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Learn how to take care of large Hookbill, recommended diet and housing setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for parakeets (budgies), recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to care for small hookbill parrots, recommended diet & bird cage setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to take care of Conures, recommended diet and housing setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for a medium-sized parakeets, recommended diet & bird cage setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
If you have a local pet store in your location, that's a great place to check for commercial bird foods. You may also need to check online if you don't have anything available. Cockatiel foods are often a blend of seeds and pellets that are nutritionally balanced. Millet seeds, and other small seeds, and some dried fruits and vegetables can also be substituted to balance the diet if a commercial brand isn't available. Fruits such as dried berries, applies, peach, can be tasty, and dried veggies such as spinach and other leafy greens make a great treat.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Here are a few products that may be similar for you to try out for James (cute name!) [Lafeber's Nutri-Berries](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/lafebers-nutri-berries-parrot-food): while not entirely pelleted, they are a nice mix of nutrients that are fun to eat and can be broken down to smaller sizes. [ZuPreem Avian Maintenance Natural](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zupreem-avianmaintenance-natural-bird-diet-for-parrots-and-conures): a good pelleted food that may be of a similar size to what you were feeding prior. They also offer[ ZuPreem Classic](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zupreem-classic-avianmaintenance-natural-bird-diet-for-large-parrots) which is a slightly larger size of the formulation, you may want to try out both to see if James prefers one to the other.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
If you cannot find measurements for the cage type you are looking at, I would go with a different company or location to one that offers measurements such as bar sizing, cage sizing etc, before purchasing. Birds can be picky eaters, and very messy ones, and they may throw food just for the fun of it. Continuing to offer a variety of fruits and veggies in addition to his regular food can help him become more interested in trying (and hopefully liking) more things. Cage guards can also be useful in helping contain the normal mess birds make as they eat.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Harrison's Bird Diet is the best food out there. It is pelleted so there can be some resistance from your bird transitioning to the new diet if he has been on a seed diet, but it is nutritionally complete and very high quality. Toys I find that lovebirds like have been cotton rope toys that they can preen and groom like the feathers of another bird.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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