Parakeet (Budgie) Care Sheet
Basic Information
Common Name: Parakeet (Budgerigar, Budgie)
Lifespan: 8–15+ years with proper care
Adult Size: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
Personality: Social, intelligent, active, and playful
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Housing
Cage Size
- Minimum for one parakeet: 18” x 18” x 24”
- Bigger is always better.
- Bar spacing: 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) or smaller.
Cage Setup
Provide:
- Multiple natural wood perches of different diameters
- Food and water dishes
- Swings and toys
- Cuttlebone or mineral block
- Foraging toys
Location
- Keep indoors.
- Avoid direct sunlight all day.
- Keep away from kitchen fumes, smoke, candles, and drafts.
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Diet
Pellets (50-60%)
A quality pellet should be the foundation of the diet.
Fresh Vegetables (20-30%)
Offer daily:
- Romaine lettuce
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Broccoli
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Zucchini
Seeds (10-20%)
Use as a treat or supplement.
Fruits (Small Amounts)
2–3 times per week:
- Apple (without seeds)
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Mango
- Papaya
Fresh Water
- Change daily.
- Clean bowls every day.
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Foods to Avoid
❌ Avocado
❌ Chocolate
❌ Caffeine
❌ Alcohol
❌ Onion
❌ Garlic
❌ Fruit pits and apple seeds
❌ Salty foods
❌ Sugary foods
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Enrichment
Parakeets need:
- Daily interaction
- Toys rotated weekly
- Shredding toys
- Foraging activities
- Out-of-cage exercise when safe
Exercise
Allow:
- 1–3 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily
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Bathing
Offer:
- Shallow dish of water
- Gentle misting with clean water
Most parakeets enjoy bathing 2–3 times per week.
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Sleep
Parakeets require:
- 10–12 hours of sleep every night
- Quiet, dark environment
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Temperature
Ideal range:
- 65°F–80°F (18°C–27°C)
Avoid sudden temperature changes.
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Signs of Illness
Contact an avian veterinarian if you notice:
- Fluffed feathers all day
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Tail bobbing
- Difficulty breathing
- Sitting on cage bottom
- Discharge from eyes or nostrils
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Hand-Tamed Parakeets
For friendly birds:
- Handle daily
- Use positive reinforcement
- Offer millet as a reward
- Keep training sessions short and fun
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Feathers N Friends
Healthy Birds Start With Proper Care
✔ Quality Nutrition
✔ Clean Environment
✔ Fresh Water Daily
✔ Mental Stimulation
✔ Regular Health Checks
Happy Birds, Healthy Futures! 🐦💚