A pet is one of the best friends you may ever have in your lifetime. He is there for you through thick and thin and will let you vent to him all afternoon with no complaints. The best part of having a pet is that he won’t talk back, right? Well, in most cases that is true unless he is a parakeet. A parakeet, also known as a budgie, is a very smart bird. With time and patience you can train him to do many things, including talk. Be careful, he is also a good listener and might pick up on some words that are not so nice. Don’t do anything wrong or he might tell on you. In any case, a budgie makes the perfect pet for people with allergies and can also be a great companion for your children.
Whether you decide to buy a new friend from the store or you accept the responsibility of adopting a budgie from someone who can no longer care for him, you will want to be prepared ahead of time. Start by preparing a checklist. This is very important because you will want him to feel comfortable from his first meeting with you through the time you introduce him to his new home and atmosphere. Keep in mind that although a budgie is very smart, he can be frightened very easily causing him to lose trust in you. When preparing your checklist be sure to include these important necessities:
1. Bird Cage
Obviously this is one of the most important things you must have for your new friend. He will be happy in a cage with a lot of room for exercise and play. Look for a cage with a floor grate and removable tray for easy clean-up. Length is more important than the height of the cage and don’t worry about the way it looks or if it will match the room, your bird really won’t mind. Placement of the cage is important as well. Be sure not to put it in a place where he will get a draft and he won’t appreciate having constant heat on him either. If he is near a window, watch for direct sunlight. Think about what makes you uncomfortable and realize that he isn’t going to like those things either.
2. Bird Food
Your friend’s nutrition will play an important factor in his health. First, inquire about the food he is currently eating and continue with that if possible. You may want to try a new food but do it gradually. It will be important to provide him with a spray millet when welcoming him to his new surroundings. A mineral block will be important for his cage and he will love you forever if you provide him with essential fresh vegetables and greens. He will appreciate special treats such as popcorn on a stick. Consult with your veterinarian for further advice and suggestions on proper nutrition.
3. Bird Toys
Just like you, he may get bored and even depressed if he has nothing to do. He will enjoy playing on a swing or climbing a ladder. A nice perch to sit on while he sings to you would be perfect or maybe he will want to watch himself in a mirror. Anything he can chew on or use to sharpen his beak will make him happy. If he had a favorite toy in his cage at his previous home, perhaps you could ask if he can take it with him, but if not, try and duplicate it if you can. Remember, a parakeet is smart and he may be sad without his favorite toy.
4. Food and Water Dishes
You may be able to train your new friend to eat from your hand, but what happens when you are not there? Of course he will need a vessel to hold his food for him. Keep food in his bowl and make sure he has a constant supply of fresh water. In time, he will know what he enjoys eating and be sure to listen, because in his own way he will certainly let you know.
The checklist provided above contains the must haves you will need before you take your new friend home. You will want to consider purchasing a travel cage for transportation to his new home and for vet visits. You may also want a cage cover that is dark enough to help him sleep and easy enough for you to wash when needed. It will be important to clean and sterilize all his toys and food dishes before you set up the cage and then be sure to keep everything clean daily.
Before you commit to the care of a bird be sure and secure a trusting vet. Watch your friend for abnormalities because he can get sick at the drop of a hat. If he starts to pull out his feathers, stops eating or buries his head beneath him, these may be signs of illness.
Your bird will be your friend for many years to come and he will fill your life with many pleasures and entertainment. Enjoy him and love him as much as he will enjoy and love you. Remember that to you, he is just a part of your world, but to him, you are his entire world.