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rockypointdog

Parakeet Pondering...

8 years ago

I never have owned birds before, and am thinking about getting parakeets. If I did, I would likely get two. I usually research things to death, so I am starting to get an idea of what it takes to care for them and socialize them.

However, every article I have read states that it is important to give them exercise time outside of the cage, and let them fly around a safe room. My question is how, exactly, does one do that? First, it has to have a floor that can easily be cleaned up - I have read that parakeets are prodigious poopers - and how does one make sure it is a safe environment? My house is open concept except for the carpeted bedrooms, and has high ceilings and ledges and curtain rods that I can just imagine would make a great perch for a stubborn bird.

So, bird owners, can you share with me how you give your birds free range time?

Comments (9)

  • 8 years ago

    Blubird, my little guy is blue, LOL! Rockypoint, I have had parakeets over the years, and they are a lot of fun! With two, they are harder to train and will be more bird-oriented, but it's interesting to see the interaction, assuming you pick two who get along. They are individuals, and some enjoy flying more than others. In addition to what Blubird said, obviously, you'll have to keep an eye on doors and windows, keeping them or screens closed. Having a wooden dowel is handy to retrieve them from curtain rods. My current pal really doesn't like to get too far from his cage, but his predecessor flew all over the house. He'd hunt me down! The poop is small and cleans up easily, but I keep a clear vinyl square under the cage. They may end up with a favorite spot (like my reading lamp), and I have protected that area, too.

    rockypointdog thanked sealavender
  • 8 years ago

    Hi rockypointdog!

    I have had birds most of my life. When I was was growing up my dad had 1000 budgies, he used breed them and sell them. In my teenage years I used to finger tame up to six babies for him at a time.

    In my adult life I have also bred cockatiels, and handraised and tamed six at a time also.

    Blubird and Sealavender have given you some very good advice. Just a couple of things that I would like to add.

    It is very important that if you are taming birds that they are young. Usually you can tell a young budgie by a bit of brown on the bottom of its beak and it looks baby like. A reputable breeder should sell you a couple of nice babies. Be careful of some pet shops as they will sell you an older bird and you will not be able to tame it. Males usually talk better than females.

    Yes! You can tame two birds, but they need one on one time with you. when you start taming them do it in an enclosed room. Like a bedroom with the door closed. Curtains or blinds closed. Start by finger taming, and taming with a piece of dowel. Probably best to find out how to do this on youtube.

    Also I am going to add that windows can be deadly also. I have seen birds fly straight into windows and break their neck and die, because they do not understand clear glass. Best to pull down a curtain or close the blind. You can leave a light on if it is too dark.

    For a pet bird I have always clipped one wing. Some people will do two. I also think this depends on what works for the bird. I have seen cockatiels fly with two clipped wings. A vet will be able to do this for you, and it is an ongoing thing.

    Birds make great pets, they all have different personalities too! Good luck with your new friends!



    rockypointdog thanked Villain Rose (Zone 11 Qld Australia.)
  • 8 years ago

    Cover any mirrors.

    rockypointdog thanked socks
  • 8 years ago

    I appreciate the advice from all of you. It has been so helpful! I have read that two will tend to bond together, and that I need to make sure we are interacting with them enough. I guess I was thinking that they also needed a buddy to keep them occupied when they are not out of the cage. I'm still at the point where I am deciding if this will be the right pet for us, but they sound like wonderful companions.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Wanted to add that make sure you buy a large enough cage, with bars spaced for parakeets, and preferably mostly horizontal. (And I forgot that my GW name is blubird, named after a long succession of blue keets...)

    rockypointdog thanked blubird
  • 8 years ago

    I had a parakeet when I was young and we only had the one but had a mirror in the cage and my bird talked to the bird in the mirror hours on end. You may not need two to have a happy parakeet. Also we had the cage in a corner and my mom taped plastic up on the walls since they tend to throw the seeds around a lot.

    rockypointdog thanked murraysmom Zone 6a OH
  • 8 years ago

    We only had a parakeet once, which we were given when it was grown, oh boy could that bird bite HARD. You had to feed it fast. Poor thing, was probably never gentled.

    Rocky, good job planning g for a new pet. They are beautiful birds. Let us know what you decide. Picture would be great!

    rockypointdog thanked socks
  • 8 years ago

    Yes, I will let you know, and post a pic for sure, if we get one. I am definitely re-thinking getting two - at least two at the same time. I think if I find a good breeder they might have some good advice about that. Thanks again for all of the good advice!

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