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.

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

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.