How to care for my parakeet?

How difficult is it to care for a baby parakeet? HOW do i care for it?

• New baby, hanging cage. I have 2 cats and a dog, hoping the hanging cage will keep it out of reach. How often do I let it out of the cage? Do I have to? Any patricular ways of teaching it 'tricks'? Any suggested tricks? Thanks!

• Answer:

  You should let the bird out for at least an hour everyday if you want him to be/stay tame. The best trick to start with any bird is teaching him to "step up" onto your finger. You can do this by gently placing your finger under his belly by his feet and nudging him to step on. When you do this, say "Step up" and you bird will learn very quickly what you want him to do just by saying the command. Obviously, keep the cats and dog away or put them outside when you let the bird out. They're natural predators and will kill your bird instinctively if given the chance. The hanging cage should do the trick while the cats and dog are indoors. Parakeets love millet as well as fresh green veggies, cereals like cheerios for treats. Buy a pre-packaged balanced diet of seed at Petco or you local pet shop and place a cuttle bone in the cage. Make sure to remove and change any uneaten food daily and give fresh water morning and night. Parakeets love toys and looking at themselves in mirrors. Ideally, parakeets should be kept in pairs, so you may want to consider getting another since they are among the most social of birds. Parakeets also enjoy a bath (spraying with a misting bottle) daily. This keeps their feathers clean and their skin moist. Hope this helps a little!