Are you thinking about buying a parakeet as a pet? There have been countless studies over the years that have proven how having a pet enhances the quality of the lives of people. However, for those who live in smaller dwellings, the thought of owing a pet is often cast to the side because of a lack of space. One of the more popular pets for people living in smaller dwellings like apartments, efficiencies and condos is the parakeet. This type of pet would make the perfect companion for someone living in a larger city like Manhattan, New York for instance. Parakeets can live comfortably in cages which require little space, and although they are very popular there is a lot about the parakeet still yet to be learned by the average person. Read on to learn what to expect if you end up with a parakeet companion.
One of the reasons many people choose to purchase parakeets is because they are easy to care for. Maintaining their cage is relatively simple and the cost of food, toys and other supplies is relatively low when compared to the costs associated with the ownership of other pets.
The budgie, the bird commonly found in pet stores all over the United states is actually one type of parakeet. The word parakeet actually means long tail. There are over 120 species and subspecies of parakeets. The species of parakeets come in an array of colors.
The diet of a parakeet is quite diverse. When the birds are in the wild, their diet consists of nuts, seeds, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, worms and small insects. The diet of a domesticated parakeet, should not venture too far off of the path of the diet of a bird in the wild. Parakeets and other birds need a certain amount of protein in order to maintain their health. Domesticated parakeets should be offered foods like small chunks of chicken, and scrambled eggs in addition to their regular diet.
Parakeets are small parrots. However, it is a fact that not all parrots are parakeets. They are a part of a tribe of birds known as the Order Psittacine or Psittaciformes. Parakeets are small to medium sized species, and can range in size from 7 inches to 18 inches from head to tail. Parakeets are known for their elongated tapered tail feathers.
Parakeets need proper exercise. Although these birds adapt well to being confined to a cage, they need to be taken out of their cages and allowed to fly. All doors and windows should be closed when the bird is out of his cage. Curtains should also be drawn to prevent the bird from flying into the glass and injuring himself.
Parakeets are very social animals. They love music, and will often chirp and sing along with music as it plays. They also chirp and make mimicking sounds when they interact with humans. In terms of parakeets being able to speak words recognizable to humans, parakeets can develop a small vocabulary if they have an owner who is willing to devote some time and patience towards the endeavor.
The life expectancy of a smaller species of parakeet is a period of eight to ten years. Larger species of parakeets can live as long as 25 years or longer. When given the proper socialization, with humans and other parakeets, along with a versified diet and proper exercise, parakeets have been known to exceed their life expectancies.