Parakeets (Budgies)
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Parakeets vary in size quite dramatically, ranging from 14 to 40cm (12-16in), and the choice of species is equally wide.
Housing parakeets should present no major problems – the majority of species will thrive outdoors in the fresh air, although you must make sure that the aviary provides ample room for flight and exercise and a sturdy shelter to protect the birds from frost, wind and rain. It is also a good idea to cover a third of the aviary roof with plastic sheeting or similar material, as this enables the birds to shelter from any bad weather conditions but still remain outdoors. Almost all species of parakeets will survive typical winter conditions in a temperate climate, although you should lock them in at night during particularly severe conditions.
As for all parrots, an aviary housing parakeets must be able to withstand the attentions of their powerful beaks. If the aviary is made of wood, for example, it is vital to protect the exposed areas so that they are not destroyed. Even though you may not consider your birds to have powerful beaks because they are relatively small, they are very capable of gnawing the same area for a long period of time and causing extensive damage. This is why you should supply your parakeets with plenty of chewing materials, such as wooden perches, and replace these every two months.
A suitable diet for parakeets varies slightly according to the birds’ size. The basic diet for a small parakeet, for example, should consist of mixed millet, canary seed, hemp and sunflower seeds, with additional fruit and vegetables. Larger species will need more sunflower seeds and perhaps some small peanuts and pine nuts.
One advantage of keeping parakeets rather than the larger parrot species is that they make considerably less noise. Obviously they do still chatter, but this can prove to be pleasant rather than annoying. However, it is not necessarily a good idea to locate the aviary too close to your house, as they pick up the habit of chattering rather too early in the morning! Although it is possible to house some of the smaller parakeets in a mixed aviary, where they will happily live with even smaller birds, such as finches, they are happier housed on their own and this will also enhance their breeding prospects.
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Tags: 40cm, Ample Room, Attentions, Aviary, Bad Weather, Beaks, Budgies, Canary Seed, Fruit And Vegetables, Hemp Seeds, Parakeet, Parakeets, Parrot Species, Parrots, Perches, Pine Nuts, Plastic Sheeting, Sunflower Seeds, Temperate Climate, Typical Winter Conditions, Weather Conditions, Wind And Rain