Parakeet Passion

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Dear Readers,

(if there are any left)

I've decided to stop blogging. Soooooooooooooooooooo bye.

-Parakeet Passion

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Growth of a Baby Parakeet

Week ONE:

Day One: The baby is only the size of a dime. It is pink, featherless, and blind. The eyes are sealed closed. The skin is so thin, you can see organs inside of its body.

It might appear weak, or hardly move. However, use caution if handling it! Even a newly hatched baby can get around!

(It is NOT recommended to pick up a baby before he is fully downed)Day Three: The baby has doubled in size. Still pink, it is growing in size and is growing stronger.

Day Five: The baby's peeps are louder, and it is moving about in the box more. It can barely hold its head up.

Day Seven: At one week, it can hold its head up, but the eyes are still sealed closed. A light downy fuzz is apparent on the back.During the second week, the eyes are unsealing, and become partly open. A two-week old parakeet can walk but cannot perch. Because they are not feathered yet, they are very susceptible to chilling, and can die.Third Week: The eyes open fully, and the baby can perch. Its body is covered with down, and pin feathers and tail feathers are visible. You may be able to see what color your bird will be by observing the tail feathers. Though nippy and skittish, he's starting to take an interest of the world outside the box.Fourth Week: The wing and tail feathers come in and colored fluffy feathers grow over the down. There will still be some bare spots on the back and under the wings, but is looking more like an adult everyday. The mother spends more time outside of the box and Dad takes over most of the feedings. The baby is much more active, and interested in the world outside...you might catch him hanging in the entrance picking at a nearby toy or perch.Fifth Week: Almost fully feathered, your baby looks like an adult, yet isn't quite ready to venture into the outside world. He becomes less nippy if you've handled him, but prefers secure darker places like the back of your neck or under your arm.

From: http://www.freewebs.com/huggybec/growthofababykeet.htm

Budgies are from Australia

Budgerigar - pronounced [buhj-uh-ree-gahr]
The name Budgerigar is thought to have been derived from an Aboriginal word or phrase.

Wild budgerigars are originally from Australia and are nomadic birds, moving from place to place in search of water and food. They are able to fly hundreds of miles if necessary in search of water. These hardy birds endure a climate that can be very hot and dry and also cold as well as rainy depending on the season and the weather trends. Budgies live in flocks and when conditions are favorable, they sometimes group together to form a huge flock containing thousands of budgies.

Wild budgerigars feed primarily on grass seeds, eucalyptus leaves and various other seeds and greens. Breeding usually occurs during rainy seasons when water is plentiful. Like other parrots, budgies build their nests in holes found in trees. They will chew at the tree cavity until they have the shape and size that they need. The female budgie will lay an egg every 2 days until she has 4 to 8 eggs. While the mother budgie is busy keeping the eggs warm, it is the father's job to feed the mother and protect the nest. Incubation lasts about 18-21 days before the eggs will hatch. Baby budgerigars usually fledge or leave the nest on the fourth or fifth week after they hatch. Both the mother and father take turns feeding the babies.

Nicknames	• Budgie • Parakeet • Grass parakeet • Shell parakeet
Colors:	Wild budgies are primarily green with black stripes and yellow heads. Domestic budgies can be green, blue, yellow (lutino), white (albino), gray, violet and many varieties of these colors and patterns.
Size:	Average 18 cm (7 in) long
Weight:	26-40 grams
Common Enemies	Predatory birds and snakes, environmental issues

Other interesting facts

• Budgies, like all parrots, have 2 toes that face forward and 2 that face back unlike other birds who have 3 toes facing forward and 1 facing back.

• Studies have shown that the yellow feathers of budgerigars have fluorescent pigment. Since budgies are able to see a broader spectrum of colors including some ultra-violet, these fluorescent feathers are thought to play a role in attracting a mate.

• In the U.S. budgies are usually called parakeets which means long tail. However there are several different types of parrots called parakeets so this name can be confusing.

• Budgie eggs are white.

• Budgies can turn their heads around 180 degrees.

• If an adult budgie's cere (the flesh above the beak where the nostrils are located) is blue it is a male, if it is brown or tan it is a female.

• The average life span of a domestic budgie is 5-8 years however some have been known to live 15 years or more.

This article is from http://budgiekeet.com/facts.html

Parakeet Passion takes all info from around the internet and puts it in one place. ALL credit goes to the website we got it from.

Steps to care for a baby parakeet

Keep the baby parakeet with its mother in a cage that is at least 24 by 24 by 24 inches for at least two months. The cage should be away from any windows, the kitchen and bathrooms. It should have at least three perches and toys to keep the parakeets entertained.

Feed the adult parakeet bird seed as well as organic fruits and vegetables, pasta and whole grain bread. Pets stores also carry unique foods for the birds to eat. The mother will feed the baby bird. Change the water and feed every day.

Dim the lights at night for the birds to sleep. Do not leave it completely dark, however, for this can scare the baby bird. Make sure there is a small source of light somewhere to give the baby security.

Open the cage regularly, offering the adult bird some exercise. Close all windows and doors and let them fly around in a bird-safe area. As the baby grows, it will join its mother, learning to fly.

Clean the cage weekly. Parakeets create a lot of waste and it will build up quickly. Droppings harden quickly, however, so it is not difficult to clean. Make sure you scrub the perches as well. You do not want the baby parakeet living in filth.

If the baby parakeet seems unwell, contact your veterinarian immediately. Baby parakeets are fragile and sometimes need medical attention to get through the early stages of development.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Welcome to Parakeet Passion!

These are not parakeets, but are an example of a parrot.
(parakeets are parrots too.)

Parakeet Passion gives all info on every thing parakeet or parrot. My team and I hope to give you as much information about these wonderful birds and their great features as possible! We hope you will enjoy our blog and that you comment and use our information. Thank you for reading Parakeet Passion!