Some research suggests that parakeets are among the most popular pet in the United States. As they are small, relatively clean, and easy to care for, this is not a surprise. While most parakeets do fine on their own, getting two as a pair prevents boredom and possible depression. If you decide to get a pair of the birds, make sure that they come from the same cage. Choosing two parakeets from two separate locations is a great risk, as the birds may fight-and in some cases, could even kill one another.
Bright Eyes
Parakeets that have bright eyes are generally healthy and alert. Most parakeets have small, relatively beady eyes, which become “pinpricks” when they are excited and typically dilate quite a bit when relaxed. Parakeets who have dull eyes may be sick, depressed, or have poor nutrition. Always examine the eyes of the bird you are considering carefully before making a final purchase. While it is possible to improve the health of a parakeet with good food and medical care-and thus reverse dull eyes-the process can be difficult, time consuming and expensive.
“Talkative”
There is no question that parakeets are perhaps one of the noisiest of all small birds. In fact, it is not uncommon for some parakeets to start chirping as soon as the sun comes up in the morning, and keep “talking” until the sun goes down at night. When you are selecting a pet, make sure to look for a bird that is happily singing in his or her cage. A lack of vocalization suggests that the bird is ill, depressed, or has not been properly socialized. Unsocialized birds do not make good pets, as they are often afraid of humans, and may bite or otherwise injure their owners.
Friendly
Finding a parakeet that is friendly is especially important if the bird is to be used as a pet for a child. When selecting a bird, as a store sales associate if you can hold the particular bird in question. If the bird easily jumps on your finger, and is interested in you, he or she is a great choice. Parakeets that refuse to climb on your finger and appear frightened will be difficult to tame and train.
Head Stripes
Determining the age of a parakeet has been found to be quite difficult. While size can occasionally be effective at determining age, scientists have discovered that the “head stripes” of a parakeet is a better indicator. Typically, parakeets are born with head stripes that go all the way down their forehead, reaching to the top of their beak. In contrast, older birds typically have a forehead that is of a solid color, such as white or yellow, with head stripes that start behind their eyes. Selecting a young bird-with head stripes down their their beak-means that there is a greater chance that the bird will bond with you. Often, an older bird-with stripes that start behind their eyes-will not be as interested in humans.