knows how to care for them properly.

9. Quaker Parakeet as Pet

Quaker parakeets originate from South America, and in the wild, they live in flocks of up to 100 birds. They are almost 11 inches in length and weigh about 100 grams when adults.

They are very social creatures and do not do well when kept alone. If you are considering a Quaker parakeet as a pet, be prepared to provide plenty of space for your bird to fly and play. 

Quaker parakeets make great pets because they are intelligent, social birds. They require much care and nutrition to remain healthy. These parrots are also known for being quite loud. If you live in an apartment or have close neighbors, there may be a better pet for you than a Quaker parakeet.

10. Lineolated Parakeet as Pet

Lineolate parakeets are very calm and quiet and calm. They can mimic human speech and outside noises also. They are popular among bird enthusiasts as they make great pets. They are easily trained and enjoy human interaction.

Lineolated parakeets can be kept in pairs or small groups, but require a lot of space to fly and play. They grow to be around 6 to 7 inches long with a weight of 47 to 55 grams.

As Pet birds, these birds should not be kept in apartments or close quarters due to their high noise levels when agitated or stressed out.

11. Plum-headed Parakeet as Pet

If you’re looking for a pet that is easy to take care of and won’t require too much time or money, then a plum-headed parakeet might be the perfect bird for you. They can grow from 8 to 12 inches and weigh up to 66 grams. Their males are good at talking.

These birds are gentle, social, and relatively quiet as parrots. This means they are great companions; if you live in an apartment, they won’t disturb your neighbors. They also love playing, which makes them really fun to have around.

12. Alexandrine Parakeet as Pet

The Alexandrine parakeet is very popular as a pet bird as it can get along with every family member. They can grow up to 24 inches in length, and their tail can grow 13 inches.

Adult birds can weigh between 200 to 300 grams. They can be trained to speak human language surprisingly well for pet birds.

They get along well with other birds, making them a good choice as family pets. As with all animals, be sure to have your Alexandrine parakeet checked by a veterinarian before adopting it to avoid health issues.

About Male and Female Parakeets

If you’re considering getting a pet parakeet, know the difference between male and female parakeets. Both of them look very similar, but there are a few things you can look for to tell them apart. 

• Males have brighter plumage than females. You can also look at the cere, the fleshy area above the beak. In males, this is usually blue or purple. Male parakeets are more vocal and squawk when they feel territorial or irritated. They are more social towards other pets and friendly in behavior.
• On the other hand, female parakeets are typically friendlier and tend to be more social than males. Their cere is brown or tan. They are a little bossy and aggressive towards other pets.

Both genders can be trained to do tricks, and they’re also good for providing entertainment in a home environment. If you’re unsure whether a parakeet is a right pet for you, consult an expert.

Parakeets As Pets Pros and Cons

There are a lot of benefits to keeping a parakeet as a pet, but there are also some potential dangers. Make sure you fully understand the pros and cons before you bring one home, and be prepared to provide regular exercise and plenty of toys to keep him entertained.

In addition, be ready to answer any questions your bird may have, as parakeets are social birds and love to communicate.

Pros

• They are gentle, social birds that get along well with other pets and people.
• They can be trained to speak human language surprisingly well for pet birds.
• Parakeets can stimulate its owner mentally and make them feel happier.
• Parakeets are very social birds and love to be around people, so they can help reduce loneliness and boredom.
• They are long-lived birds and can provide their owners with years of companionship.

Cons

• Some potential dangers may be associated with keeping a parakeet as a pet, such as bird flu, so it is essential to fully understand the risks before deciding to adopt one.
• Parakeets need plenty of exercise and stimulation to keep them mentally and physically healthy.
• Parakeets can be very vocal and may be bothersome to neighbors if kept in an apartment.
• They require a lot of care and attention; if they do not get enough, they can become depressed or even sick.
• They are very territorial birds. So, they can fight with another bird to claim or guard their kingdom.
• Finally, because they are wild animals, parakeets may bite or scratch if they feel threatened, so they are not always the safest pet for young children.

What You Must Know About Parakeets as Pets?

There’s no question that parakeets are delightful social creatures and make great pets. If you want a parakeet as a pet, you have to know the facts about parakeets as pets. They do have some specific needs. Here’s what you should know about keeping a parakeet as a pet.

1. Daily Exercise

Parakeets need plenty of daily exercises. They may become restless and destructive if you can’t provide this for them. They love to perch on your shoulder or your hand, so give them some latitude regarding where they can fly around.

2. Keep Them Clean

One of pet parakeet owners’ biggest complaints is that their birds get messy quickly! Ensure you keep their cages clean and full of bird toys, so they have something to do other than mess up everything.

3. Give Nutritious Food

Just like people, parakeets need good nutrition to stay healthy. They should be given a mix of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and bird food pellets. Provide them with clean water regularly, and don’t forget to clean their pots.

4. Allow Them Out of the Cage for Playtime

If you have a parakeet that spends most of its time in its cage, allow it out to play occasionally. Put some bird toys in a small area outside the cage so your pet can fly around and have fun. This will keep them happy and healthy while also giving them peace of mind knowing they are not constantly flying into things.

5. Assure Them a Healthy Life

One of the most important things you can do for your pet parakeet is to ensure they get a nutritious diet. Feed them a variety of bird food items, and be sure to water their perches regularly.

6. Check up Regularly

Make sure to check your pet parakeet’s feathers and be sure they aren’t getting sick. Pay particular attention to their beak, which can get clogged with bird droppings if your pet isn’t healthy.

Are Parakeets High Maintenance?

Parakeets may be small but they’re definitely not low-maintenance pets. If you are looking for a low-maintenance pet, there may be better options than a parakeet. 

They require daily interaction and a lot of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They also need a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables and a clean and spacious cage. So, if you are looking for a high-maintenance pet, then a parakeet might be a good option for you.

How Long Do Parakeets Live?

The average lifespan of a parakeet is 5 to 10 years. However, some parakeets have been known to live up to 20 years in captivity. So make sure you get one that is compatible with your lifestyle.

Baby parakeets from a reputable breeder or pet store are likely to be healthier and have fewer health issues in the future. You will also need to provide them with plenty of toys, perches, and bird food to keep them entertained.

Are Parakeets Good Pets for Beginners?

Yes, parakeets can make good pets for beginners. They are relatively small birds that can be easy to care for. But, it is important to do some research before getting a parakeet, as they have specific needs in terms of diet and housing. 

If you are prepared to provide a parakeet with a good home and meet its needs, then it can make a great pet. They are social birds and, as such, need plenty of companionship.

Also, purchase a properly quarantined bird that has been tested for diseases, as parakeets can be susceptible to some common illnesses. Be prepared to spend time training your pet parakeet. They require some patience.

How To Adopt a Parakeet?

There’s no doubt that parakeets are one of the cutest bird species around. You can adopt a parakeet through several animal shelters or rescue organizations. So there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for you.

As with any pet, be prepared to provide a lot of love and attention – parakeets need it. Once you’ve found the perfect bird for your home, enjoy hours of fun watching them fly around.

FAQs

Conclusion

If you’re considering getting a parakeet as a pet, read our blog to learn all you need about these fantastic birds. From the types of parakeets available to the different ways to take care of them, we’ve covered everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

If you still have questions after reading our blog, don’t hesitate to contact us for help. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.