Parakeets: Caring for Your New Bird

There are several types of birds that are bred in captivity. A few of the most popular birds are parakeets, canaries, finches, and cockatiels. These birds are comfortable in most homes and are usually pretty well behaved.

Your bird should have a safe secure cage. The cage should be large enough so that the bird can fully extend it's wings. Finches and canaries need room to fly short distances. Parakeet and cockatiels need room to climb. The bars should be 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch apart. This way the bird cannot escape or get stuck. You should line the bottom with hard wood shaving.

Place the cage away from drafts and away from direct sunlight. Birds are very sensitive to noise, smoke and large activity, so the cage should go in a quiet room. You should also place the bird at eye level. If you have other pets, such as dogs and cats you should make sure you put the cage in a place safe from them.

Feeding your bird isn't that complicated. You can get a high quality seed mixture that is made especially for your type of bird. These include all the vegetables and fruits your bird will need. You can find that at most pet stores and even some super markets.

You should probably get a cuttlebone for your bird. A cuttlebone is a type of bone that your bird can pick at. There is calcium in this bone. That way your bird will get all the calcium it needs. You will also need a bird grit to help digestion. Another thing your bird will need is a supply of fresh water. You can keep the water in a little dish in the cage at all times. Make sure that it is always available. It is a good idea to give your bird little amounts of fruits and vegetables sometimes.

Birds clean themselves, so you don't need to worry about giving them a bath. But you do need to clean your bird's cage about once a week. You should change the saw dust and clean all the toys to get the bad germs off.

You should take your bird out at least once a day. Try to get the bird used to being with humans. Most birds enjoy climbing on your head and nestling in your hair. But if you are going to let your bird out of it's cage be sure that its wings are clipped. You will know when it is time of a clipping when your bird can start to get some flight.

Birds like everything else get sick. Some signs of sickness are dull and limply feathers, discharge around the eyes and noise, and wet and dirty around the anus. If you notice any of these signs you should take your bird to the vet. The vet will probably put your bird on some kind of medication.

Birds are very enjoyable. They are not that much work, but do show affection. They can be very comical too. They can do some pretty weird stuff. You can also teach them to talk and sing. Birds are very fun.