Petco Parakeets: 9 Things They Won’t Tell You In-Store

Buying a parakeet from Petco can be a great experience, but there are some important things that the store employees might not mention before you hand over your money. Whether this is your first bird or you are adding to your flock, knowing what to expect can save you frustration, money, and heartache down the road.

Parakeets (also called budgies or budgerigars) are wonderful little birds that can bring years of joy and companionship. But they are also more complex pets than many people realize. Here are the things you really need to know before bringing one home from the pet store.

The Birds May Not Be as Healthy as They Look

Birds are incredibly good at hiding illness. In the wild, a sick bird is a target for predators, so they have evolved to act normal even when they are not feeling well. A parakeet in the store display might look perfectly fine but could be coming down with a respiratory infection, mites, or other health issues that will not become obvious until after you get home.

This is why taking your new parakeet to an avian vet within the first week of bringing them home is so important. A basic wellness check can catch problems early when they are easier and cheaper to treat. Ask Petco about their return policy and health guarantee before purchasing, and keep your receipt. Most stores offer a 30 day guarantee on birds.

When picking out your parakeet, look for bright, clear eyes, smooth feathers, an active and alert demeanor, and clean feathers around the vent area. Avoid birds that are puffed up, sitting on the bottom of the cage, have discharge around the eyes or nostrils, or seem lethargic compared to the other birds in the display.

Starter Kits Are Usually Inadequate

Pet stores love to sell parakeet starter kits that include a small cage, a bag of seed, and a few basic accessories. While these kits seem convenient, they are almost always too small and too basic for a parakeet to thrive in. The cages included in starter kits are typically the bare minimum size and do not give your bird enough room to fly, climb, and exercise.

A single parakeet needs a cage that is at least 18 by 18 by 18 inches, but bigger is always better. For two parakeets, aim for at least 30 inches wide. The cage should be wider than it is tall because parakeets fly horizontally, not vertically. Bar spacing should be no more than half an inch to prevent escape or injury.

Beyond the cage, you will need multiple perches of different sizes and textures (natural wood branches are best), food and water dishes, a cuttlebone for calcium, toys for mental stimulation, and a cage cover for nighttime. The total cost of a proper setup is usually two to three times what a basic starter kit costs, but it makes a huge difference in your bird’s quality of life.

Seeds Alone Are Not a Complete Diet

Most pet stores will sell you a bag of seed mix and send you on your way. What they often do not emphasize is that an all seed diet is one of the leading causes of health problems and shortened lifespans in pet parakeets. Seeds are high in fat and low in essential vitamins and minerals. A parakeet on a seed only diet is basically eating junk food every day.

A healthy parakeet diet should be based on high quality pellets (like Harrison’s or Roudybush), supplemented with fresh vegetables, small amounts of fruit, and seeds as an occasional treat. Dark leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, and herbs like cilantro and basil are all excellent choices. Converting a seed addicted parakeet to pellets can take patience, but it is one of the best things you can do for their long term health.

Fresh water should be available at all times and changed at least once daily. Some parakeets prefer water bottles while others prefer open dishes. Avoid giving your parakeet avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onions, garlic, or fruit pits, as these are all toxic to birds.

Parakeets Need More Social Time Than You Think

Parakeets are flock animals that crave social interaction. In the wild, they live in groups of hundreds or even thousands. A single parakeet with an owner who works all day can become lonely, bored, and even depressed. Signs of a lonely parakeet include excessive screaming, feather plucking, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

If you cannot spend at least two to three hours a day interacting with your parakeet (not just being in the same room, but actually engaging with them), seriously consider getting two parakeets instead of one. A pair of parakeets will keep each other company and are generally happier and more active. Two birds are not significantly more work than one.

That said, two parakeets that bond closely with each other may be less interested in bonding with you. If having a tame, hand friendly bird is a priority, starting with one parakeet and spending lots of time taming and training it before potentially adding a second bird is often the best approach.

They Can Actually Learn to Talk

One thing that surprises many new owners is that parakeets can be excellent talkers. Male parakeets in particular can learn dozens or even hundreds of words and phrases with consistent training. They do not have the loud, clear voice of a larger parrot, but their little chattering voices repeating words back to you is absolutely delightful.

Not every parakeet will talk, and females are generally less likely to pick up words than males. But even parakeets that do not learn human words are highly vocal birds that chatter, sing, and make a wide variety of sounds throughout the day. If you need a quiet home, a parakeet may not be the best pet choice.

Vet Care Can Be Expensive and Hard to Find

Regular veterinarians typically do not see birds. You need an avian vet, and depending on where you live, the nearest one could be quite a drive away. Avian vet visits tend to be more expensive than dog or cat visits, with a basic checkup running $75 to $150 and treatment for illness costing significantly more.

Before buying a parakeet, locate an avian vet in your area and make sure you can access their services if needed. The Association of Avian Veterinarians has a directory on their website that can help you find a qualified bird vet. Having this information ready before an emergency arises could save your bird’s life.

Parakeets Live Longer Than Most People Expect

Many people buy parakeets thinking they are getting a short term pet. In reality, a well cared for parakeet can live 10 to 15 years, with some reaching 18 or even 20 years old. That is a significant commitment for a bird that costs $20 to $40 at the pet store. Make sure you are ready for that kind of long term responsibility before buying.

The reason many parakeets die young (within two to five years) is usually related to poor diet, inadequate housing, lack of social interaction, or exposure to household toxins like non stick cookware fumes, scented candles, air fresheners, and cleaning products. With proper care and a safe environment, there is no reason your parakeet should not live a long and happy life.

Your Home Needs Bird Proofing

Parakeets need supervised out of cage time every day, and your home needs to be safe for a small flying bird. Ceiling fans are one of the biggest dangers and should always be off when your bird is out. Windows and mirrors need to be covered or marked so your bird does not fly into them at full speed. Toilets should be closed, and other pets (especially cats) should be in a separate room.

Non stick cookware (Teflon and similar coatings) releases fumes when heated that are instantly fatal to birds. This is not an exaggeration. Even at normal cooking temperatures, these fumes can kill a parakeet within minutes. If you have a bird, switch to stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware. Also avoid self cleaning oven cycles, which release similar toxic fumes.

Knowing these things ahead of time puts you way ahead of most first time parakeet owners. With the right setup, diet, and commitment to socialization, a parakeet from Petco can be a wonderful, engaging pet that brings joy to your home for many years.