Parakeets
There are dozens of species of parakeets, belonging to different genera. Each parakeet is unique, but all share common or quite similar characteristics. Let's see what brings them together and what makes them special. Do you breed parakeets or do you plan to? Here's everything you need to know about them to take care of them.
Parrots are an order of tropical birds of which parakeets are a part. The latter are very pleasant companions, and their observations are most pleasant.
Do you know the difference between a parakeet and a parrot? There are various differences, but the length of the tail is one of the most obvious criteria, it is more important in parakeets with the exception of the Macaw.
There are about sixty species of parakeets. The most common in breeding are the collared, catherine or wavy parrot.
Most parakeet species were discovered and described between the 1760s and the middle of the following century.
For example, descriptions of ring-necked parrots date back to 1769. We owe it to the Italian-Austrian naturalist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli. Parakeets are the work of British ornithologist George Kearsley Shaw in 1840.
Feeding a parakeet
Seeds, sprouts, cereals, sprouted seeds, fruits and vegetables make up the bulk of a parrot's diet.
As for seeds, the most popular are saffron, oats, buckwheat, millet and even flax. Some parakeets may also feed on almonds, nuts, or flowers.
In most cases, they require additional minerals, such as those provided by cuttlebones.
Remember to update drinker content regularly. Parakeets should always have clean, fresh water available to them.
The life expectancy of a parakeet
Depending on the species, the lifespan of a parakeet can be up to double.
Parakeets have the shortest lifespan. It can live an average of 12 years. Catherine's parakeet is not far away: 15 years old. In collared parrots, it can live up to 30 years.
Whatever the breed, parakeets are expected to accompany you for a long time. Therefore, obtaining this bird should be a considered decision.
On the other hand, the higher the quality of care, food and environment given to a parakeet, the longer it will live.
Diseases in parakeets
Most parakeet species are hardy and don't have many health problems as long as they are properly cared for.
You just need to keep them away from drafts and pathogens such as bacteria, parasites and fungi. This requires impeccable hygiene, so the cage (or nest box) and all its accessories must be regularly cleaned.
It should also be noted that an unsuitable diet can cause angel wing syndrome in the budgerigar. Also, you can observe the chlamydiosis disease in the Rose-ringed Parakeet.