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Related Articles & Questions
- Home & Habitat
Caring for Your Pet Bird During a Power Outage
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Bird Grooming Basics: Feathers, Nails & Wings
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- Vet Q & A
Long trip coming? What are my options for fish and bird care?
That is a difficult situation to be in, and I don't think that there is a right or wrong answer to your question. I think that you should look at the pros and cons of all of your options, and see what you are most comfortable with doing. It may be worthwhile to discuss things with both your friends and the pet store as well. As far as taking the animals with you - there are many animals that do well with car trips, but traveling must be done very carefully. The birds may become stressed in the car - make sure they are in a small carrier that does not allow them to fly or hurt themselves. Consider covering their carrier while you are driving, and then uncovering them when you stop to allow for them to have light and to be able to see to eat and drink. Make sure that every time you stop for a break that they are offered water - it can be difficult to have water available at all times on a car trip as it will spill. Food should be available at all times due to a budgie's high metabolism and constant need for food. The fish would be harder to take along, as they will need to be transported in water and will also need to have additional, clean, water to be transferred into. They would also require a bubbler for transportation, which would need to be compatible in your vehicle. Good luck with your decision, and I hope this gives you a place to start!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Grooming
How to safely remove candle wax from a budgie's feathers and feet?
Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unless the wax is interfering with flight or movement, then I would not be too concerned. But if you want to remove it, I would use a hairdryer on low & take your time softening up the wax. Gently work or scrape the wax from the feet & feathers, & all should be good. Thank you.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Vet Q & A
My bird can't stand or perch due to birth defect. What can I do?
Ouch! Those feet should be checked out by a vet and some blood tests run to make sure there isn't a nutritional deficiency or other illness causing the foot problem. If your bird checks out OK, then it may be a genetic deformity that will be there for life. Birds that have trouble perching or getting around may do better with large, flat perches, or flat shelf-like platforms so they can rest their feet and move around without falling off. Food and water dishes with similar shaped platforms can also help make it easier for your bird to access.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Training & Behavior
New to parakeets? Essential care tips for first-time owners.
Parakeets, also called Budgerigars, are small members of the parrot family and they can become good mimics. The average adult size is 7 inches long, head to end of tail. The average life span is between 10 to 20 years with proper care. A well-balanced Parakeet diet consists of: Specialized pellets should make up 60-70% of diet, fresh vegetables and fruits and small amounts of fortified seeds Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water, changed daily. Do not feed birds: avocado, fruit seeds, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol; it can cause serious medical conditions. Avoid sugar and high fat treats. Things to remember when feeding your Parakeet: Fresh food and water should always be available. Vegetables and fruits not eaten within a few hours should be discarded. Remember, treats should not exceed 10% of total food intake. Housing Parakeets acclimate well to average household temperatures, not to exceed 80°F; be cautious of extreme temperature changes. The habitat should area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A habitat approximately 18"W x 18"D x 18"H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1-2" apart, makes a good home for one Parakeet. A flight habitat is strongly recommended. It is best to provide the largest habitat possible. Perches should be at least 4" long and 3-8" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. Perches should be at least 4" long and 3-8" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with habitat paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning. To avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches. Parakeets can be kept alone to bond with pet parent or in pairs to bond with each other. Different birds she not be housed together. Normal Behavior Parakeets are talkers, but their little voices are sometimes hard to hear. Active and need daily time out of their habitats to interact with family. Keep in pairs if unable to devote daily interaction time. Provide foraging toys, which provide important mental stimulation. Housing Maintenance Clean and disinfect the habitat and perches regularly; replace substrate or habitat liner weekly or more often as needed. Replace perches, dishes, and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat regularly. Ensure that there are no habitat parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead-based paints or galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird. Do not use a lot of cleaning agents around your bird a natural cleaner. Grooming & Hygiene Provide filtered, chlorine-free, lukewarm water regularly for bathing; remove the water when done. As an alternative, mist the bird with water. Clipping flight feathers is not necessary, but when done correctly it can help prevent injury or escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird. Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird. Signs of a Healthy Animal: Active, alert, and sociable Eats and drinks throughout the day Dry nares and bright, dry eyes Beak, legs and feet normal in appearance Clean, dry vent Smooth, well-groomed feathers Common Health Issues Chlamydiosis: Appetite loss, fluffed feathers, nasal discharge, green stool. Seek immediate avian veterinary attention. Diarrhea: Fecal portion of stool is not formed. Multiple causes from diet change to internal parasites. Consult with an avian veterinarian and ensure proper diet. Feather plucking: Bird plucks own feathers; may be due to boredom, poor diet or other illness. Consult your veterinarian and relieve boredom with attention, new toys or new space. Mites (scaly face and leg disease): White deposits on eyes, beak, legs, and feet. Consult your veterinarian. Red Flags Beak swelling or accumulations Fluffed, plucked, or soiled feathers Sitting on floor
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Food & Nutrition
My bird is very ill, sleeping a lot, and not eating. What should I do?
I am very concerned based on what you were describing that your bird is very ill. I would recommend trying to hand feed her or syringe feed her a critical care supplement to try and get her appetite back where it needs to be. Unfortunately, without an examination by a veterinarian there are no over-the-counter remedies that I can recommend that I can be sure will be safe for your bird. Try to interact with her as much as possible and encourage her to eat. Also make sure she is in a warm dry room and see if that helps. If she still refusing to eat or drink after a few days it would be in her best interest to seek out a vet that can examine her. I’m sorry you are going through this with your bird. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
