Parakeet Information Needed?

Question

Thanks in advance to all who are taking the time to contribute their answers to this question. Only serious answers please.

-When is the appropriate time to purchase a parakeet (age wise)

-Is it wise to purchase a parakeet from a private breeder?

-Do parakeets need shots? If so, I am thinking about buying from Petsmart or Petco, do the birds already come with vaccinations?

-Are vaccinations obtainable? Are they costly or inexpensive?

-Do Parakeets carry any potentially harmful diseases that might harm humans or our other pets, which are fish and dogs? If so, what are they and how are they cured?

-What is an appropriate place (in a room) to keep a cage that could possibly be affected by canines?

-Are parakeets good travelers via car, 300 miles?

-How do they stand up to heat temperatures (I live in TX, very important)?

-Is there anything I should know before purchasing one of these birds? I would really like to know as much as possible! Thank you!

Answer 1

If you would like to train your parakeet, I would buy it as a  young bird and if you want to teach it to talk your best bet would be a male.

Purchasing a parakeet from a private breeder is probably better than from petsmart or petco.

Parakeets do not need any vaccinations like dogs and cats do.

If you do purchase a parakeet with a disease, you will probably end up spending money you don't want to spend trying to cure the bird.

I would say you should keep it in a fairly cool room, not too warm, but when they have their baths, you should keep them in a warm room with lukewarm water. I would suggest right after you get out of the shower when it is humid and steamy in the bathroom.

Parakeets should do fine in the car just as long as they are trained and can stand long periods of time in its cage, unless you take it out of the car while your driving. Don't stuff it into a small cage if you are traveling, this is very stressful on the bird, give it a fairly big cage since its not going to be able to come out.

They should be kept in temperatures of about 70 to 80 degrees maybe 83ish. Not too warm

here is a link that has tons of info on parakeets care, training...and just basic info http://www.lisashea.com/petinfo/articles...

Answer 2

It's best to buy a parakeet as young as possible after weaning. They are easier to tame/train than older birds. This is usually around 6-8 weeks old.  

If you can find a private breeder, that would be preferable, but parakeet breeders are hard to find (in the US anyway).

They don't require shots, although new vaccinations are becoming available for birds all the time. Ask an Avian vet for further info.

It is possible that parakeets could carry a virus called Psittacosis that can be transferred to humans. Dogs probably wouldn't be affected by this and definitely not fish.  This virus is treated with antibiotics in humans and birds.  

Cage placement in a room is best away from direct sunlight that would make a bird too hot, this could be dangerous. Also avoids drafts and areas in front of doors and windows. Keep the bird's cage high enough to be out of a dog's reach.

Birds can travel long distances, but this might be too stressful for a bird on a regular basis.

Excessive heat can be dangerous to parakeets. If they are kept inside at a temperature comfortable to humans and out of direct sunlight, this should be okay for a bird too.  

There are lots of books available on parakeet and bird ownership.  It's recommended that you familiarize yourself with basic bird care before purchasing any bird. Remember you will be responsible for all its needs and health care, which could include trips to an avian vet.

Answer 3

Well, I REALLY discourage buying a bird from a store because they come from mills. Or is it just for dogs? IDK.

Answer 4

-get them when they are a baby bc they are easier to train and thell behave better if u have the time to care for them

-yes i bought one from one and he turned out fine he even gave me some free supplies

-they dont need shots whatever comes just comes they dont get shots

-u dont need them unless u really want it

-no no diseases there good pets

-canines will break the cage easily and kill your bird try to keep your bird hanging or high from the ground as possible

-yes i moved with mine from north to south florida and he did fine as long as u give them food and not too much water

-dont keep him or her pemanitly outside as they can get a heatstroke so somewhere around 72-85 degrees

-if you dont pay attention to him 4 a while he will get mean and will not let u touch him. birds like water just make sure its not too much just put him in the sink with it slowly flowing and let him play around in it.. not too much or he could get sick.

DONT get a mirror they will turn their back on u and will ignore u and only care about the reflection.

they love toys so give them something that makes noise or hangs down from the top of the cage.

Answer 5

The best age is when it is about 3 weeks old. It is easily tamed and would be very loyal.

Actually it is the same buying a parakeet from a private breeder although sometimes it might be better.

No, they do not need shots.

I don't think they carry any disease that can cause harm to any body. I have two parakeets at home and they are perfectly harmless.

I take my parakeet on a car trip before and i am not really sure whether they are good at car trips. But just for you info, they are in the car for about 25 min.

They actually can live in warm places i think. They don't like cold and dark places.

They cannot take avocado and they eat apples too. You must take them out often to play with themso they would not feel lonely. They can bathe every week.