Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Knowing your monk parakeet
• Part 2 of 3: Taking care of your monk parakeet
• Part 3 of 3: Living with your monk parakeet
• Tips
• Warnings

The monk parakeet - also called the mouse parakeet - is an intelligent, playful, often talkative and regularly mischievous bird species. Monk parakeets can make a great addition to your family, but they do require regular and active care to thrive. If you are considering the purchase of a monk parakeet, determine the level of commitment you have; your ability to care for the bird's welfare; and your tolerance for noise, rubbish and lost trinkets. In the right environment, a monk parakeet can be a beloved companion for many years (or even decades).

To step

Part 1 of 3: Knowing your monk parakeet

1. Learn about the species. Monk parakeets are not the largest or the most colorful of parrots, but they are some of the smartest and (depending on the individual bird) the most talkative. Before considering a purchase, familiarize yourself with the following general matters:
   • Monk parakeets are on average 27.5 to 32.5 cm long and usually grayish-white and green in color. They can live up to 30 years in captivity, so they are a long-lasting addition to your household.
   • Monk parakeets are native to temperate parts of South America, but seem to thrive in just about any climate.
   • Concerns about escaped parakeets' ability to survive and their ability to displace native ecosystems are in part why possession of the species is banned or restricted in more than 12 US states, including California. In the Netherlands, the possession of these animals is not limited.
2. Know the traits of monk parakeets. Terms like "smart", "fearless", "curious" and "mischievous" frequently crop up in descriptions of monk parakeets, and with good reason. Living with it is in many ways the same as living with a small child.
   • They are usually quick learners and gifted mimics, so monk parakeets are usually very talkative winged friends. However, never assume that any parrot, regardless of species, can talk. Despite being chatty, they are usually not overly noisy compared to other parrot species.
   • Monk parakeets build nests in the wild that resemble flats, with "multi-room apartments" adjacent to those of other, surrounding "tenants". For this reason, they are expert borrowers (or thieves, depending on how you look at it) by nature.
   • Monk parakeets will grab everything from glasses to pens to scraps of paper and put it away in their cages as part of their instinct to gather materials for their elaborate nests.
3. Think about where you get one from. Monk parakeets often cost between $ 50 and $ 200 to purchase, making them affordable for most interested buyers. Not only the price, but also the personality of the bird you get can be determined by where you got it. Famous places are:
   • A responsible breeder. This will cost more than alternatives, but will increase the chances of a loving hand-fed baby parrot.
   • A parakeet shelter. Monk parakeets may not be often found there, but if you're lucky you might be able to get one. You won't find a baby parakeet there, but the cost is lower and the parrot will be desired and end up in a loving home.
   • An animal shelter. You are unlikely to find your monk parakeet here, but have a look anyway. You probably won't learn much about your monk parakeet's past if you adopt one here, so this route is only recommended for experienced bird keepers.
   • A pet store. Do your homework before buying one here. Prices may be lower, but you can end up with an unhealthy bird that you pay too much for. Not to mention the many pet stores that pick up their parrots from unreliable sources that use animal-unfriendly methods to get and breed their birds.
   • From the newspaper, online, etc. There may be people who want to give their monk parakeets a new home, and this is a great place to get one, but remember to check that they are not getting rid of their parrot due to medical or behavioral problems.
4. Decide if you want a baby or an adult bird. It may be especially tempting for a beginner to think that an adult bird, already trained and socialized, is easier to care for, but it doesn't have to be. The best way to train the bird, learn good habits, and get along well with it is with a youngster.
   • Monk parakeets can bond strongly to a particular person, so an adult monk parakeet may have a hard time finding a new home and older to get used to.
   • In addition, if you are unsure about the bird's background, you can buy one with a history of behavioral problems, possibly from neglect or abuse. Rescuing a monk parakeet is a noble gesture, but it can be too much of a challenge if you are not experienced with it.
   • As noted in the previous step, obtaining a hand-reared baby monk parakeet is probably the safest route (and possibly the most expensive), especially if you don't have much experience caring for birds. There are no guarantees, of course, but a monk parakeet that has been responsibly cared for since birth will most likely become a well-adjusted, loving adult bird.
   • If you are choosing a baby monk parakeet, make sure you have its cage, toys, etc. ready before it arrives, just as you would with a baby crib and the like. Be ready to welcome him to his new home.

Part 2 of 3: Taking care of your monk parakeet

1. Buy the right cage. Monk parakeets are a smaller breed of parrots, but because of their active nature, they require a spacious cage. A cage measuring 50 x 50 x 50 cm is probably the minimum size for your bird, but also consider the safety and security features of the cage.
   • Monk parakeets are known for their escape skills, so make sure that the bars of the cage are not too far apart, and at the same time not so close that a curious monk parakeet gets its head caught between them. A space of 1.5 cm between the bars is a good starting point.
   • For the same reason, to counteract their curiosity and ability to break out, you should choose a door that swings open (not one that slides up and that a monk parakeet might open or fall into). Monk parakeets are known for being able to figure out how to open a door, so consider a lock too.
2. Provide the budgie with a varied diet. A bird pellet diet not only has too little diversity to provide the right nutrients, it can also cause boredom (and therefore lack of appetite) in birds such as monk parakeets.
   • Make the pallets part of the diet, but also mix in various fruits and vegetables, and occasionally seeds and nuts.
   • Do not feed avocados to birds as they can be toxic to them. Also, don't give them chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol.
3. Count on mess and cleaning often. Birds are messy animals - you can't ignore that. In addition to poops, monk parakeets will scatter food scraps, destroyed toys and anything else they can get their beaks around the cage and onto your floor.
   • Give the cage a quick daily cleaning, removing large debris and replacing the newspaper bedding (it might be a good idea to subscribe to a daily newspaper if you become a bird owner).
   • Clean the cage more thoroughly every week and scrub the bars and the like.
   • It may be a good idea to place the cage over an easy-to-clean floor surface, such as tile or hardwood, instead of carpet.
4. Find a good vet. For annual examinations (or more if needed), take your monk parakeet to a veterinarian, preferably one that specializes in birds.
   • The health of beaks, claws and feathers in particular are areas of concern for you and the vet, as problems there often indicate bigger problems.
   • Monk parakeets can be more prone to fatty liver disease, so don't let your bird put on too much weight. You may need to limit seeds and other high-fat foods. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns.
   • Another common deviation among monk parakeets is feather plucking. This can have physical and behavioral causes. A good bird vet can also help you with this problem.

Part 3 of 3: Living with your monk parakeet

1. Protect your bird. Because of their mischievous and sometimes reckless nature, you should take steps to protect your monk parakeet from itself, not just people and other pets.
   • The practice of trimming is controversial. Clipping makes it less likely to escape and reduces the risk of being injured by flying into objects. Read the wikiHow article on how to trim a parrot's wings, or see your vet for more information. However, the bird's ability to fly is limited.This means he gets less exercise and is more likely to feel frustrated. In addition, many birds still try to fly, then crash and damage their chest. These injuries can be quite serious and it is now widely believed that trimming is obsolete. Instead, adequate training (such as clicker training) is preferred to keep the bird under control when outside of its cage.
   • Some monk parakeets are fearless (or maybe dumb) enough to chase cats or dogs, which could result in serious injuries or worse, so use caution if you have other pets in the house. The only way to know how they will interact is to let it happen, but make sure you can keep your monk parakeets separate from other pets if you need to.
   • The same goes for other birds. Some monk parakeets do well with a "partner in crime," others don't. Exposure at a young age is probably best.
   • Confronting your monk parakeet with other people at a young age is also a good way to keep him from becoming a "one-way bird" who only gets on well with you. It is a two-way street, and you may need to instruct people (especially children) how to behave around your parrot.
2. Play with your bird. Monk parakeets need attention and usually enjoy playing, so make sure you have time each day to engage your bird's mind and body.
   • Teach your parrot early to "step up" (jump on your finger when you press it against its chest) - this is a stepping stone to other commands, tricks and games.
   • Give your monk parakeet toys and change them regularly to keep your parrot entertained. Monk parakeets regularly destroy toys, so alternating between homemade toys, games and challenges can be a good idea. For example, something as simple as crumpling a candy into a ball in a wad of paper can give your bird some mental challenge (at least the first time).
   • Speaking is not a guarantee in parrots, but monk parakeets usually enjoy talking and learn it easily. Repeating pronunciations during play time is an easy way to learn new words, or else you can create focused 10-15 minute lessons.
   • However, keep an eye out for what monk parakeets hear from you (or the TV and the like) as they are usually skilled and like to mimic.
   • Also read wikiHow's articles on How to Care for a Parrot and How to Play with a Large Parrot for more ideas.
3. Keep the parrot actively engaged. Monk parakeets like to participate, so don't isolate them in a cage, tucked away in a quiet place. As with a small child, regular, active attention will make your monk parakeet happier and healthier.
   • Place your bird cage in a busy living space, such as the living room. However, place it in a (non-isolated) corner of the room, so that your monk parakeet can feel actively involved, but also has a piece of its own territory.
   • Also give the bird plenty of daily time outside of its cage. Do this not only during playtime, but also during daily activities if possible. Make your monk parakeet a family member.
4. Don't resist the chaos. If you prefer to keep your home and life neat and tidy, calm, regulated, and predictable, then a monk parakeet (and any other parrot for that matter) probably isn't for you. If you can accept a massive mess every now and then, a lost watch and screeching in exchange for fun and a friendship, then a monk parakeet is just for you.

Tips

• Since monk parakeets can easily demolish toys, try making some yourself instead of buying new ones all the time.

Warnings

• Avoid cooking with non-stick pans, as the fumes they give off when heated are deadly to parrots.
• While monk parakeets are usually good talkers, you should never buy a parrot for its ability to speak. Your monk parakeet may talk, but it is not certain.
• When buying a young parrot, always make sure that the address where you get it is buying the birds from quality breeders. Ask where they got the birds, and if they have any documentary evidence that the birds were not captive bred. Buy it no birds from pet stores who are not willing to give you this information! The illegal parrot trade exists because most pet owners don't bother asking for proof of breeding.