What Are Parakeets Anyway?
First and foremost, it is essential to note that parakeets are not a unique parrot species, however alternatively a time period used to describe any kind of small-sized parrot with lengthy tail feathers and a narrow build.
According to some estimates, there are around a hundred and fifteen species in the Psittacinae (family Psittacidae) which are given the label “parakeet.”
Are Budgerigars (Budgies) Part Of The Parakeet Family?
The most famous type of parakeet is the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), aka budgie, which currently ranks as the most popular pet parrot species in the world.
So all budgies are parakeets, but now not all parakeets are budgies. Capiche?
Also known as the shell parakeet, this colorful small-sized parrot commonly aspects a mild inexperienced physique with pitch-black mantle marking and yellow undulations. However, you can easily locate budgies with blue and other shade mutations these days as well.
In the wild, the budgerigar lives exclusively in Australia, the place it roams the wooded forests and coastal areas to forage on more than a few seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Nowadays, the popular chook you see as a pet is acknowledged as the Australian or American parakeet, but if you seem around you can locate one of their huge brothers known as English budgies.
Diving Into The Pros & Cons
Now that you know what parakeets and budgies are, it is time to get down to business to determine if they are the proper type of pet for YOU.
We’ll summarize the key benefits and downsides on both sides of the argument in bullet factors earlier than exploring them in extra detail below…
Parakeet Pros:
Parakeets are loving creatures that crave the attention of their owners.
Make super pets for households living in small properties and apartments.
Excellent choice for households with small teenagers and other pets.
Can simply live in smaller cages due to their small size.
Smaller parrots like the budgie are less complicated to transport.
Relatively quiet (for a housebird!)
Produce less mess than larger species, making their cages and surrounding environment less complicated to clean.
Very low-priced – Tend to eat much less than large parrots like the African Grey, which potential owners will store cash on food and different necessities like toys.
Of course, you will want to get a cage for your parakeet (or any pet bird), and the cage ought to be totally set up earlier than you deliver your budgie home.
Cage fantastic and size is extremely necessary considering this is your parakeet’s home.
Do your lookup and comparison keep before purchasing. Your parakeet’s cage will most in all likelihood be your largest upfront expense, observed with the aid of the price of the fowl himself.
These small-to-medium sized birds make exceptional family pets due to their naturally affectionate behavior and playful disposition.
Whether this is your first time elevating a parrot or not, you may discover they make extremely good companions. Introducing a new pet into your home, mainly a budgerigar, will make the transition challenging but at the identical time fun.
Now with that said, there are a few things you should know about the species before agreeing to adopt one.
It is notably cautioned that your parakeet’s cage ought to be pretty roomy; at least 1.5 feet wide, 1.3 ft tall, and at least 1.3 feet in depth.
Parakeets are very active, as we referred to before, so they need a cage with adequate house to be in a position to spread their wings.
For safety reasons, be certain that the cage bars are no greater than ½ an inch apart; curious “budgies” can also find a way to get out, get stuck, or fall out of the cage if there is too a good deal space between the bars.
Purchasing a very tall chook cage is generally not a exact idea; width is better than height.
Parakeets want wingspan house and a tall, narrow chicken cage may additionally flip out to be a waste of money.
Most birds, such as parakeets, experience safer when they are perched higher, so if you purchase a very tall cage, your “budgie” will most likely stay at the pinnacle of the cage, wasting all the house at the bottom.
A lot of parakeet proprietors love the smaller, greater oval, standard designs, however make certain that the cage is no longer too small. You don’t desire your parakeet feeling constricted, and unable to unfold his or her wings, or go readily round the cage.
Starting off with a very smaller cage can also be fine, but it is wise, and kind, to improve as quickly as viable to a larger, roomier cage.
Your parakeet’s cage is their home, and it is quintessential that they experience safe, comfortable, and have room to workout and grow. It is additionally important to normally clean your pet parrot’s hen cage.
Just as you would now not choose to be dwelling in a cramped space that does now not enable for stretching and movement, your parakeet requires the same consideration. Take pride in the enclosure you buy and make it a actual domestic for your new household member.
Enjoy the fun and cheerfulness your parakeet will deliver into your home. Their playful nature is what makes parakeets popular as pets, after all.
If you start coaching them young, you can without difficulty educate a parakeet to socialize with others by using truely placing aside some time during the day to dangle out with them.
They are recognized to whistle and chirp, however an brought advantage is with more practice can even examine a few words and phrases!
If you sense that you will now not have the time to commit to your parakeet each day, then you must sketch to get two or more of these birds to maintain each other company.
Remember that parakeets thrive when they have ordinary companionship.
Parakeet Cons:
Don’t let their small measurement idiot you into thinking these parrots are silent. While they do not squawk loudly, they can chirp constantly.
Short lifespan of 8-12 years (compared to 20+ for large parrots).
Relatively fragile health; can easily get ailing with moderate temperature variations. Also inclined to tumors and liver problems.
Require everyday exercising to remain healthy and ward off disorder and illness.
Parakeets do not showcase the equal high degree of talent as some of the larger species.
Parakeets are playful birds, tremendously smart, and also very popular as pets. Many are capable to shape a vocabulary of over one-hundred words.
If your format is to get solely one parakeet, you must be willing to be a exact daily accomplice for your pet. Since parakeets are naturally flocking birds, they are bodily and mentally more healthy and happier if you socialize with them.
Should I Own a Parakeet?
Is the parakeet the proper parrot for you? Are you nevertheless questioning if you’re equipped to undertake a pet bird?
It sincerely relies upon on your current way of life and how much time you are inclined to invest into raising and bonding with your new companion.
Individuals and households who are searching for a small-sized, fun-loving parrot will possibly find the parakeet to the be the ideal fit, whereas if you’re searching for larger parrots need to in all likelihood stick with a Macaw or African Gray.