The Parakeet:

The word, "parakeet" comes from the Medieval French word, "paroquet" probably a derivative of the
word, "perrot" which means "parrot." Parakeets are any of various small, slender parrots with a long
tapering tail. (Source: Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd Edition.)

Parakeets are about six to eight inches long, from beak to tail and weigh from 1 ounce to about 2 1/2 ounces. The traditional parakeet is green, yellow or green and yellow, but breeding has produced blues, whites ("albinos" from the blue line) purples, lavenders, and the like. "True albinos" have no pigmentation, so their eyes appear to be "red," but what you are really seeing are the red blood cells from their retinas.

The average life expectancy of a parakeet is about 3 to 5 years. Jeanne's "Buddy" laid 8 eggs at the age of 10 ears and died at the ripe old age of 12. Jeanne and I currently have a male parakeet, which we named "Dana Brent," after our close friend and former Bishop. "Dana Brent" is over 11 years of age. One of our other birds, an olive drab green and yellow English Budgie, guards, protects, feeds and preens "Dana Brent." I know a lot of people, especially married couples, who could take lessons from our birds, when it comes to caring for each other.

The "English Budgerigar":

The "English Budgerigar" originated in Australia, where they were "game birds," hunted for food. It is hard to imagine a such a bird, weighing about 3 to 6 ounces and only measuring from 7 to 9 inches from beak to tail, being very much of a meal. They were exported from Australia to England and in the early 20th century, from England to the United States. It is not difficult to understand, then, that English Budgerigars, also know as English Budgies, are still relatively wild birds. They instinctively know to become quiet when there is movement around their cage, and to flee when someone tries to grab them. "GO SLOW!" is the paramount commandment. Do not act hastily or quickly, because any quick movement will frighten them. Their temperament, however, is quite a bit calmer than their parakeet cousins, which are derived from the English Budgies. Even as people have different personalities, Parakeets, English Budgerigars and American Budgies have their unique personalities. Parakeets can be very "high strung" and nervous, but of course, there is our "Midge Bird," short for "Midget" who is very laid back and is friendly with everyone. The English Budgerigar and the American Budgie are  usually much calmer and even tempered, but then there is "Sugar" and 'Spicer," who get all worked up if you pick up either of them...

(Editor's Note: The rather "fierce" look on the face of the English Budgerigar perched on the wooden blocks, is due to the "hood" above its eyes. There is nothing to worry about. He is not a carnivore! He mainly eats seeds and vegetables!)  

Our first encounter with an "English Budgie" was in September of 1999, when Jeanne and I visited a local pet store and saw a white male bird in one of the cages. He was handsome and quite friendly. We asked for permission to take him out of his cage, he sat quite calmly on our finger. We instantly took to him and "bought" him, that is to say, that we traded the pet store owner two of our "hand-raised" parakeets for him. We have never and will never sell any of our babies. We have, however, "traded  out" or "given away" our babies to good homes.  Jeanne named him "Percy Arthur" after her maternal grandfather. "Percy Arthur" became the first of many more English Budgies which we subsequently bought and raised.

American Budgies:

The American Budgerigar is a "hybrid" or cross between a Parakeet and an English Budgerigar. Most often, the hen is the English Budgerigar and the cock is the parakeet. The average weight of the American Budgerigar or American "Budgie" is from 3 to 5 ounces and the length from beak to tail is about 6 to 8 inches. It is just slightly smaller in size than its English counterpart. We have parakeets, English Budgies and American Budgies in our home. The American Budgie has about the same demeanor as the English. Both are usually calmer and less excitable than the Parakeet, which is a "nervous" and easily excitable bird. The Parakeet has the tendency to bite more frequently, due to its nervous and excitable nature, Both the English and the American Budgie can bite, especially the females, but most often, they just nibble.

Like both the Parakeet and the English Budgie, the American Budgie comes in various colors; that is, various shades of green, yellow, green & yellow, blue, purple, albino (white),  gray, silver or "clear" and combinations of several colors. One of our most beautiful birds was "Amani Onjanue," a parakeet who was a combination of white, powder blue, pastel orange and a pastel yellow head. We currently have a female Parakeet with a light Blue & lavender "mantel" across her back and  wings and a yellow head. We also have an English Budgie male with a pastel green and yellow body.

It is often possible for a mating hen and a cock to "skip a generation," which means that there is no way of telling what the chicks will look like. Very often, the chicks will be similar in color to their grandparents. Recessive genes like "albinism" or total lack of pigmentation will produce a chick, usually a female, with white feathers and "red" eyes, Actually, the chick's eyes are clear, and what you are seeing is the red blood cells on the retina. Both the hen's and cock's line must possess the albino gene in order for the chick(s) to be an albino. We have only had 6 albino's in the 94 birds that we have either bought or were hatched in our home. Buddy's two daughters, "Marie" and "Lucy" were albino females, and Marie's great granddaughter, "Ann Marie," is also an albino. There was "Judi-Lynne," an albino female. We did have an albino male Parakeet, "Cari," but he didn't live more than a few months. And then there was "Percy Arthur 1" another albino male. There is something lacking in the genetic make up of albinos, and they do not live very long.

The "white" line is a derivative of the "blue" line, and the chicks will have black eyes, instead of "red" eyes. We have had at least one white female with black eyes, whom we named Calli II, who lived about 3 1/2 years,  but the white male with black eyes, whom we named Calli I, only lived about a year.

Several years ago, Jeanne discovered an advertisement for "Holistic Supplements" to add the our birds' drinking water. These "supplements" have dramatically increased the health and the life expectancy of all of our birds. We can not totally overcome genetic factors, but the number 1 and 2 causes of death are tumors and intestinal disorders. Good food helps to a degree, but we have found that these "Holistic Supplements" have also helped. I will discuss "Holistic Alternatives" more at length on another page.

4.) The "TOP 10" Birds to Raise: 

According to the "BIRD TALK" Magazine*, the editors asked readers "What bird makes the 'all-around' best pet bird?" Here is the "TOP 10 Countdown."

1.) The Cockatiel: Readers say** the Cockatiel is easy to train, good natured and fun. It is an awesome, wonderful companion, who loves unconditionally. The Cockatiel is easy to tame, happy to see you, whistles tunes, loves new toys, snuggles in your hair, and is a beautiful and a fun companion. (Page 28.)

2.) The Conure: Readers say** the Conure has lots of personality, entertaining and happy, loving, incredibly smart, the joy of our lives, the clowns of the bird world, quick learners, and will take over your heart. (Page 29.)

3.) The Budgerigar or Budgie: Readers say** the Budgie is easy to take care of, affectionate, can be trained to talk or do tricks, playful, not expensive, will readilly interact, and is very pretty. The Budgie is a very good pet, loads of fun, and if treated right will love you as much as you love it. The Budgie is adorable, and beautiful; males are wonderful talkers, and females can be cuddly. It is impossible to be sad with a Budgie around. (Editor's Note: Of the many varieties of birds around, The Budgie's getting into the "TOP Ten" Birds is quite impressive. And to make #3 out of the "TOP Ten" isn't "shabby!"  (Page 29.)

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* BIRD TALK, "25th Anniversary Collector's Issue," December 2007.
** I have paraphrased the readers' comments and have intentionally omitted the names and locations of the various readers due to limited space. I do, however, encourage you to purchase the above issue of BIRD TALK in order to read more about birds and to keep the magazine as a collector's item.
                                                                                                                     -The Editor.

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4.) The African Grey:

Readers say** the African Grey is smart, quiet, a snuggle-bug, energetic, and acrobatic. The African Grey is hilarious, happiness packaged in a grey-feathered cuddle muffin with a quick wit, sharp intelligence, a kind heart and a sensitive soul. The African Grey is animated, vocal, fearless, bossy, lovable, comical, and at times cuddly.   (Ibid.,Page 30.)

5.) Large Macaw:

Readers say** in the right hands, the Large Macaw is an excellent companion bird with a sense of independence, gorgeous, sparkling personality, and a great bond can be built. The Large Macaw is rather hysterical, meaning that they love to play, rough [house] around, love to sing opera, greets you every day in a happy joyful dance. You just can't be sad with a Macaw! Owning the Large Macaw is great because you can hug them,  cuddle them, talk to them, and they will talk back to you in their own voices. (Ibid., Page 30.)

6.) The Cockatoo:

Readers say** that the Cockatoo is a loving, affectionate and can speak. The Cockatoo is not afraid of other animals. The Cockatoo loves to  laugh, sing, and dance. It truly loves to be cuddled forever, and love and praise go a long way. The Cockatoo is the light in one reader's life.(Ibid., Page 31.)

(Editor's Note: Although some of the birds mentioned above are costly, while others are reasonably inexpensive, like the Cockatiel and the Budgie, they ALL have ONE TRAIT in common: they will return love and affection,
amuse, play, snuggle, etc., IF THEY ARE TREATED KINDLY AND LOVINGLY!
I will address this issue at great length in my article, "Are YOU the "Right" Owner for your bird?")
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** I have paraphrased the readers' comments and have intentionally omitted the names and locations of the various readers due to limited space. I do, however, encourage you to purchase the above issue of BIRD TALK in order to read more about birds and to keep the magazine as a collector's item.
                                                                                                                     -The Editor.

7.) The Amazon:

Readers say** that the Amazon is majestic and  unpredictable. Always show your respect for them, and they will do the same for you. The Amazon is truly wonderful and fits our lifestyle. They are happy to have lots to do and love lots of attention. They need lots of interaction and will learn new games and tricks quickly. One reader says** that the Amazon holds a place in her heart. (Ibid., Page 32.) 

(Editor's Note:) Are you beginning to see the common threads here? These people love their birds, no matter the gender or variety. Bird lovers willingly show lots of attention to and infinite praise and admiration for their birds. Jeannne and I know these attributes very well. True bird fanciers love and nurture their birds. Bird lovers are kind to and patient with their birds, and would never think to harm, harrass or injure their birds. There are horror stories about people who "beat" their birds and intentionally neglect them. People who are not prepared to take a bird into their home and spend "quality time" with their bird, should not consider having a bird!

8.) The Lovebird:

Readers say** that the Lovebird is active and fun and loves to check out new toys. The Lovebird is curious, very cute and funny. Another reader says** that the Lovebird is easy to take care of and is engaging, entertaining, loving & charismatic. On 12/10/2008, a friend of ours found a Peach-Cheeked Love Bird by the side of the road, as he was driving his daughter to high school. He rescued it from several cats which were about to eat it. Apparently, a cat chewed or clawed its wings so that the Lovebird could not fly. We had this Lovebird for almost 2 years, before it died of old age. I invite you to go to my website, www.stair-assoc.com to see pictures of our "Shy Girl." We now have two other baby Lovebirds. One is a Peach-Cheeked Lovebird named "Toudles," and the other is an Orange Faced Lovebird named "Ira."  

Another reader says** that the Lovebirds are wonderful birds, and that they make up in spirit what some may consider they lack in size. (Ibid., Page 32.)

9.) The Quaker Parrot:

Readers say** that the Quaker Parrot has an awesome personality and will truly become a family member. The Quaker Parrots love to cuddle, talk, fluff up, eat fruits and vegetables without a mess, and are easy to care for. Another reader** says that the Quaker Parrot is very attentive, don't require a huge cage, amazing to interact with, wonderful to bond with and love kisses. They are big sweethearts in a medium-birdie package. (Ibid., Page 32.)

(Editor's Note: Jeanne and I were asked to find a good home for a Quaker Parrot by one of Jeanne's nurse friends. We brought the bird home, and named her "Precious," because of her gentle nature. We found her a good home, before we became too attached to her, because we are more comfortable with smaller birds. Even though we raise Parakeets, English Budgerigars & American Budgies, we still fell in love with "Precious.")

10.) The Poicephalus:

Readers say**that the Poicephalus is a unique bird which entertains itself, loves to interact, and cuddle. The Poicephalus is adventuresome, intelligent and can imitate and talk well. It loves to eat, and is one of the most well-rounded pet birds there is. The Poicephalus is relatively laid back, is a small bird, a great mimic, not overly noisy, unique, and can be made into a super pet if proper amount of time is spent with it when it is young. The Poicephalus is friendly and outgoing. You can have a wonderful time with the Poicephalus without having to worry about noise. (Ibid., Page 32.)

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**I have paraphrased the readers' comments and have intentionally omitted the names and locations of the various readers due to limited space. I do, however, encourage you to purchase the above issue of "BIRD TALK" in order to read more about birds and to keep the magazine as a collector's item.

To return to the "Raising Birds-2" article,

TO RETURN TO THE "INDEX TO OUR BIRDS" iTEM #10, CLICK HERE!

Finding the Right Bird for You:

There are many things to consider before you buy a bird: for instance, the size of the bird. Do you live in an apartment? Do you have neighbors close by? What size cage do you need? How much time can you and are you willing to spend with your bird? And these questions are just the "tip" of the iceberg!

From the list of the "TOP 10 Birds," you should readily see the spectrum of sizes, from the relatively small Budgerigar or Budgie, and Lovebird to the Conure, the African Grey and the Large Macaw. There is the tiny Finch and Parakeet to the Quaker Parrot, a med-size bird, to the Cockatoo!

Another consideration is how "noisy" will the bird be? The Cockatoo can "raise the roof," when it wants to. Are you living in the country or in the city? What city ordinances exist with respect to birds? Although there may be at least one Veterinarian in your vicinity, does the Vet specialize in birds? In other words, is there an Avian Veterinarian in the vicinity? A still better question is: is the Vet a proponent of "Holistic Alternatives with respect to treating your bird?  Now that I have your attention, let us address another aspect of owning a bird...

Are YOU the "Right" Owner for Your Bird?

The is an entire 3 page article in the December, 2007 issue of BIRD TALK,*** which addresses the slow, but necessary change in attitude toward "bird behavior." from "barbaric" to "interactive!" How will you treat your bird, "barbaric" or interactive"?

Here is an example of "barbaric."           

• ·         They were put into tiny, horribly inadequate cages, and  
• ·         When they did not live up to our unreasonable expectations,
• ·         They were labeled as "unsocial" and "bad" birds, and
• ·         They were treated as such, and
• ·         They were even mistreated or "beaten!"
• ·         The only attempts at altering behavior were
• ·         barbaric and included screaming at ,
• ·         hitting or shutting noisy birds in closets,

Here is an example of "interactive."

• ·         Interactive relationships were at first merely an idea
• ·         born from observations made by those who were
• ·         willing to "think outside the box," and to
• ·         reassess the way birds were treated, and to
• ·         address the situation from the perspective of the bird!
• ·         Birds are intelligent and sentiment creatures which·        
• ·         The many glowing accolades printed above with respect to the
• ·         behavioral aspects of the "TOP 10 Birds, shows that
• ·         if treated well and quality time is spent with the bird,

Avian Veterinarians and books and magazines devoted to birds came into existence:

• ·         to prolong the life expectancy of the birds
• ·         to treat birds back to health, and·        
• ·         Bird Clubs were formed to share information about bird issues    
• ·         Bird owners now accept and look out for their avian companions,

Choosing the Right Cage and Accessories for Your Bird:

• A "proper" cage should be high enough for the bird to move around.
• A "proper" cage should be wide enough so that a bird can easily spread its
  wings, without injury.
• A "proper" cage should NOT be contain lead solder or zinc, both of which are poisonous to the bird.
• Name brand cages, such as "Hagen" are highly recommended.*
• A "Lixit" water bottle will allow the bird access to ample water, and can be easily cleaned to prevent infection.**
• Do not buy toys which can cause injury to your bird, due to sharp edges or splinters: Remember, a bird can chew almost anything!
• Stainless Steel seed cups can be purchased at most Pet Supply stores.**

* Get acquainted with a reliable and reputable pet store owner who can help you obtain the "proper" cage. You may also wish to consult an Aviary Vet.

** The same advice pertains to the "Lixit" water bottles and stainless steel seed cups.

 TO RETURN TO THE "INDEX TO OUR BIRDS," CLICK HERE!