Parakeets For Dummies. Nikki Moustaki

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Introduction

      Many people remember having a parakeet when they were a kid, and many kids (and plenty of adults!) today either have one, want one, or will receive one as a gift. As a companion, the parakeet has it all. It’s little enough for even the smallest apartment, is as affectionate as any lapdog, and can out talk even the largest of parrots. What more could you ask for?

About This Book

      Parakeets For Dummies is for people interested in parakeets — whether you want to know more about parakeets before you acquire one, you have recently brought a parakeet (or two) into your home, you’re a parent buying this book your child, or you’re a young person buying it for yourself. Maybe you want to discover the essential scoop on getting your new bird set up properly, as well as general care information. Perhaps you simply need a refresher on the best way to take care of your feathered companion or want to understand it better and start some advanced training. Perhaps you’re ready for a new bird but aren’t sure if a parakeet is right for you and your family. If any of the above describes you, then you’ve come to the right place.

      As you read, keep an eye out for text in italics, which indicates a new term and a nearby definition — no need to spend time hunting through a glossary. And monofont points out Web addresses for additional information worth checking out. You’ll also run into a few sidebars (the occasional gray box); although the information in the sidebars is good, it’s not essential to the discussion at hand, so skip ’em if you want to.

Foolish Assumptions

      In writing Parakeets For Dummies, I made some assumptions about my readers:

       You’re one of the millions of people who wants a parakeet or who has a family member who wants one (or more) and you’ve come to this book to learn about their care and training.

       You already have a parakeet, or two, or twenty, and you want to brush up on parakeet care and learn a few things that you don’t already know.

       Maybe you’re a volunteer at a parrot shelter or rescue and you want to be able to educate your adopters more thoroughly.

       Perhaps you want to begin breeding these popular little birds and want some information on how to make that process go smoothly.

      Whatever the case, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned parakeet guardian, there’s something in this book for you.

Icons Used in This Book

      While reading Parakeets For Dummies, be on the lookout for these icons, sprinkled here and there:

      

This icon flags tips and tricks that will help you be the best parakeet pal you can be.

      

This icon points out information that’s so important you’ll want to be sure to remember it.

      

This icon highlights information on things that could harm you or your parakeet.

This icon flags information that you can use to impress your friends with your amazing bird knowledge, but it isn’t absolutely necessary, so don’t feel the need to memorize it.

Beyond the Book

      You can find a little more parakeet-related on https://www.dummies.com/, where you can peruse this book's Cheat Sheet. To get this handy resource, go to the website and type Parakeets For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the Search box.

Where to Go from Here

      Parakeets For Dummies is a reference, so you don’t have to read it in order from start to finish. Begin with Chapter 4 if you need basic set-up information, flip to Chapter 7 if you’re trying to learn parakeet-ese, or head to Chapter 2 if you’re still undecided about adding a parakeet to your family. (Although if you prefer to start at the beginning and read until you reach the back cover, you’re welcome to do so.)

Part 1

      Introducing the Parakeet

IN THIS PART …

       Finding out if a parakeet is perfect for you

       Preparing to bring your parakeet home

       Feeding your parakeet properly

Chapter 1

      Parakeets: More Than Just Pretty, Whistling Birds

      IN THIS CHAPTER

      

Understanding what a parakeet is