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The Perennial Parakeet: Purchase and Taming

© Mary Wilson

There's something about parakeets that draws people to them like ducks to water. I experienced it myself at a bird fair a few weeks ago. There, at the next table down, was a cage full of young parakeets. I watched their antics and remembered my mother's wish that she have a parakeet again.

One bird caught my eye. Completely white, this little puff of feathers looked like a special bird. I bought him (her?) and christened it Snowball.

Parakeets make great first birds. They also make great second, third, or fourth birds. These tiny birds pack a huge personality. You see, parakeets love to please. Taming a baby parakeet, even if it hasn't been handfed, needn't be an ordeal. It does take patience, as these little guys like to try to fly away, even on clipped wings. But after a few tries, they realize that being carried around by a human is a much easier way to travel. Parakeets take quickly to the "up" command.

When looking to buy a parakeet choose a bird with bright, clear eyes. It's feathers, regardless of color, should be smooth against its body and not be soiled around the vent area (underneath the tail). The bird should appear active and interested in its surroundings. It's not uncommon for parakeets to talk to other birds, so it may be chattering away at its cagemates. Not to worry, parakeets aren't as loud as other species of parrots.

More than one person will say that a male bird makes a better pet. While it is true that males vocalize more, which may mean that they will learn to talk more readily, both sexes make great pets. Females may get a bit nippy if they have the urge to breed, but limiting the amount of daylight hours and making sure not to provide a nesting area should curb those tendencies.

Once you have the parakeet home, give it a few days to get acclimated. Then, you're ready to begin working with it. A small room, such as a bathroom (put down the toilet lid) or a small bedroom makes a good place to work with your parakeet. You don't want to reach in and grab the bird. This frightens it, and could possibly damage your relationship with the bird. If the cage has a large door, simply let the bird come out on it's own. Otherwise, you can gently coax the bird outside the cage.

The copyright of the article The Perennial Parakeet: Purchase and Taming in Small Hookbills is owned by Veronica Armstrong. Permission to republish The Perennial Parakeet: Purchase and Taming in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.