How to Buy a Parakeet

Owning a parakeet, commonly known as a budgie, is a lot of work, so do your research before you bring one into your home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bird Cages
• Bird Food
• Bird Food/water Bowls
• Bird Perches

1. Talk to other bird owners before you buy. You can get referrals for pet stores or find a discussion group for parakeet owners online.

2. Meet with several breeders to find one you like.

3. Visit local pet shops to see some parakeets up close.

4. Consider buying a pre-owned bird, but remember that is may be harder to train than one that was weaned recently.

5. Expect to pay about $20 for an American budgie. (Older birds cost less.)

6. Check the sex of the bird by its markings if it is over 6 months old. Females have a brown cere (the fleshy area above the beak where the nostrils appear), while males have a deep-blue cere.

7. Select a male parakeet if you want a more playful bird, or a female if you prefer one that will be quieter.

8. Opt for a hand-raised bird, since these usually make the best pets.

9. Find out if the bird you select is likely to talk (hand-raised birds are more chatty).

10. Be prepared for the fact that parakeets can live for 10 years or more, so buying this bird requires a long-term commitment.

Tips & Warnings

• You can tell the age of the bird by its markings. Younger parakeets have lines down their forehead and black eyes. Over time, these lines move back on the head and a white ring appears around the pupil of the eye.
• Take the time to educate yourself about what will be expected of you as a bird owner before buying.
• Realize that when you purchase a parakeet that you are most likely getting a variety of Budgie, whether American, English or Australian - be sure to ask questions so you can get the one you want.

[PabloKris]

on 4/21/2008 Where is a good place to buy a parakeet

[PabloKris]

on 4/20/2008 Where is the best place to buy a parakeet..just any local pet shop?

[verycherry90210]

on 4/13/2007 Is it a good idea to get a budgie from the bin o budgies at your local pet store?

[verycherry90210]

on 1/27/2007 Is it a good idea to get a budgie fro the bin o budgies at your local pet store?

on 7/28/2006 When you have a female bird that is alone, she will want to be the alpha/more dominate bird. Here's a tip:

At first, try to get them young so you have more room to create trust. Second, when you go to feed your bird bring in millet spray as well, make sure you are holding it. Then after a while, take off a small piece and hold it for her to eat. While doing this make sure you are giving her time to stretch her wings, so she'll get used to you and the outside of her cage.

Now, before the next step, be sure you have a thin pair of gloves to handle her with. Since you have been gaining her trust, put your gloves on (make sure her wings are clipped) put your finger at her feet and push up onto her chest. This will take some time, but she'll come around. Be sure you give her millet spray every time she does it, soon you can gradually start taking her places and sharing a bond between you.