Parakeets Bird Breed Pictures,Characteristics, & Facts

About 25 percent of bird parents keep some type of parakeet, making this colorful breed the most popular pet bird among parents, according to the APPA. There are dozens of different breeds of parakeet, but the most popular by far is the budgerigar, or budgie. And no wonder-they're silly, sweet birds with big personalities that vary from bird to bird, says Blanchette. Pet parents also like their small stature: "Their size fits into most any home. Their noise level is low, they do not damage furniture and their toys are not destroyed as fast," says Sue Dial of Michigan, who has a budgie named Gina.

Another plus about playtime: "Budgies make great company—they love to show off when they play," says Florida bird parent Sarah Stern.

If you want a more easy-going parakeet, get a lineolated parakeet (also known as a linnie or a barred parakeet or a Catherine parakeet). These are the solid-colored birds who can be a little friendlier than the budgie, Blanchette explains.

Whatever parakeet you get, you want their cage to be wide enough to let your pet move around and get exercise. It should also be high enough so that your pet bird can fly up to the highest perch if they feel spooked, Blanchette says. The Prevue Pet Products Wrought Iron Small & Medium Birds Flight Cage measures 52 inches tall to give small and medium birds plenty of space.

Get toys that are no bigger than your parakeet: ones with paper or hay to shred or bells to ring are good at keeping your bird entertained, Blanchette says. The Super Bird Creations Crinkle Crinkle Little Star Bird Toy has both.

Also known as:

Budgies and linnies are the most common types, but there are dozens of other parakeet breeds.

Average lifespan:

10 to 15 years-but, says Blanchette, "it definitely depends on nutrition, care, and exercise," which is true for all pet birds.

Social needs:

You can get one parakeet or a pair-but if you get only one, make sure you spend time hanging out and interacting with your bird, Blanchette says. You can train your parakeet to come out of the cage and perch on your finger, but take it one small step at a time. If your pet feels pushed beyond their limits, they'll nip, she says.

Talking ability:

Parakeets are among the best birds for pets, especially if you're looking for bird breeds who can talk. Budgies are very chatty and will pick up human voices, Blanchette says, learning words and phrases if you take your time training them.

Medical concerns:

Infections: Sometimes budgies can catch bacterial infections, viruses or parasites before they're brought home by their parents, which is one reason to take your pet to the vet ASAP, Dr. Rolfe says. These include a fungal infection called avian gastric yeast, which can attack the stomach lining and keep parakeets from digesting their food properly. Parakeets (and other birds) can also develop scaly face thanks to a parasite that they might have picked up from another bird, Dr. Rolfe says, which can cause deformities to their feet and beaks.

Fatty liver: Budgies (like many pet birds) store excess fat in their livers, so when the liver cells fill up with too much fat, they develop fatty liver disease. One symptom is an overgrown beak, says Dr. Rolfe. You can prevent it by watching your budgie's diet, avoiding too many empty calories (like seeds and grains), and making sure your parakeet has plenty of exercise, including being able to fly and move around in a roomy cage, she says.