Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
Mazuri Bird
Get It Today
Related Articles & Questions
- Care Sheets
How to Care for Pet Doves: Food, Habitat, & Health for Happy Birds
Learn how to care for your pet dove, recommended diet and cage setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
- New Pet
Bird Grooming Basics: Feathers, Nails & Wings
Read more to learn some basics of bird grooming that include bathing, nail trimming, and wing clipping.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
- Care Sheets
Reptile Feeding: Live Insect Selection & Care for Optimal Health
Learn about live insects for reptile feeding, recommended diet & habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
- Seasonal Topics
Top Summer Safety Tips for Pet Birds
Read more about how to care for your pet birds during the warmer months and keep them safe, happy and healthy all summer long.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
- Care Sheets
How to Thaw Frozen Foods for Reptiles or Amphibians
Learn how to thaw frozen mice for feeding time. Find out how to safely prepare and clean up after frozen meals at Petco.
Updated on December 16th, 2025
- Health & Wellness
My rescued bird has diarrhea; what should I feed it and what breed?
Thanks for reaching out about Edgard and including photos. He appears to be a pigeon. Pigeons eat vegetables (grated or chopped), seeds and can be offered some avian pellets. Diarrhea is sometimes difficult to differentiate from polyuria (increased urination). If not eating well, likely more urine and less feces. Syringe feed if needed. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Food & Nutrition
Is Lafeber's pellet food good for my conure? How to switch diets?
It is an excellent food which is why I recommended it. All of their diet are great! I'm sorry if I eluded to switching the diet slowly. I did not mean that. It is best to change right away. Please refer to this link which should answer all of your questions on how to change diets. You can also call Lafeber's for help. They will be happy to help you. ( http://www.aptos-creeksidepets.com/files/1913/9507/7578/CONVERTING_YOUR_BIRD_FROM_SEEDS_TO_PELLETS.pdf ) ( https://lafeber.com/contact-lafeber-co )
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 should I feed my new bird? Seeds, pellets, fruits, and veggies?
Hello again! These items look great for King, but the bag is correct - generally, parakeets and parrots should be fed a pellet-based diet to avoid fatty liver disease. Seed diets are high in fat (even without the sunflower seeds), so should be given as a treat supplementally only. Millet should also be given in moderation. Your bird can definitely have fruits, but include some veggies, too! Grapes, apple, banana, broccoli, kale, green beans, and peppers can be great for birds. Avoid avocado, apple cores/seeds, cherries (with seeds - seedless are ok) onion, and garlic. Dried fruits are ok too, just avoid the ones that have added sugar. I hope this helps! Good luck with King!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Food & Nutrition
My parakeet has poop on her vent feathers. Is it her new diet?
If Zachary will allow, gently clean the feathers around his vent. A bath or misting a couple times a week may help keep him clean and promote healthy plumage. The change in diet may account for the issue. As long as he is behaving normally, monitor him and enjoy your new winged friend! Symptoms that would be of concern are lethargy, perching all fluffed up, decreased appetite, loose droppings or sitting at the bottom of the cage.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
