Parakeet Your Happy Healthy Pet » (REV)

Birds have been an important part of Julie Rach Mancini’s life ever since her father built a window shelf to feed pigeons as mealtime entertainment for her when she was a toddler. Her parents got her first bird, a parakeet named Charlie, when she was six, and she kept a special African grey parrot named Sindbad for more than ten years. Professionally, her interest in birds began to combine with her love of writing when the editors of Pet Health News asked her to write about bird health in 1988. She assisted in the preparation of the first issue of Birds USA, a successful annual publication aimed at the first-time pet bird owner, and became managing editor, then editor, of Bird Talk in 1992. Julie has been a freelance writer since 1997, with pets as her primary focus.

The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs—now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly!

Whoever coined the term "birdbrained" wasn't familiar with parakeets. They're smart as well as funny and entertaining. This guide helps you with everything from preparing for and choosing a parakeet to teaching it to talk and perform tricks. It covers:
* Details on setting up a healthy home for your pet
* Everyday care, including feeding and grooming
* Veterinary care and common health problems
* Normal parakeet behaviors
* Parakeets and children


Parakeets can live up to eighteen years. That's a lot of companionship from a colorful little character who will undoubtedly find a perch in your heart.

Part I: The World of the Parakeet.

Chapter 1: What Is a Parakeet?

Parakeet Basics.

Why Choose a Bird?

Parakeets and Children.

Chapter 2: The Parakeet’s History.

Birdkeeping Through the Ages.

The Parakeet’s Background.

Why Is the Parakeet So Popular?

Chapter 3: Choosing Your Parakeet.

Where Will You Get Your Parakeet?

Choosing the Right Parakeet.

Signs of Good Health.

Bringing Your Parakeet Home.

Part II: Caring for Your Parakeet.

Chapter 4: Home Sweet Home.

Choosing a Cage.

Setting up the Cage.

Location, Location.

More to Buy.

Safety Around the House.

Chapter 5: Everyday Care.

Be Alert to Health Indicators.

Cleaning the Cage.

Seasonal Needs.

Traveling with Your Bird.

Chapter 6: Feeding Your Parakeet.

A Healthy Diet.

Don’t Feed These to Your Bird!

Sharing People Food.

The Pelleted Diet Option.

Introducing New Foods.

Grit.

Supplements.

What About Water?

Chapter 7: Grooming Your Parakeet.

Preening.

Bathing.

Nail Trimming.

Wing Trimming.

Molting.

Wing Trimming Step by Step.

If Your Bird Escapes.

Are Mite Protectors Necessary?

Chapter 8: Keeping Your Parakeet Healthy.

Avian Anatomy.

Parakeet Senses.

Visiting the Veterinarian.

Signs of Illness.

Medicating Your Parakeet.

Alternative Health Treatments.

Parakeet Health Concerns.

Parakeet FirstAid.

Your Parakeet’s First-Aid Kit.

Can You Catch Avian Flu from Your Bird?

Caring for Older Birds.

When Your Parakeet Dies.

Part III: Enjoying Your Parakeet.

Chapter 9: Parakeet Behavior.

Common Parakeet Behaviors.

Stress.

Chapter 10: Having Fun with Your Parakeet.

Taming Your Parakeet.

Toilet Training.

Naughty Parakeets.

Will My Parakeet Talk?

Tricks to Teach Your Parakeet.

Appendix: Learning More About Your Parakeet.

Books.

Magazines.

Online Resources.

Bird Clubs.

Pet Loss Resources.

Index.