The bird that is similar to a parrot but smaller is likely referring to a type of parakeet. Parakeets are small to medium sized parrots that make popular pet birds. There are many different species of parakeets, but some of the most common types kept as pets include budgerigars, cockatiels, lovebirds, and parrotlets. Like parrots, parakeets are intelligent, social, and can mimic speech and other sounds. However, parakeets are smaller in size, have slender bodies, and long tail feathers. Their small size and quieter nature compared to large parrots makes them suitable for apartments and smaller homes. Parakeets require large cages, toys, proper diet and social interaction but their care is easier overall than for larger parrot species.
Budgerigars
Budgerigars, also known as budgies or parakeets, are perhaps the most popular pet parakeet. Here are some key facts about budgies:
– Native to Australia
– Small, slender birds around 7-8 inches long
– Weigh less than 1 ounce
– Lifespan 5-10 years or more
– Come in a range of colors due to captive breeding including blue, yellow, white, green and combinations
– Require a minimum cage size of 18x18x18 inches for one bird
– Social flocking birds that should be kept in pairs or groups
– Easy to hand tame and can mimic words and sounds
– Main diet is fortified seed mixes, vegetables and some fruits
– Relatively quiet compared to large parrots
So in summary, budgerigars have many positive attributes as pets – they are small, attractive, have charming personalities, relatively easy to care for and their small size allows them to be kept comfortably in apartments and smaller homes. Their popularity as pets reflects their suitability for many owners.
Cockatiels
Cockatiels are another very common parakeet kept as pets. Here’s an overview:
– Originally from Australia
– Size ranges from 12-14 inches long
– Weigh 3-4 ounces
– Lifespan 10-20 years
– Males can be distinguished from females by bright yellow face and orange cheek patches
– Main color is gray with accent colors of white, yellow, orange on crest and cheeks
– Require minimum 18x18x18 inch cage like budgies
– Affectionate birds that bond strongly with owners
– Can be loud with screeches, whistles and mimicry
– Eat fortified seeds, veggies and fruit
– Need lots of toys and interaction
Cockatiels have outgoing, amusing personalities that make them endearing pets. Their somewhat larger size compared to budgies allows them to be better mimics. However, their vocalizations can be loud. Their longevity of 10-20 years requires a long-term commitment. Overall, cockatiels are slightly more demanding than budgies but still suitable for many owners.
Lovebirds
Some key facts about lovebirds as pets:
– Named for their affectionate, monogamous pair bonding
– Native to Africa
– Small parakeets around 5-7 inches long
– Weigh 2-4 ounces
– Lifespan 10-20 years
– Brightly colored plumage in greens, blues, oranges, yellows
– Require a minimum cage of 24x16x16 inches
– Social and active, kept in pairs or groups
– Can bond closely with owners when hand tamed
– Love to chew and need lots of toys
– Can be loud with chirping and screeching
– Prone to obesity so need measured food
– Eat seeds, pellets, vegetables and some fruit
Lovebirds demand time for social interaction and bonding. Their chewing can be destructive if not redirected to proper toys. However, their lively, interactive nature makes them fun pets for owners willing to spend time with them. Their small size allows them to be kept in typical pet bird cages and homes.
Parrotlets
Parrotlets have gained popularity in recent years – some quick facts:
– One of the smallest parrot species at 4-6 inches long
– Weigh 1-2 ounces
– Lifespan 15-20 years
– Originally from South America
– Plumage color varies widely between blue, green, yellow and mutations
– Require a cage minimum of 24x16x16 inches
– Usually kept solitary or in pairs due to territorial, aggressive tendencies
– Bond strongly with owners when hand tamed
– Can learn tricks and some words
– Quiet noises except occasional chirping
– Eat fortified seed mixes, pellets, veggies and fruits
| Type | Size | Weight | Life Span |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgerigar | 7-8 inches | < 1 ounce | 5-10 years |
| Cockatiel | 12-14 inches | 3-4 ounces | 10-20 years |
| Lovebird | 5-7 inches | 2-4 ounces | 10-20 years |
| Parrotlets | 4-6 inches | 1-2 ounces | 15-20 years |
Parrotlets are ideal for owners who want a tiny, spunky pet bird that bonds strongly with its human companion while remaining quiet enough for apartment living. Their longevity means a long commitment is required to keep them. Overall parrotlets make charming but somewhat willful miniature pet parrots.
Comparison
All four of these popular parakeet species share similarities but have some notable differences as summarized in the table above. Budgerigars and cockatiels are longer lived at 5-20 years while lovebirds and parrotlets live 10-20 years. Budgies and parrotlets are the smallest by size and weight. Lovebirds have the most demanding care requirements due to their high activity level and need for attention. Noise levels are highest for cockatiels and lovebirds. Budgies are the most peaceful in temperament while parrotlets can be nippy.
Overall, parakeets range from the easygoing budgie to the feisty parrotlet. Their common advantages are their small size, lack of extreme noise, and simpler care needs compared to large parrot species. With proper research into the best species match, parakeets can make delightful lifelong pet birds.
Ideal Home and Owners
Parakeets are well-suited for homes and owners with these characteristics:
– Apartments and condos – small size allows comfortable living in close quarters
– First time bird owners – easier care than large parrots
– Busy owners – don’t demand constant heavy interaction
– Seniors and retirees – lively companionship for stay at home owners
– Owners wanting affection without extreme noise
– Those wanting pet birds but with allergies to feathers and dander
– Individuals and families – fun pets for kids under supervision
Parakeets fit well with owners wanting an intelligent, communicative pet bird in a small, convenient package. Their cages are relatively modest in size and their care simple compared to parrots. With attention to their social and dietary needs, parakeets can thrive and delight owners for many years.
Cost considerations
Here are some estimated costs for purchasing and caring for a parakeet:
– Purchase price – $10-$75 depending on species and color mutations
– Cage – $80-$200 for suitable size cage with bar spacing narrow enough for small birds
– Toys – $5-$15 per toy, need variety to rotate through
– Perches, dishes – $10-$20 for each
– Fortified seed mix – $10-$15 for 2 lb bag, 1-2 bags per month
– Pellets – $10-$15 per 2 lb bag
– Treats – $5 per package of millet spray, nuts, fruits
– Vet check ups – $50-$100 annually
– Emergency vet care – $100-$500 for illness or injury
The main recurring costs for parakeet care are food, toys and some periodic veterinary care. With an initial investment of $200-$500 for a bird, cage and supplies, the ongoing costs are relatively modest at under $50 per month. Parakeets are economical pets both in purchase price and maintenance.
Finding a Parakeet
There are some options for finding a healthy parakeet:
– Breeders – can see babies and parents, know history
– Pet stores – convenient but mixed reputation
– Bird rescues – give a second chance to a bird in need
– Online/newspaper ads – rehome birds but screen carefully
Ideally finding a hand fed baby from a reputable breeder is recommended for taming and bonding. Pet store birds often lack history and socialization. Bird rescues can be rewarding but may have challenges. Meeting any potential parakeet in person before adopting is wise to evaluate health and personality. Doing research to find the best source will help start off with a good pet bird.
Conclusion
Parakeets offer much of the best that pet birds provide – companionship, fun antics, talking ability – while remaining manageable for owners. With many different types of parakeets to choose from, there is likely one well-suited for any prospective owner. Parakeets can become cherished lifelong friends with proper care and attention to their needs. Their little size houses a big personality that will brighten any home.
