Have you ever wondered if you would want to have a parakeet for a pet? I have owned a parakeet for over one year and, boy, is it fun.

Did you know that parakeets make great pets because they can amuse you and make you laugh? Parakeets can be trained to be great acrobats. They can play with miniature seesaws and can even ride little bikes. It is easier to train a young parakeet, but it will take a lot of patience. You have to train them to do the same trick over and over again before they can do it by themselves. The male parakeet is easier to train than the female. Males learn to do tricks much faster. But if you want to train your bird, it is best to have only one bird. Otherwise, the birds will pay attention to each other instead of to you.

You can also train a parakeet to talk by saying the same thing to him over and over until he repeats what you say. Parakeets can be very entertaining because they can learn to whistle a tune or even sing songs. They can be taught to say phrases or words like "Want a cracker?", "Kiss, kiss", or "Pretty bird". They can even learn to say your name or their own name. Parakeets can be very funny and amusing.

Parakeets eat and drink many things. But to stay healthy they need fresh food, mostly fruits and vegetables because they are vegetarians. Each day you should change their water and food. Some of their favorite foods are seeds that are sold in pet stores. You can buy food either with or without vitamins added to the mix. They also like nuts, either shelled or unshelled. It is important for your bird to have fresh fruit regularly. They prefer their fruit at room temperature and it should be washed first and cut into bite sized pieces. They like to eat oranges, pineapples, apples and grapes. Vegetables are also good for them. They especially like lettuce and celery. They can’t eat carrots because they are too hard and crunchy.

Parakeets need water in their cup at all times. It needs to be fresh and changed daily. They also like to drink fruit juices. Some parakeets are even known to drink Coca-Cola! Now that is really funny! But to keep your pet parakeet happy, give him a diet of healthy foods.

To select a cage for your parakeet, go to a local pet store. I would recommend a stainless steel cage with a removable bottom because they are durable and can be cleaned easily. One of the most important things you would want to put in your parakeet’s cage is a wooden perch for him to sleep and play on. You will also want a swing, either plastic or wood for him to play on. Parakeets like a bell to ring. Some of them will ring the bell when they want attention or food. Toys help amuse a parakeet. Some of the toys they like are mirrors, ladders, and bead toys to peck at. You will also need small dishes for your pet’s food and water.

Your cage should be on a table so when people walk by he can see them and get more attention. This is better than putting it on a chain hanging from the ceiling away from everyone. Also, keep the cage away from drafty windows so your bird doesn’t get sick. At night you can put a towel or covering over the cage to help your bird quiet down and fall to sleep faster. Keep predators away from your bird, especially cats and dogs.

To keep your parakeet’s cage clean, you would want to wash it with water, but no soap. Cover the bottom of the cage with paper towels, waxed paper or plastic. Do not use newspaper to line the cage because the ink on newspaper is toxic to birds and it could make them sick.

Your parakeet may need some extra things for you to care for it. Some people put out a cup of grit that is a special kind of gravel to help the bird digest its food. A cuttlebone is also important to the bird because it keeps its beak in shape and it gives it calcium.