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Related Articles & Questions
- Care Sheets
Lovebird Care: Your Complete Guide to Food, Habitat & Health
Learn how to take care of your Lovebirds, recommended cage size, diet and housing setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your local Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
- Health & Wellness
Bird-Proof Your Home: Eliminate Household Hazards
There are many household hazards for birds, that's why it's important to bird proof your home.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
- Health & Wellness
Bird Poop Guide: What's Normal & What's Not
Learn how to identify if your bird’s poop is healthy or not. Visit Petco to find all the answers about birds’ poop.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
- New Pet
How to Socialize Your Pet Bird: A Step-by-Step Guide
Welcoming a new pet into your family is exciting! But it can be stressful for your new bird. Use these steps to help socialize your bird and welcome them into your home.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
- Health & Wellness
Whys Birds Molt: How to Help Them Stay Comfortable
Molting is a normal process for your bird. Learn when it happens, and what signs to look for in case you need to see your vet.
Updated on September 13th, 2025
- Training & Behavior
What bird is best for small spaces, low maintenance, short lifespan?
Birds can be fun pets to have around the house, but I have to say that they are all high-maintenance. They require daily feeding, cleaning bathing and appropriate enrichment in order to keep them happy and healthy. If this is not provided, then you may end up with a miserable/sickly bird with no feathers. Vet bills can be very expensive when birds get sick, because there are limited veterinarians that are knowledgable and skilled with avian medicine. Providing as much space as possible is best for a bird. I think I have an idea of the type of cage you want, but this is not a very suitable cage for anything other than a small bird (tend to have shorter life-spans than bigger birds). Even then it's quite small for a bird, because birds are born with the expectation of having unlimited space. You will also have to consider the noise. If your place is small, then I'd assume you have close neighbors. Birds are generally very noisy and can easily make some enemies in close quarters. Unfortunately, there is not a pet bird that completely meets your criteria, but if you are determined to get a bird, then a Budgie would likely be the best option. Below are a couple of links with some more information about Budgies and caring for birds. http://www.budgerigar.com/ http://www.budgie-info.com/budgie-care.html I hope that helps and all goes well.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Health & Wellness
My lovebird is itching and pulling feathers. What can I use?
If you suspect a parasite such as mites most pet stores carry a commercial mite spray that can be used on birds to treat mites. Placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Sky is also a good idea to keep her from picking at the spot while it heals (Google has tutorials on how to make bird-sized ones at home) If the problem persists, it would be good to have her examined by a vet. If you're having trouble affording care, this site may help give you some ideas to make vet care more affordable so Sky can get the help she needs: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Vet Q & A
My finch was eaten from its cage. What predators attack outdoor birds?
I am sorry for your loss. Cats, opossum, & raccoons are all very adept at hooking & pulling a small bird thru the cage bars. You must protect your birds with a strong enclosure. Perhaps you can build a box using strong lumbar & wire cloth. Otherwise, bring your cages in at night to protect your precious birds. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Training & Behavior
New 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
- Training & Behavior
My lovebirds are bored. What are the best toys to keep them happy?
Some toys or changes to the environment are definitely a great way to help reduce boredom. You can look for toys that are soft or fuzzy to encourage preening and chewing behavior, or toys that can move around such as swings or bendy ladders for exercise. Treats that have to be pecked at are also great enrichment. Just be sure to choose toys that are designed for your bird's size and activity level. If you have a pair, you may also want to add in a nest or some nesting material to encourage building and give them extra enrichment.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
