points to be noted. Happy birds can survive only in clean surroundings. If you notice the birds actively flying around in their cages, and playing with other birds, then you have come to the right place. Check the physical features of the parakeet, which include their feathers, wings, feet, claws and beaks. Their feathers should not have a dull appearance, and their wings should be clipped. Spend some time observing them flying around the cage, and notice the way they perch on their swings, and play around with the toys. Their toes should not have a scaly appearance, and their ceres (nostrils), situated on top of their beaks, should be clear from any discharge. Also, the beak should not have an unusually large appearance, compared to their body. • Selection of Parakeets 6 important points 1. Clean surroundings where the bird was kept 2. Check the physical features of the bird 3. Get a young parakeet - 6-7 weeks old 4. Male parakeets are less aggressive than female parakeets 5. Make sure that you weigh the bird 6. Get all the must-have grooming items • • • • If you are particular about getting a male parakeet, since they are more popular for their mimicry and speech abilities, check for the bird, which is less aggressive. Females are generally aggressive, and they will be doing the chasing around, in the cage. It is always easy to train and tame a young parakeet, ideally around 6-7 weeks old. Young ones are easily recognizable, with the horizontal bars on their forehead. Insist on getting your bird weighed, and find out if it is the ideal weight. You could check it yourself by feeling the tip of the breastbone, under the skin of the bird. It should not feel very sharp, or pointed. Your pet-shop should stock the bird feed and other necessary grooming items (nail trimmers, wing clippers and first-aid items) and preferably, there should be boarding facilities for your bird, in case you are planning to travel. If you already own other bird pets, it is better to show your new parakeet to an avian veterinarian, before taking it home, and secure Selection of Parakeets An ideal cage for your parakeet a health certificate, certifying the bird clear of any diseases that may infect the rest of your birds at home. Do not be in a hurry to introduce your new bird, to the earlier ones. Preferably, the new one should be kept in a separate cage, right next to the other ones, and, gradually, once they have established some kind of bonding, the new bird may be allowed to mingle with your other birds. Give it some time to get used to the new place and environment. You should ideally spend at least two hours with your bird everyday. Provide a clean environment for your bird by avoiding spraying of pesticides, heating of Teflon coated vessels, and generally following all the safety rules. Also let them out of their cages once in a while, so that they can release some of their energy. With the right amount of love and care, he or she will slowly become your friend. Selection of Parakeets Selection of Parakeets The Center for Disease Control prevents import of exotic birds from countries that have a high incidence of avian influenza virus present in its local poultry. |