Parakeets for Dummies

Tweet, tweet, parakeet! Your one-stop resource when you're ready to bring home a budgie

There are lots of perks to owning a parakeet (also known as a budgie). This book introduces you to your beautiful budgie buddy and prepares you to give that bird a home that other avian companions will envy. Perfect for first-time bird owners and seasoned bird parents, Parakeets For Dummies offers expert advice on adopting a parakeet and introducing it to other fur or feathered babies you might have. You'll also discover the best way to groom and train your parakeet and learn how to teach it to talk. And when your feathered friend appears to be under the weather, you can turn to this book to identify the symptoms of illness and know what to look for when choosing a vet for your pet.
* Discover whether a parakeet is a good fit for your family, including any existing birds and other pets
* Construct a comfortable enclosure and prep your home so your bird can play safely
* Protect your parakeet from common dangers and avoidable illnesses
* Feed your parakeet a healthy and varied diet to ensure a long and healthy life

This helpful handbook contains the latest tips and tools for parakeet care so your new family member will feel right at home right away.

Introduction 1
Part 1: Introducing the Parakeet 5
Chapter 1: Parakeets: More Than Just Pretty, Whistling Birds 7
Chapter 2: Is a Parakeet Your Perfect Companion? 13
Chapter 3: Finding and Selecting a Parakeet 27
Chapter 4: Home Tweet Home: Preparing for Your Parakeet 37
Part 2: Caring for Your Parakeet 59
Chapter 5: Polly Want a Cracker? Feeding Your Parakeet Properly 61
Chapter 6: Pretty Bird! Grooming Your Parakeet 75
Chapter 7: Come Here Often? Getting to Know Your Parakeet 85
Part 3: Training and Breeding Your Parakeet 97
Chapter 8: Good Bird! Taming and Training Your Parakeet 99
Chapter 9: Keeping Your Parakeet Healthy and Handling Emergencies 115
Chapter 10: Bouncing Baby Budgies: Breeding Your Parakeets 131
Part 4: The Part of Tens 145
Chapter 11: Ten Facts about Parakeets 147
Chapter 12: Ten Fun and Informative Parakeet and Budgie Websites 149
Index 151