How to Buy a Parakeet

Video Transcript

"How to buy a parakeet. Buying a parakeet is a lot like buying any other animal. First thing you need to know is what you want out of the parakeet as a pet. Are you looking for an animal that's just going to be attractive and sing a lot and you're going to keep them in the cage and not handle, or you want an animal you can actually get out and play with? It's an important distinction because you can get either or out of a parakeet. You can get both out of a parakeet too, but go into your local pet store or breeder or bird show or whatever, they're probably going to have quite a bit of different parakeets for you to choose from and you need to know if you're looking for an animal that's going to be friendly first or just attractive first. So after you decide whether you want something that's just going to be attractive and you can play with, of course if that's what you want, then pick an attractive parakeet that looks healthy and if it's something you want to be able to handle, you want to make sure you can get the bird out and you can touch it and play with it and it doesn't freak out too much. Most parakeets are going to need a little bit of hand taming down after you've purchased them, they're not going to come super friendly. Now to find out if he's healthy or not, you're looking for a parakeet that's not being lethargic, you want one that's not sitting in a corner all puffed up looking odd or drowsy, you want somebody who's got all his feet intact, hasn't been nibbled on by any cage mates, somebody who doesn't have any feathers missing, he's been feather picked, preferably you want a parakeet that's going to be wing clipped. Clipping a bird's wings is not cruel and it's actually very important, especially if you're going to be getting the bird out it's safer for the animal that way they can't fly into anything or hurt themselves. Also check the beak, make sure the beak's not overgrown or damaged in any way. Make sure the eyes are clear and attentive. If you have all these things, then really what you're looking for after that is whether or not the animal is something you can handle and play with if that's what you desire or if the animal is just attractive and is beautiful and looks good to your eye, that's what's really important. So just make sure he's healthy and then make sure that your needs are met as well and you'll both have a wonderful relationship in the future."