Extremely active as they are, parakeets could feel depressed when there is no one around to socialize with. One way to overcome this problem, when you are not around to play with them personally, is to provide enough brightly colored toys, and little bells. Hang them either in the middle of the cage, to encourage exercise, or near their perches, for playing. Even when they are provided with a large cage, they still need freedom, outside the cage, and they should be let out, after insuring that all safety precautions are in place. Their wings should be kept trimmed. Other additions that can enhance the quality of the cage are a mirror and a cuttlebone or a mineral block (artificial cuttlebone). A cuttlebone, as the word suggests, is the big bone of the cuttlefish. These help in keeping the beak of the bird trimmed, and also act as a source of calcium, in its diet. Toys for your winged pet… Beak care Health Care Your happy parakeet… Health journal of your parakeet If you want your pet to be happy, see that you get two birds at one go - preferably a cock and a hen. This will help them overcome any bouts of depression. As in the case of other pets, one needs to keep a record of the health of your parakeets, to be able to detect signs of illness. Observe their energy levels, feather texture, color of excreta and the amount of food they consume. Get health checks done by an avian vet, regularly, preferably once a year. Health Care Make sure that you get two birds at one go --- preferably a cock and a hen. Health Care 5-point checklist to detect your bird's illness * * * Watery or wet excreta could be due to a change in diet, but it could also mean a bacterial infection. The normal droppings have a jelly-like consistency, with a dark outer ring, and white in the middle. If the water intake of the bird is not sufficient, its eyes will appear to be sunken; if the problem is not addressed immediately, it could result in dehydration. If the bird begins to sneeze, it is an indication of respiratory infection, which could result either from cold climates, or allergic environments. Another sign of an indisposition of this kind are puffed-up feathers. The bird does it, to stay warm. The immediate remedy is to cover the cage with a blanket, or place a heating pad under the cage. Iodine deficiency can be detected when you see a spongy appearance on the beak. This could be dealt with by keeping a cuttlebone in the cage. Above all, you should take care to help the bird tide over mood swings, by being a good companion. Since most parakeets take the pet owner for a companion, you can keep your pet happy by lavishing it with as much love and attention, as possible. 5-point checklist to detect your bird's illness * * * Watery or wet excreta could be due to a change in diet, but it could also mean a bacterial infection. The normal droppings have a jelly-like consistency, with a dark outer ring, and white in the middle. If the water intake of the bird is not sufficient, its eyes will appear to be sunken; if the problem is not addressed immediately, it could result in dehydration. If the bird begins to sneeze, it is an indication of respiratory infection, which could result either from cold climates, or allergic environments. Another sign of an indisposition of this kind are puffed-up feathers. The bird does it, to stay warm. The immediate remedy is to cover the cage with a blanket, or place a heating pad under the cage. |