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Related Articles & Questions
- 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
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Ultimate Parakeet Care: Feeding, Housing, Health & Fun Facts Guide
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How to Care for Pet Doves: Food, Habitat, & Health for Happy Birds
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Learn how to take care of a Chicken, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
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- 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
- 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
- Food & Nutrition
What healthy food and engaging toys are best for my senior lovebird?
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
- Training & Behavior
What pellets can replace discontinued Harrison's for my picky parrot?
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
- Food & Nutrition
My bird seems egg bound. What are the symptoms and home remedies?
Most birds will lay one egg every other day. The condition is more common in smaller breeds, and can be more serious as well. Ideally, she should be examined by a veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian. If one is unavailable right now, provide supplemental heat, about 90 F. Soak her for 20-30 minutes in a warm Epsom salt solution, enough to submerge her vent. Dry thoroughly then use a sterile lubricant (or vegetable oil) around the vent. Monitor for lethargy, straining or difficulty breathing. If she develops any of these symptoms, she should be seen at the nearest veterinary ER immediately. Be sure to feed a balanced diet and provide a cuttlebone or mineral block for additional calcium. Limit seeds and offer mainly a commercial pelleted diet (Harrison's, Lafeber, KayTee Exact or Pretty Bird) supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
