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Related Articles & Questions
- New Pet
How to Choose the Right Pet Bird for You
A number of factors go into finding the best pet bird for you and your family. Read through these questions and tips to select which life long companion is right for you.
Updated on June 12th, 2026
- Training & Behavior
Essential Pet Care Guide: Keep Your Furry Friend Happy & Healthy
Search Petco for the information needed about your bird’s body language. We will help you look for the signs in your bird & help you communicate with them.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Home & HabitatCaring for Your Pet Bird During a Power Outage
Learn more about beachcombing tips with your water-friendly dog to understand how to get most out of your dog’s day at the beach.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
- New Pet
First-Time Bird Owner? Essential Guide to Your Pet Bird's Perfect Home
Learn some tips about bringing your new pet bird home for the first time. Find out what supplies and actions will help her feel most at home.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Training & BehaviorBird Behavior Changes: What They Mean & What to Do
Read more about changes in your pet birds' behavior like biting, feather plucking and more.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Vet Q & AWhere can I buy the best budgie toys online for my bird?
There are many places to look for budgie toys online, and doing a simple google search can help you find them. Looking at places such as Petco (if available in your area), Drs Foster Smith, etc, or other online pet stores can give you an idea of what's available and can be shipped to you. most places will also mark the size of the toy so you can pick out ones appropriate for budgies.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & BehaviorNew to parakeets? Essential care tips for first-time owners.
Parakeets, also called Budgerigars, are small members of the parrot family and they can become good mimics. The average adult size is 7 inches long, head to end of tail. The average life span is between 10 to 20 years with proper care. A well-balanced Parakeet diet consists of: Specialized pellets should make up 60-70% of diet, fresh vegetables and fruits and small amounts of fortified seeds Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water, changed daily. Do not feed birds: avocado, fruit seeds, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol; it can cause serious medical conditions. Avoid sugar and high fat treats. Things to remember when feeding your Parakeet: Fresh food and water should always be available. Vegetables and fruits not eaten within a few hours should be discarded. Remember, treats should not exceed 10% of total food intake. Housing Parakeets acclimate well to average household temperatures, not to exceed 80°F; be cautious of extreme temperature changes. The habitat should area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A habitat approximately 18"W x 18"D x 18"H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1-2" apart, makes a good home for one Parakeet. A flight habitat is strongly recommended. It is best to provide the largest habitat possible. Perches should be at least 4" long and 3-8" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. Perches should be at least 4" long and 3-8" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with habitat paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning. To avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches. Parakeets can be kept alone to bond with pet parent or in pairs to bond with each other. Different birds she not be housed together. Normal Behavior Parakeets are talkers, but their little voices are sometimes hard to hear. Active and need daily time out of their habitats to interact with family. Keep in pairs if unable to devote daily interaction time. Provide foraging toys, which provide important mental stimulation. Housing Maintenance Clean and disinfect the habitat and perches regularly; replace substrate or habitat liner weekly or more often as needed. Replace perches, dishes, and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat regularly. Ensure that there are no habitat parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead-based paints or galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird. Do not use a lot of cleaning agents around your bird a natural cleaner. Grooming & Hygiene Provide filtered, chlorine-free, lukewarm water regularly for bathing; remove the water when done. As an alternative, mist the bird with water. Clipping flight feathers is not necessary, but when done correctly it can help prevent injury or escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird. Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird. Signs of a Healthy Animal: Active, alert, and sociable Eats and drinks throughout the day Dry nares and bright, dry eyes Beak, legs and feet normal in appearance Clean, dry vent Smooth, well-groomed feathers Common Health Issues Chlamydiosis: Appetite loss, fluffed feathers, nasal discharge, green stool. Seek immediate avian veterinary attention. Diarrhea: Fecal portion of stool is not formed. Multiple causes from diet change to internal parasites. Consult with an avian veterinarian and ensure proper diet. Feather plucking: Bird plucks own feathers; may be due to boredom, poor diet or other illness. Consult your veterinarian and relieve boredom with attention, new toys or new space. Mites (scaly face and leg disease): White deposits on eyes, beak, legs, and feet. Consult your veterinarian. Red Flags Beak swelling or accumulations Fluffed, plucked, or soiled feathers Sitting on floor
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Health & Wellness
Which bird breeds are loyal, social, playful, and dog-like pets?
Thanks for reaching out. Choosing a smaller of the parrot species if probably the best. Cockatiels, budgieregars are lovebirds can be great companions, are intelligent and fairly easy to care for. Longevity should be considered, as cockatiels can easily live into their 20s, and possibly longer. Hand-reared parrots tend to be more socialized towards humans, but can also lack the some bird-like traits. Do a little research, visit some pet stores. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Health & Wellness
Rescued a wild bird with a broken wing. Where to find cheap vet care?
Check local and state wildlife laws first to make sure you are allowed to keep Angel. Next, contact the local veterinary clinic and ask for the contact information of nearby wildlife rehabilitator. If you are legally prohibited from keeping wildlife, a rehabber will give Angel the best chance at treatment and recovery. If you are allowed to keep Angel, a rehabber should be able to direct you to a veterinarian who may be able to help out. Any discount or assistance would be at the sole discretion of the veterinarian or specialist.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & WellnessCan I sell my pet birds back to the store, or what are my options?
Most pet stores will not "buy" back animals. Each one may have a different policy, so you would need to contact the store directly and speak with a manager. Contact the local humane society and ask if they have any people looking to adopt a bird. You can do the same with local veterinary clinics. If there is an avian vet nearby, contact them or check the office bulletin board. There may be options there.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
