What is a Parakeet?

The parakeet is a small, colorful bird commonly kept as a pet. Originally from Australia, it made its way first into Japan and then into England and continental Europe, where its popularity as a household pet quickly rose. While yellow and green birds are common, there are dozens of different species and color combinations to be found. A parakeet native to South or Central America is also called a conure.

A relatively small bird that can be kept comfortably in a cage, a parakeet is a hardy, easy to keep pet, and has made a first pet for countless children. It is also relatively inexpensive, and can be purchased from pet stores throughout the world. Easy to keep, it requires only seed and gravel in the cages for diet, and some toys and a mirror for entertainment, along with a mineral block for naturally trimming the beak.

In their native environment, parakeets are highly social birds that travel in huge flocks. Also known as the budgerigar, the parakeet originally had either green or yellow feathers. The first new color to be created was the blue; after that, different genetic lines were cross-bred to create the vast array of colors that are now available. Many parakeets in pet stores are still in the basic colors, with distinctive brown and white or black and white mottled feathers around their heads. New species include the plum-headed parakeet, with red or purple feathers on its head, and the solid-colored Indian ringneck parakeet, known for the colored collar around its neck.

There is a wide variety among parakeet species; because of this, it is important to research a species before purchasing. Some species are highly intelligent and can easily be taught tricks or taught to speak, while others typically do not even like to be handled. Australian parakeets are among the most brightly colored, while those from the Americas typically have more muted colors. Most species enjoy being around centers of activity in the home, and will benefit from care and attention.

For most species, pairs of parakeets will breed quite readily in captivity. As they are naturally highly social birds, they are well adapted to sharing their cage with a companion. Each species can have its own specific requirements for laying and hatching their eggs, and considerations can include temperature, humidity and the diet of the adult birds. Birds mature quickly, and can fend for themselves when they are only a few weeks old.