Parakeet food?

Blazer

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1. Does anyone have suggestions for Parakeet food on Amazon?
2. Would this be a good cage for 2 Parakeets?
Amazon.com: YAHEETECH 36-inch Open Top Hanging Medium Parakeet Bird Cages for Parakeets Finches Canaries Lovebirds Small Quaker Parrots Cockatiels Budgie Green Cheek Conure Travel Pet Flight Bird Cage Birdcage: Pet Supplies
 

noodles123

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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
I am not a fan of hanging cages. The problem with that one is that most of the space is vertical and you want more horizontal (depth and width)---height is fine, and you do want a little, but getting a taller cage doesn't provide much in the way of usable space for flight (which is side to side).



Have you researched Teflon/ptfe/pfoa/pfcs and how dangerous it is to use them in the same house with a parrot? You sound like a new bird owner, so that is why I am telling you this--When heated within the low 300+ range they have killed birds. They off-gas and can kill on separate floors (with doors shut) within a very short period of time. These chemicals are hidden in ALL SORTS of household items (blow dryers, straighteners, space heaters, irons, ironing board covers, pots/pans, air fryers, microwave popcorn bags and air poppers, toasters, toaster ovens, griddles, panini makers, george foreman grills etc etc).




Make sure you get natural perches (not dowel) even if the cage comes with them. DO NOT put any huts/tents/shadowy spaces in there at all-- no matter how cute they look at the pet store. They are terrible for safety and hormones.



Look up "flight cage" and make sure the bar spacing is appropriate for parakeets.


Also, seed should not be their only/main food, although they can have some. There are pellets and healthier seed mixes out there that can be fed together, but not too many seeds--- no sunflower seeds either. Popular pellets: Harrison's, Tops, Rowdy Bush, Zupreem (although Zupreem is okay, it's not as ideal as if your bird will eat the others). Chop--- lots of fresh fruit/veg daily (*more veg than fruit-- and do research, as some are poisonous*)
 
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noodles123

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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Also- avoid mirrors



Here is a video with a knowledgeable girl who is critiquing followers cages- she has some good advice. She's a little nicer than she should be about cage-size, but she's trying to be positive.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aDicZLr5gU"]Reacting to My Subscribers’ Bird Cages! | Pt. 3 - YouTube[/ame]
 

noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
13:43 ^^ (above) is an ideal setup, although you could go a bit smaller- it's just a really good setup because of the space, perches, toys etc.


Here's another "reaction" to cages video she did-- again, she tries to say positive stuff even about the awful cages, but seeing other setups can help:
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBWuV8Emwko"]Reacting to My Subscribers’ Bird Cages! | Part 4 - YouTube[/ame]
 
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Blazer

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I am not a fan of hanging cages. The problem with that one is that most of the space is vertical and you want more horizontal (depth and width)---height is fine, and you do want a little, but getting a taller cage doesn't provide much in the way of usable space for flight (which is side to side).



Have you researched Teflon/ptfe/pfoa/pfcs and how dangerous it is to use them in the same house with a parrot? You sound like a new bird owner, so that is why I am telling you this--When heated within the low 300+ range they have killed birds. They off-gas and can kill on separate floors (with doors shut) within a very short period of time. These chemicals are hidden in ALL SORTS of household items (blow dryers, straighteners, space heaters, irons, ironing board covers, pots/pans, air fryers, microwave popcorn bags and air poppers, toasters, toaster ovens, griddles, panini makers, george foreman grills etc etc).




Make sure you get natural perches (not dowel) even if the cage comes with them. DO NOT put any huts/tents/shadowy spaces in there at all-- no matter how cute they look at the pet store. They are terrible for safety and hormones.



Look up "flight cage" and make sure the bar spacing is appropriate for parakeets.


Also, seed should not be their only/main food, although they can have some. There are pellets and healthier seed mixes out there that can be fed together, but not too many seeds--- no sunflower seeds either. Popular pellets: Harrison's, Tops, Rowdy Bush, Zupreem (although Zupreem is okay, it's not as ideal as if your bird will eat the others). Chop--- lots of fresh fruit/veg daily (*more veg than fruit-- and do research, as some are poisonous*)
1. Would these pellets be good for Parakeets?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ARF3...olid=210UDWU8FZZ6K&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

2. Would this cage be big enough for 2 Parakeets?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074P4T56...olid=210UDWU8FZZ6K&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

3. Would these toys be all I need for the 2 Parakeets? Or do I need 2 sets?
https://www.amazon.com/Deloky-Chewi...eet+toys&qid=1609366399&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-4
 
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Laurasea

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Re: Parakeet questions

Those toys are fine for both . The pellets are a good brand. The cage length is good but I think talker than 18 inches would be better.

You are going to such a great parrot keeper!!

I feed mine free choice seed mix, free choice of all the different pellets my other parrots eat, and they do nibble on them, and fresh veggies, greens lije Swiss chard and romaine, occasionally cooked oatmeal ir lentils, or cooked quinoa, and boiled egg. Tgey eat and love everything!!!
 
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Blazer

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Re: Parakeet questions

Those toys are fine for both . The pellets are a good brand. The cage length is good but I think talker than 18 inches would be better.

You are going to such a great parrot keeper!!

I feed mine free choice seed mix, free choice of all the different pellets my other parrots eat, and they do nibble on them, and fresh veggies, greens lije Swiss chard and romaine, occasionally cooked oatmeal ir lentils, or cooked quinoa, and boiled egg. Tgey eat and love everything!!!

I found a cage that has a line spacing of 1.75inches, because the line spacing is so big, do you think the Budgie won't be able to get its head stuck?
 

noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Re: Parakeet questions

Those toys are fine for both . The pellets are a good brand. The cage length is good but I think talker than 18 inches would be better.

You are going to such a great parrot keeper!!

I feed mine free choice seed mix, free choice of all the different pellets my other parrots eat, and they do nibble on them, and fresh veggies, greens lije Swiss chard and romaine, occasionally cooked oatmeal ir lentils, or cooked quinoa, and boiled egg. Tgey eat and love everything!!!

I found a cage that has a line spacing of 1.75inches, because the line spacing is so big, do you think the Budgie won't be able to get its head stuck?


Yeah- that's too large in my opinion. You want to shoot for around 1/2 inch or so..5/8s at the most-- 1.75" is pretty dang wide. What's your price range? I'll help you look if you want.
 
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noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Re: Parakeet questions

Those toys are fine for both . The pellets are a good brand. The cage length is good but I think talker than 18 inches would be better.

You are going to such a great parrot keeper!!

I feed mine free choice seed mix, free choice of all the different pellets my other parrots eat, and they do nibble on them, and fresh veggies, greens lije Swiss chard and romaine, occasionally cooked oatmeal ir lentils, or cooked quinoa, and boiled egg. Tgey eat and love everything!!!


Laura, where did you see 18" high? The cage I looked at based on OP's original description was tall but narrow...it looked well over 18" tall --I thought it looked too narrow, but I'm almost certain it was like 36" tall? Did I look at the wrong thing?
 

bug_n_flock

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B&G Macaw, Galah, 5 cockatiels, 50 billion and a half budgies. We breed and do rescue. Too many to list each individual's name and age etc, but they are each individuals and loved dearly.
1.5" a budgie may even be able to escape thru! Lmao I've had houdini budgies over the years, and one who would let herself into and out of rooms.... BY SNEAKING UNDER THE DOOR!! I just love how clever they are. :)
 
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Blazer

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Re: Parakeet questions

Those toys are fine for both . The pellets are a good brand. The cage length is good but I think talker than 18 inches would be better.

You are going to such a great parrot keeper!!

I feed mine free choice seed mix, free choice of all the different pellets my other parrots eat, and they do nibble on them, and fresh veggies, greens lije Swiss chard and romaine, occasionally cooked oatmeal ir lentils, or cooked quinoa, and boiled egg. Tgey eat and love everything!!!


Laura, where did you see 18" high? The cage I looked at based on OP's original description was tall but narrow...it looked well over 18" tall --I thought it looked too narrow, but I'm almost certain it was like 36" tall? Did I look at the wrong thing?

It was 36inch tall, the only reason I couldn't use it is that its length is 18in and width is 18in.
 
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Blazer

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Re: Parakeet questions

Those toys are fine for both . The pellets are a good brand. The cage length is good but I think talker than 18 inches would be better.

You are going to such a great parrot keeper!!

I feed mine free choice seed mix, free choice of all the different pellets my other parrots eat, and they do nibble on them, and fresh veggies, greens lije Swiss chard and romaine, occasionally cooked oatmeal ir lentils, or cooked quinoa, and boiled egg. Tgey eat and love everything!!!

I found a cage that has a line spacing of 1.75inches, because the line spacing is so big, do you think the Budgie won't be able to get its head stuck?


Yeah- that's too large in my opinion. You want to shoot for around 1/2 inch or so..5/8s at the most-- 1.75" is pretty dang wide. What's your price range? I'll help you look if you want.

I want to find a cage for 2 Parakeets between $40-$70:).
 

noodles123

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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Can you do $100-$120? You will have them for many years. I ask because, just off the top of my head, 40 is way too low. You need a cage big enough for them both to fly. I will still look, but I feel like the 100 range is more realistic.


Will you be sexing your birds before getting them? I ask because parakeets can be weird in certain mixes and just because you get 2 birds, does not mean they will get along, so something to keep in mind. Definitely make sure that you do not give them any snuggle huts, tents, hollows, or shadowy cubbies/boxes etc. You do not want them in hormonal mode...


A lot of the cheaper cages (aside from being too small) have really bad feeding designs and cleaning features. You want to get one with opening food slots if at all possible, otherwise, you are having to reach in each time-- which is not always appreciated. A pull-out poop-tray with a pull out grate over the top of it is also something that will make life MUCH easier.


So...this, for instance, is out of your price range, and I know it seems excessive, but parakeets are very active.. They need space to fly, but also for toys. Something like this, would give them a lot of room and space for the variety of toys they need. Remember, they are just as smart as larger parrots (just in smaller packages). It's also a fairly trusted brand by most people-- great reviews at $120-- so for 50 dollars more. Birds aren't cheap though-- please make sure you have stuff saved. We had a parakeet when I was young and I wish I knew then what I know now because I think she lived a fairly under-stimulated life...sad. I had no idea that they are as intelligent as they are -- on par with larger species..



https://www.amazon.com/Great-Companions-Large-Bird-Cage/dp/B00176F5L0?th=1


I'll keep looking, but that one (above) is what I would recommend if you are able to save a little.


There is a less ideal one for 89 ish by Zaney something (or Zeney?) but at least one poster is saying it gave their bird lead poisoning, which can and DOES happen with lesser known brands-- especially those produced in certain places.


Just a heads-up-- if you get a cage with those smooth built-in dowel perches, you should change them out. You want manzanita, dragon wood and natural textures/widths (they need variety of perches). ParrotWizard makes custom perches with variation to fit cross-cage measurement if you are interested-- I buy them a lot, but you can buy non-custom for less. Dowels can lead to a disease called bumble foot. Similarly, do not ever get those perches wrapped in sand-paper-- parakeets can ingest the sand and become ill, but it can also be hard on their feet. If you are looking for a nail/beak perch, do natural pumice and make sure that it isn't too wide for your parrots.
 
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Blazer

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Can you do $100-$120? You will have them for many years. I ask because, just off the top of my head, 40 is way too low. You need a cage big enough for them both to fly. I will still look, but I feel like the 100 range is more realistic.


Will you be sexing your birds before getting them? I ask because parakeets can be weird in certain mixes and just because you get 2 birds, does not mean they will get along, so something to keep in mind. Definitely make sure that you do not give them any snuggle huts, tents, hollows, or shadowy cubbies/boxes etc. You do not want them in hormonal mode...


A lot of the cheaper cages (aside from being too small) have really bad feeding designs and cleaning features. You want to get one with opening food slots if at all possible, otherwise, you are having to reach in each time-- which is not always appreciated. A pull-out poop-tray with a pull out grate over the top of it is also something that will make life MUCH easier.


So...this, for instance, is out of your price range, and I know it seems excessive, but parakeets are very active.. They need space to fly, but also for toys. Something like this, would give them a lot of room and space for the variety of toys they need. Remember, they are just as smart as larger parrots (just in smaller packages). It's also a fairly trusted brand by most people-- great reviews at $120-- so for 50 dollars more. Birds aren't cheap though-- please make sure you have stuff saved. We had a parakeet when I was young and I wish I knew then what I know now because I think she lived a fairly under-stimulated life...sad. I had no idea that they are as intelligent as they are -- on par with larger species..



https://www.amazon.com/Great-Companions-Large-Bird-Cage/dp/B00176F5L0?th=1


I'll keep looking, but that one (above) is what I would recommend if you are able to save a little.


There is a less ideal one for 89 ish by Zaney something (or Zeney?) but at least one poster is saying it gave their bird lead poisoning, which can and DOES happen with lesser known brands-- especially those produced in certain places.


Just a heads-up-- if you get a cage with those smooth built-in dowel perches, you should change them out. You want manzanita, dragon wood and natural textures/widths (they need variety of perches). ParrotWizard makes custom perches with variation to fit cross-cage measurement if you are interested-- I buy them a lot, but you can buy non-custom for less. Dowels can lead to a disease called bumble foot. Similarly, do not ever get those perches wrapped in sand-paper-- parakeets can ingest the sand and become ill, but it can also be hard on their feet. If you are looking for a nail/beak perch, do natural pumice and make sure that it isn't too wide for your parrots.

1. Would this cage be good for 2 Budgies? Also when I add extra bird perches, should I keep the stock perches or not?
Link- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JW8YC...olid=210UDWU8FZZ6K&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

2. If I buy 2 sets of these bowls, will these be good for holding food and water? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMM38F...olid=210UDWU8FZZ6K&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

3. Would these perches be all I need for 2 parakeets?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0882Z9GS...olid=210UDWU8FZZ6K&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DX5JTQ...olid=210UDWU8FZZ6K&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
 

noodles123

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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
That looks much better!! You should basically get rid of dowel perches, although it takes a few months for them to do real harm, so you COULD keep them temporarily, if you couldn't get new, but the thing is, they tend to get attached to familiarity, so the longer you have them, the harder the change.
 

noodles123

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You can have one or 2 of those pumice ones, but they are still too uniform. You need perches that are not the same across...look up dragon wood and manzanita. You need far more than 2. You need a greater variety-- which is why I said to go for a larger cage. Think about how they are in the wild.
 
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Blazer

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That looks much better!! You should basically get rid of dowel perches, although it takes a few months for them to do real harm, so you COULD keep them temporarily, if you couldn't get new, but the thing is, they tend to get attached to familiarity, so the longer you have them, the harder the change.

Will I be able to keep one or 2 or will I have to get rid of all 3?
 
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Blazer

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You can have one or 2 of those pumice ones, but they are still too uniform. You need perches that are not the same across...look up dragon wood and manzanita. You need far more than 2. You need a greater variety-- which is why I said to go for a larger cage. Think about how they are in the wild.

1. Will these perches replace the pumice ones? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081CBSSQ...colid=210UDWU8FZZ6K&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

2. How many perches do 2 Budgies need?

3. Is it possible to go out in the woods, and find some small tree branches to use as perches?
 
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Blazer

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You can have one or 2 of those pumice ones, but they are still too uniform. You need perches that are not the same across...look up dragon wood and manzanita. You need far more than 2. You need a greater variety-- which is why I said to go for a larger cage. Think about how they are in the wild.

Do you have any suggestions?
 

noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
8,145
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
That looks much better!! You should basically get rid of dowel perches, although it takes a few months for them to do real harm, so you COULD keep them temporarily, if you couldn't get new, but the thing is, they tend to get attached to familiarity, so the longer you have them, the harder the change.

Will I be able to keep one or 2 or will I have to get rid of all 3?


You should not have dowel perches. Look up manzanita, dragon wood or go to ParrotWizard.com and look at nu-perches and custom perches. Sweet feet pumice perches are decent as far as varying the diameter etc. I'd have at least 4 perches for 2 budgies--- maybe 5. You need a decent size cage though because, while they are small, they are VERY active and you also need space for them to fly.


Natural wood can be poisonous and you really need to know exactly what you are doing if you start grabbing sticks from outside. 1. The wood can be toxic. 2. run-off/pesticides are a hazard long-term when absorbed by a tree, 3. there are fungi and parasites that captives birds cannot tolerate (yes, wild ones can, but then you can't compare them, as wild birds often die young due to disease etc and have better immunity due to exposure---plus, native plants/trees are not the same for most captive parrots. If you want to make your own, you must know the history of the tree, the species of the tree(to verify it is safe) and you often have to strip the bark due to lichen, fungi, parasites, insect larvae etc. Then, you should wash and bake the branches to make sure you kill everything-- spraying them with chemicals will absorb into the wood and make chewing unsafe. Also, if a stick is on the ground, the decay process has already begun, which means that all sorts of critters are already living on that stick- so you want fresh, safe wood that you know hasn't been exposed to chemicals, and even then, you should bake it.


here are some perch examples: https://www.amazon.com/Large-Manzanita-Bird-Perch-11/dp/B0086YCPHI
https://www.amazon.com/Cage-Co-Mult...V5RHEY7KDWJ&psc=1&refRID=BRGB356WEV5RHEY7KDWJ
https://www.amazon.com/Mango-Pet-Products-Dragonwood-Hardware/dp/B015ND6FE8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FZTEFM7H2YVF&dchild=1&keywords=dragonwood+perch&qid=1609533545&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=dragonwood+%2Cpets%2C188&sr=1-1
https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Feet-B...h+budgie&qid=1609533628&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-2


You don't want just pumice perches, as they are too hard on their feet long-term (but 1 or 2 can be helpful as far as nail/beak care...)
 
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