Chapter 1: What Is a Parakeet?
Parakeet Basics.
Why Choose a Bird?
Parakeets and Children.
Chapter 2: The Parakeet’s History.
Birdkeeping Through the Ages.
The Parakeet’s Background.
Why Is the Parakeet So Popular?
Chapter 3: Choosing Your Parakeet.
Where Will You Get Your Parakeet?
Choosing the Right Parakeet.
Signs of Good Health.
Bringing Your Parakeet Home.
Part II: Caring for Your Parakeet.
Chapter 4: Home Sweet Home.
Choosing a Cage.
Setting up the Cage.
Location, Location.
More to Buy.
Safety Around the House.
Chapter 5: Everyday Care.
Be Alert to Health Indicators.
Cleaning the Cage.
Seasonal Needs.
Traveling with Your Bird.
Chapter 6: Feeding Your Parakeet.
A Healthy Diet.
Don’t Feed These to Your Bird!
Sharing People Food.
The Pelleted Diet Option.
Introducing New Foods.
Grit.
Supplements.
What About Water?
Chapter 7: Grooming Your Parakeet.
Preening.
Bathing.
Nail Trimming.
Wing Trimming.
Molting.
Wing Trimming Step by Step.
If Your Bird Escapes.
Are Mite Protectors Necessary?
Chapter 8: Keeping Your Parakeet Healthy.
Avian Anatomy.
Parakeet Senses.
Visiting the Veterinarian.
Signs of Illness.
Medicating Your Parakeet.
Alternative Health Treatments.
Parakeet Health Concerns.
Parakeet First Aid.
Your Parakeet’s First-Aid Kit.
Can You Catch Avian Flu from Your Bird?
Caring for Older Birds.
When Your Parakeet Dies.
Part III: Enjoying Your Parakeet.
Chapter 9: Parakeet Behavior.
Common Parakeet Behaviors.
Stress.
Chapter 10: Having Fun with Your Parakeet.
Taming Your Parakeet.
Toilet Training.
Naughty Parakeets.
Will My Parakeet Talk?
Tricks to Teach Your Parakeet.
Appendix: Learning More About Your Parakeet.
Books.
Magazines.
Online Resources.
Bird Clubs.
Pet Loss Resources.
Index.