The Complete Book of Parakeet Care

We bought five parakeet care books after looking at a bunch of them. Of the five, this is the best. The information is extensive, accurate, and up to date. The glossy photos are great. Most of the stuff we have learned in our intense initiation is contained in this book. This remains our go-to resource for parakeet questions.

Matthew Vriends, consulting editor for THE COMPLETE BOOK OF PARAKEET CARE and a Veterinary and Bird Breeder from the Netherlands has written many books on Companion Parrots, as have authors Annette Wolter and Monika Wegler. Their book about parakeets really covers the "betcherrygah" or budgie, a type of Australian parakeet, and includes much more material than any of the other parakeet books I've read to date, and I believe it deserves the sobriquet `comprehensive'. The book includes a good deal of the information found in other books by Vriends and Wolters on basic bird care and breeding, as well as much specific information about parakeets or budgies divulged by Wolter and Wegler who appear to keep companion parakeets or budgies indoors (Vriends raises birds in an outdoor aviary). The book includes dozens of beautiful photos and sections covering parakeets and human children, setting up parakeet accommodations for a pair (they hate to live alone) health care and diet, breeding and baby bird care. The photos show the various colors of budgies generated by breeders like Vriends as well as action shots of budgies in all phases of living in your home - from flying around a `bird-proof' room to courting rituals with a mate. The authors have created a `check list' the potential parakeet owner can use to determine if he or she can live with the requirements of keeping a companion budgie. Among other things, they stress that parakeets are probably better off spending more time outside the cage than in it, so if you are thinking about living with a parakeet you should consider whether or not you can put up with with the occasional bird dropping from a soaring feathered friend. Photos and text describe how to build a bird tree from which your birds can use to launch their explorations as well as return to enjoy a tasty snack of various vegetables and/or fruits. If you can buy only one parakeet (budgie) book get this book before you buy your parakeet. The book is suitable for children ages 6-8 or older as it includes text in 10p. font and plenty of photos describing budgie behavior.

This is probably the best guide to parakeet care I've seen so far.When you first open this book, you'll be captivated by the amazing photos. Some of them are truly masterpieces, and show details of the budgie life you've never seen. It includes a budgie mating session, incredible photos of wild Australian budgies, color varieties that may help you identify your bird and much more.This book is divided in eleven chapters:1. At Home in Australia. In this first chapter we are introduced in the budgie homeland. Here we learn their habits in the wild and so we can have a better understanding of their behavior. It includes breeding habits, diet in the wild, their history as pets birds and explains in detail why a lonely budgie can easily turn to an unhappy bird.2. Parakeets as pets for children. A very important chapter that helps a parent to guide a child to be a responsible pet owner/guardian.3. A bird joins you household. The important chapter for new budgie owners/guardians. It starts with the basics: where to place the cage, what to feed, a recommended shopping list, where to get a budgie, how a healthy budgie looks like and much useful info. In the end of the chapter you'll find two useful guides on the right cage and how to built play gyms and outside perches.4. Gentle acclimation. The first days in your home and how to help your new friend get used to a new home. It includes useful tips on how to bird-proof the room and how to introduce a new bird to an already existing pet-bird in your home. In the end of the chapter a series of questions concerning free flying are listed.5. Life with your parakeet. Tips and info on a happier life for your bird and your family. It includes useful tips on taming and talking. 6. The proper diet. No human can live on bread and water alone. Neither can budgies. This chapter will teach you ways to improve your bird's health and life just by feeding it right. 7. If your bird gets sick. The nightmare of every bird owner/guardian. Unfortunately, our feathered friends can hide their illnesses pretty well until it's too late. This chapter will help you identify the first signs of disease, first aid tips, how to set up a hospital cage for a sick bird and how to administer medication prescribed by your avian vet. 8. Parakeet offspring. Do you want to breed your budgies? This is an excellent chapter for new breeders. Here you can learn the budgie mating signs, how to determine fertile eggs, proper nest conditions and many, much more useful info accompanied by incredible photos. 9. Breeding Parakeets. Ok, now that you've got eggs, what do you do? This chapter is here to help you out, especially if you need to take up breeding budgies a bit further.10. Genetics. Color varieties, how budgie colors originate, and useful info for breeders who want to achieve beautifully colored birds.11. Watching and understanding Parakeets. Body language, budgie talk, social behavior and much more info, that helps you realize that a budgie is m

Having been given a couple of parakeets and knowing absolutely nothing about them, this book has been invaluable. It covers everything from what to feed them, space needed, breeding, what to do for sickness, nesting materials, habits, etc. Has good photos throughout and a couple pages of shots with different kinds of parakeet breeds in the rear. Excellent resource, especially for the beginner.

This book covers everything about budgies.It has wonderfull pictures throught the book that are really helpfull.It talks about budgies in the wild and their behaviors.it talks all about how to take care of your new pet. This is a great book for beginners and experts alike.