how much are parakeets at petsmart? 5 Things to Know Before You Buy
When buying a parakeet from PetSmart, it is important to consider the bird supplies you will need to ensure a happy and healthy pet. As a new pet owner and possibly a new customer, you should be aware of the variety of bird toys available to keep your parakeet entertained and stimulated.
Additionally, as with any new pet, you will need to invest in the appropriate size of cage for your parakeet’s comfort and safety, considering both a roomy cage for your bird to move around and a small cage for transport. Consider adding cage accessories such as perches, swings, and toys.
how much are parakeets at petsmart?
Parakeets at PetSmart generally cost around $40. However, parakeets are social birds and many owners choose to purchase a pair, especially if they know they won’t be able to spend as much time with their bird1. Live animals, including parakeets, can’t be purchased online from PetSmart but only in a physical store1.
A parakeet is not the only thing that needs to be purchased. It may be necessary to also buy that parakeet a companion, food, and accessories. One also needs to know how to take care of him/her because birds have specific needs and complications just like any pet.
There is more to purchasing a parakeet than just going in and getting it. If you don’t know how to take care of him/her it can be a challenge to keep it alive.
1. When You Buy, You’re Not Just Buying the Parakeet
When you are purchasing your bird, you will also need to purchase a home/cage for it, birdseed, accessories (things to put into the cage) and you may have to purchase a companion.
Here are some accessories that you may not have thought of, but should definitely be a part of your purchase.
- Cage – You want to get one that has plenty of space, especially if you are going to purchase a companion parakeet.
- Stand for the Cage – You don’t generally think of a stand, but it is helpful if you have somewhere out of the way you want to stick it. When we bought our first parakeet we just set the cage out of the way in the kitchen in a place we never used. Our parakeet loved it there and was squawking happily all the time.
- Toys/Perch – Purchasing this will help your parakeet get used to things and will also help them not to get bored. They need to be stimulated and entertained just like people. Plus, it’s kind of fun to watch your parakeet play around in their cage. It’s nice to see them happy and enjoying themselves.
- Birdseed – You’ll want to keep your parakeet healthy and well-fed, and good quality birdseed should do the trick. There are several different kinds. Keep in mind that he/she may not automatically like what you purchase. (It would be wise just to give them the same thing they were fed at Petsmart- this will make their adjustment a lot easier.) As you learn more about your bird, you can discover what is safe for them to eat and try out some new snacks.
- Cage Cover – This will make them think that it is night time and they will be quiet while you sleep. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver! Don’t leave Petsmart without it, especially if you’ve never owned a bird before. This cage cover will save your nights.
If you’re already aware of the extra costs of purchasing a parakeet and are also familiar with the necessary methods of caring for them, then you’ve got this! Just don’t forget that the number of birds you buy will also affect the number of accessories you’ll have to buy.
2. Parakeets Get Lonely
If you are often away and won’t be home a lot, your parakeet can get lonely. He/she does not have to have a companion, but it may be a wise thing to do if you are not often home.
This is because, of course, you want to make sure you have a happy and healthy pet.
Even though your parakeet may get lonely, it can build an even stronger with you and other humans if it does not have a companion. Being lonely will make it happy to see you when you get home and it will want to be with you more.
However, not every parakeet is the same, and some of them don’t need or want companions. If you aren’t able to care for multiple birds, things should work out over time. Eventually, they may also get used to it and will not be as lonely.
Note: There is a possibility too that it will not be lonely at all and will be just fine on its own without a companion.
Parakeets cost about $20-$25 at Petsmart. This price is relatively cheap and is worth the purchase. Because they are not super expensive, I would recommend getting a companion bird. If you have the means and time to care for multiple birds, then both pets will live happier lives. The price is also quite reasonable.
Fancy parakeets, such as blue or white parakeets, may cost more than more common green parakeets due to their unique coloration or breeding. However, in general, parakeets are considered one of the cheapest birds to own as a pet. The costs of parakeets themselves are relatively low, but keep in mind that there will be additional expenses for bird supplies, cage accessories, and veterinary care. Overall, if you’re looking for a pet bird that won’t break the bank, a parakeet may be the perfect option for you.
If your parakeet is lonely, he/she may be depressed. You can tell if your parakeet is depressed or under-the-weather by a number of signs:
- If they fluff up their feathers for long periods of time.
- If they are irritable
- If they lose their appetite
- If they are aggressive
- If they have a sudden change in behavior and/or quality of life you’ll be able to tell.
A companion bird may be the solution to this problem.
You may also want to ask your local Petsmart employee about the specific birds they have.
How to Save Money on a Parakeet and still get a happy and Healthy Pet
Buying pet birds isn’t like other purchases. Don’t expect same-day delivery, and don’t give your friend gift cards to buy a bird. You’re buying a companion bird, and healthy birds come from pet stores that care. Your local Petsmart store may not be the absolute best place to get a feathered friend or other pets, but they do have standards.
Local shelters sometimes have older birds so you can tell whether you’re getting males or females and pay less than retail value for a young bird. Parakeets with more years of age behind them are nearly always cheaper.
Some types of parakeets, like blue parakeets, cost more, so see if you can save money by getting a green one.
That said, if this is your first bird, you want a pet bird or several birds that are great pets from a good breeder. Talk to the store associate at your local store to see if this is a good place to get a new pet. Don’t go at the store closing time or when it’s very busy.
Spend time at the aviary and pay attention. Is the bird’s cage clean? Is the size of the cage big enough for the birds inside?
Are their abandoned eggs with no hen to tend to them? Is their fresh water and a clean litter with low dust like hay or wood chips? Do workers seem to have reasonable control over the animals.
Petsmart LLC has standards and tries to be ethical with charitable donations to Petsmart charities and good care for budgerigars and other animals in their care, but individual stores differ a lot.
Don’t fall for discounts or promotions. Make sure you choose a pet bird from your local PEtsmart that will be a wonderful first bird or new bird.
3. Buy the Care Guide
Petsmart has a care guide that tells you everything you need to know about taking care of your parakeet. It may seem simple to keep your bird alive because it’s small. However, there’s more to it than you might guess. When you’re wondering, why is my parakeet’s beak so long, or why does my parakeet suddenly have diarrhea, you want a guide.
Note: Parakeets can carry diseases. When handling them be sure to always wash your hands before and after you touch them so that you don’t get sick!
My sister’s parakeet died within 2-3 months. We’re not sure how it died, but I’m positive we weren’t taking care of it like we were supposed to. I have a lot of siblings and everyone thought everyone else was helping my sister take care of it.
My sister was really little so she needed some guidance. Young children might have good intentions, but they can’t always keep track of all the needs of a pet.
I can certainly guarantee that none of my siblings read the provided care guide, which meant that none of us really knew how to take care of it.
Taking good care of your parakeet and giving it the attention it needs is super important. I looked at the care guide that Petsmart gives you and it’s pretty clear and straight forward.
Your bird may have a sensitive stomach or an injury to the nail bed. Just look into the care guide to see what to do.
They make sure the instructions are pretty simple to understand and follow.
So, read it and live by it.
4. Parakeets can be Trained to Speak and Respond to Simple Commands
It is not a myth! Parakeets can be trained to speak simple words and follow simples commands. You can train them to jump off your hand and back onto it.
Parakeets are very smart and can be easily trained. All they need is a little encouragement, perseverance, and patience from their owner and they will be able to climb onto your hand in no time.
If you are looking for a bird that speaks, the parakeet is a good choice. It’s a very fun pet. The one my sister owned learned how to jump onto her hand very quickly. All we did was hold birdseed out with our hands and he would jump on.
The more time you spend with your bird, the more likely it is to obey and understand simple training commands.
5. Parakeets Have an Average Lifespan of About 7-10 years
A parakeets lifespan is not that long compared to humans. It will only live for about 7-10 years. Obviously, just with any other pet, if you take good care of it you might be able to squeeze out some more years than that, but that’s the average.
Sometimes accidents happen of course. Parakeets are curious birds and might get into dangerous situations if they aren’t properly supervised. Make sure that your bird never eats anything harmful and keep it away from dangerous areas.
So, before you get your parakeet, know what you are signing up for. By purchasing this lovely animal, you are agreeing to 7 years of protecting, caring, and parenting him/her. It’s a lot to sign up for if you are not used to commitment.
Fun Fact: The oldest recorded parakeet lived to be about 20 years old! That’s crazy. So, it’s possible for your bird to live longer than 10 years old.
So, unless there are crazy circumstances, your parakeet should be able to live a long full life of about 7-10 years. That’s a long time for such a small creature! They make great pets and will stick around for a long time if you care for them properly.
Alternatives to Parakeets
If you’re considering getting a pet bird but want to explore alternative options to parakeets, there are plenty of other types of birds to consider.
Finches are a popular option for those who want a smaller bird that doesn’t require as much space or attention as larger birds like parrots. The zebra finch and society finch are both popular breeds to consider.
Canaries are known for their beautiful singing voices and are a great option for those who enjoy the sound of birdsong. The diamond dove is a quiet, pretty bird that needs a relatively small enclosure.
Conures and parrots are also popular choices for those who want a larger bird with more personality and the ability to mimic speech.
Cockatiels are small like budgies but they tend to be more friendly.
Of course, hamsters and mice also need minimum investment, just some water bottles, food dishes, and a little cage, and can be a good option if a budgie is too much.
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How Much Do Pet Parakeets Cost? What About The Accessories?
- Parakeets at PetSmart generally cost around $40
- When buying a parakeet, you should also purchase a cage, food, accessories and potentially a companion for the bird.
- Parakeets can get lonely and need human interaction, so getting a companion for them is recommended if you are not home often.
- Parakeets can get depressed if they are lonely and may need a companion bird.
- Petsmart has a care guide that can provide valuable information for taking care of your parakeet.
- Parakeets can carry diseases, so it is important to wash your hands before and after handling them.