Parakeet Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

8+ years

AVERAGE SIZE

7 inches, 30-40 grams

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Birds are flock-oriented animals, and they do well with other birds in the home to communicate with. However, you and your family will also become part of your bird’s flock.

DIET

Parakeets DO NOT live by seed alone! Parakeets need a good quality pellet diet mixed with seeds, vegetables, fruits and grains. We recommend a 60% pellet/20% seed/20% fresh foods combination.

SUPPLEMENTS

Parakeets need calcium which can be offered in the form of a cuttlebone or calcium treat. Birds should also be exposed to UVB light for at least 3-4 hours per day if natural sunlight is not provided.

WATER

Fresh water must be available to your parakeet at all times.

HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT

A single bird should have a cage no smaller than 18”L x 18”W x 18”H. Two birds should have a cage measuring at least 28”L x 24”W x 36”H. 

ENRICHMENT

At least three different types of toys should be available to your bird in its cage at one time. Be sure to include foraging toys. 

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Your Parakeet’s cage should be checked daily for any feces and spoiling food. The entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly at least twice every month.

GROOMING & HYGIENE

All birds should be gently misted with a water bottle dedicated to this use only. Spray up and over the bird to replicate a fine rain. NEVER spray the bird directly in the face. In addition to misting, a room temperature birdbath should be offered to your bird at least twice weekly.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Bird cage (min 18”L x 18”W x 18”H) with bar space no larger than ⅜” to ½” 
• UVB bulb & housing (if needed) 
• Bedding for bottom of the cage 
• At least 3 different perches 
• 3 sturdy dishes: 1 for fresh water, 1 for pellet/seed mix, 1 for fresh food 
• At least 3 different types of toys 
• Bird seed & pellet diet 
• Treats such as millet spray 
• Enrichment food & feeding toys 
• Cuttlebone or calcium treat 
• Misting bottle & bird bath

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.