Pet stores, private breeders, bird marts or bird shows can be an ideal place to purchase a Parakeet. Before selecting your new pet parakeet, it's important to take time and observe the actions of different birds in the store. Are some more active than others? Are others not as active or seemly sleepy? Any birds that fit this scenario could be signs of an illness and should be rejected. The normal routine activities of birds are eating, sleeping, defecating and playing. All these combined are indications of a health bird.

Eight signs of a healthy bird:
1. Good appetite.
2. Upright posture.
3. Active movement.
4. A clean cere (the area above the beak that covers the birds nostrils).
5. Bright eyes.
6. Clean legs and vent.
7. Smooth feathers.
8. A full chested appearance.

Should you get for 1 or 2 birds? One Parakeet usually makes a more loving pet, because the family becomes its substitute flock. However, two Parakeets are more entertaining as they play and chase each other around the cage. If you decide on getting a pair, it's best to raise them together rather than acquiring one, then later acquire another one. This may cause territorial behavior on the part of the original bird, bullying the new Parakeet, keeping it away from food and water. But, if you only have one bird and decide you want another one, they should be housed in separate cages and gradually move their cages closer together until they get used to being close to each other. Some birds may prefer to be left alone in a cage by themselves with other birds close by, while some will adjust to having other birds in the cage with them. Also, don't put Parakeets with other small birds such as Finches and Canaries because Parakeets may tend to bully the smaller birds keeping them away from food and water. On the other hand, larger birds such as Cockatiels and Lovebirds may show the same behavior toward Parakeets. To control mischief and keep peace between the birds, each one should have its own cage, food dish and water bowl. Some Parakeets will accept other Parakeets during supervised playtime on a play gym, while others will not.

When you bring your Parakeet home, if you have other birds in your home, you will want to quarantine your new Parakeet for at least 30 days to make sure it isn't carrying any diseases which could infect the other birds. This should be done by keeping your Parakeet as far away from your other birds as possible, preferably in another room. Feed your other birds first, then your new Parakeet, and remember to throughly wash your hands before and after handling your new bird. This is just a precautionary measure, but when it comes to your pets health you can't be too careful.

It's natural to want to start playing with your new Parakeet as soon as you get it home, but you need to resist the temptation. Be patient, because your new pet needs to get adjusted to its new environment. Spend this time quietly talking to your new pet, moving slowly around the bird for the first few days so as not to startle it.

You will soon be able to recognize your pets routine and character behavior. You may notice when uncovering its cage in the morning, it chirps a greeting and fluffs its feathers. If your Parakeet should learn to talk it may also greet you with a "hello" or "good morning".

When you purchase your Parakeet don't forget the necessary supplies and accessories you will need.

The following is a list of 10 items needed for your Parakeet.
1. A cage.
2. At least 2 food dishes and 2 water bowls for easier dish changing and cage cleaning.
3. Various perches of different diameters and materials.
4. A sturdy scrub brush to clean the cage and perches.
5. Good quality of fresh seed mixture such as pellets.
6. A millet spray...Parakeets love this treat!
7. Mineral supplements and powdered vitamins to sprinkle in with their food.
8. A variety of safe toys.
9. A towel or sheet to cover the cage with.
10. A play gym for letting the bird out of its cage to exercise.

Parakeets are easily maintained...relatively quiet...ideal pets for small living quarters...intelligent.