If you’re not exactly a dog or cat person, you might be interested in owning a blue parakeet. Even if you’re not planning to be a bird expert, this article can teach you a thing or two about this bird.
Most parakeets we see in the wild are green. However, more bird lovers today are drawn to blue parakeets or blue budgies. These birds can instantly charm anyone with their distinct color and appearance.
In this article, you’ll find out that there’s more to blue parakeets than their enchanting looks. Get ready to be amazed!
What Is a Blue Parakeet?
A blue parakeet is a color variation of the famous Parakeet species, more commonly known as Budgerigar or Budgie. Their blue appearance results from a mutation that can cause their feathers to become sky blue, cobalt, or mauve.
Blue parakeets are less common than green parakeets but they carry the same temperament.
If you are a bird owner newbie, a blue parakeet is your safest choice. Like other parakeet colors, they are highly trainable and the smartest when it comes to mimicking and learning new vocabulary.
Blue Parakeet Appearance: What Does a Blue Parakeet Look Like?
Blue parakeets are a white-based variation of budgies with a blue mutation. This means that their bodies are covered in feathers that can come in a range of blue shades, including sky blue, cobalt, and mauve.
Their white plumage is accentuated with thin black stripes that run from their lower back and extend around their eyes.
The bird’s crown is covered in delicate white feathers. They also have small, blue-violet cheek patches and several black spots visible across each side of the neck.
A blue budgie’s bill is stout yet sharp and typically gray. The flesh above their beak, called cere, is also blue, complementing their dark blue tail. They also have gray legs that extend to their zygodactyl feet.
Blue Parakeet Size and Weight: How Big Do Blue Parakeets Get?
Blue parakeets are small birds that grow at an average of 7 inches tall and weigh only 1.1 to 1.4 ounces. When fully expanded, their wingspan ranges between 10 and 14 inches.
Despite their small size, blue budgies need lots of space to fly around and play. They need to stretch their wings and strengthen their legs by moving around in their own play stand.
Blue Parakeet Personality: Are Blue Parakeets Good Pets?
I can say with confidence that blue parakeets make good pets, especially if it’s your first time owning a bird.
They are sweet, gentle birds that need a lot of mental stimulation and playtime. They are also very talkative and would be very eager to learn new words and sounds.
Blue budgies are also very sociable and will be very happy with an owner who can allocate a lot of time to bond and play.
If left alone for too long, they tend to show destructive behavior like biting and screaming. Having another bird companion is ideal to avoid this scenario.
They typically show affection by sitting on your shoulder or perching on your finger. These birds will also feel much more comfortable when you talk to them regularly.
If you want to see and hear a talking blue budgie, watch this video:
Best talking Budgie (Charlie)<a href="https://youtu.be/u2uILlBL6YI" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fu2uILlBL6YI%2F0.jpg" alt="Best talking Budgie (Charlie)" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Blue Parakeet Color Genetics: What Makes Parakeet Feathers Blue?
The blue-colored feathers of parakeets can only be explained through genetics. This is exhibited by some parakeets because of a genetic mutation that inhibits the production of yellow pigment. As a result, the blue series of budgies was classified.
Blue is a white-based color variation recessive to green which is yellow-based. The shade of blue that a parakeet will have depends on its dark factor rating.
The table below explains the dark factor’s effect on the bird’s color:
Pairing two parakeets with a 0 dark factor rating will produce only sky blue hatchlings. If
two budgies with a dark factor of 1 are paired, the chance to produce cobalt birds falls at 50%, while the probability of having a sky blue and mauve hatchling is only 25% for each color.
If two birds with a dark factor of 2 are paired together, all their baby birds will be mauve.
Blue Parakeet Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Blue Parakeets Healthy Birds?
Blue parakeets live for a very long time. Their life expectancy is estimated to be around 15 to 20 years.
Because of aging and environmental factors, your blue budgie can experience several health issues. Some of the most common diseases are listed below:
Parrot Fever: Psittacosis, chlamydophilosis, or parrot fever is an infection caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia psittaci. It is transmissible through urine and fecal matter. Affected blue parakeets can experience sudden weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, and discolored feces.
Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD): This disease is known to affect the nerves that supply the bird’s gastrointestinal tract. PDD is associated with Avian Bornavirus (ABV), causing the nerves to be inflamed. Symptoms include weight loss, lack of appetite, vomiting, and the presence of undigested food in their droppings.
Pulmonary Sarcocystosis: This is a protozoal infection usually acquired by birds that eat or drink contaminated food and water. Sarcocystosis causes cysts to form in the lungs, muscles, and nervous system which can be very fatal. Affected birds can die instantly after hours of being infected.
These diseases can easily be prevented by providing a clean and safe environment for your blue parakeet. Consult your vet immediately if you observe early signs of illnesses.
How to Take Care of Your Blue Parakeet?
A big part of keeping your blue budgie happy and healthy depends on how you take care of them.
Harmful viruses and bacteria can be eliminated and prevented from affecting your parakeets by keeping their cage clean and giving them a proper diet.
Aside from keeping them physically fit, they need to be mentally stimulated and socialized to prevent destructive behavior.
Cages and Environment
Blue budgies like to live in large, clean spaces where they can play and fly freely without the risk of infection.
Choose a bigger-sized cage and clean it frequently. Use newspapers or wood chips to cover the bottom of the cage for droppings.
A thorough clean-up of their cage should be done at least once a week. Remember, a clean cage is a happy cage!
Aside from cleanliness, owners should also be mindful of the temperature inside their homes.
The ideal temperature range for a blue parakeet ranges between 60°F and 70°F. During the night, they can only tolerate temperatures around 40°F.
Feeding and Diet
Blue budgies are prone to obesity and other weight-related health issues. They need a similar diet to what they eat in the wild. They can get their daily nutrients from a mixture of seeds, fruits, and vegetables in their diet.
Some of the fruits safe for their consumption include grapes, bananas, apples, mango, coconut, and papaya.
For vegetables, you can feed them spinach, lettuce, broccoli, carrots, and squash. Boiled eggs and cheese can also be fed once a week.
Chocolate, caffeinated foods, avocado, onion, and peanuts are harmful to your blue parakeet.
Interaction and Socialization
Blue parakeets love getting attention from their owners. Interact with them daily by talking to them or establishing a playtime schedule. Give them toys or teach them to solve a puzzle to keep their minds active.
Since they thrive best in stimulating environments, it’s important to allocate time for interaction.
If this isn’t possible, then getting another bird might be the better choice. It might double up the responsibility, but it also doubles up the fun!
Blue Parakeet Prices and Expenses: How Much Does a Blue Parakeet Cost?
Aside from their charming looks, blue parakeets are sought-after pets because of their price.
They are widely available in pet shops for around $10 to $60. You can even get them for a much affordable fee at shelters or rescue organizations.
But like other animals, you need to prepare your bank account for initial items and supplies as they transition to your home.
For an idea of how much you need for these primary supplies, refer to the cost breakdown below:
The initial expenses of a blue budgie can be quite overwhelming but you always have budget-friendly options that you can choose at your disposal.
A common trick that bird owners do is buying food in bulk and making homemade toys for their pets.
Places to Find Blue Parakeets for Sale or Adoption
If you already have the budget and determination to be a blue budgie owner, allow me to suggest some places where you can buy or adopt one.
Let’s start with some pet shops and bird breeders that you contact or visit to find blue parakeets for sale:
The Bird Shop – This is a family-owned bird store that’s been operating since 1979. The owners are all avian specialists and proud members of the Capitol City Bird Society, Avicultural Society of America, and the American Federation of Aviculture.
Omar’s Exotic Birds – This is another bird store operated by a well-respected aviculturist. They have sold thousands of healthy birds within the last three decades including blue budgies.
Petco – This is one of the largest pet stores in the United States that offer blue parakeets and other bird species and animals. It was founded in 1965 and currently has 1,500 locations.
Many blue budgies end up in shelters and rescues because of neglect and irresponsibility.
If you think adoption is a better option for you, consider reaching out to the following organizations:
Mickaboo – This is a foster-based rescue located in North Carolina that rehabilitates and rehomes different parrot species like blue budgies and other domesticated birds. Before proceeding to the adoption, interested adopters are required to attend their free bird care classes.
Northeastern Avian Rescue (NEAR) – This is another all-volunteer group that cares for unwanted parrots and other exotic birds. All of the rescued birds are fostered by their employees, and they don’t charge any fee for interested adopters.
Best Friends Save Them All – Founded in 1984, Best Friends Save Them All started as a common interest between friends from different parts of the world. They were able to build a sanctuary and partner with other pet agencies to save different animals including dogs, cats, and birds like budgies.
To be approved immediately by a rescue organization, make sure to be prepared for extra requirements and paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Blue Parakeet Talk?
A blue parakeet can talk and mimic sounds like other parrot species. Although they can’t speak as clearly as others, they can learn very quickly. Some blue budgies are even known to learn hundreds of words.
Do Blue Parakeets Need Friends?
Blue parakeets need a lot of interaction and socialization. As sociable birds, they would be very happy to have some bird friends to play with when their owner isn’t around.
Since they mostly stay in flocks in the wild, having one or two other parakeets is advised.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Blue Parakeet?
Blue parakeets are small, intelligent, and beautiful birds with wholesome yet active personalities.
They are most suited to owners that can give them lots of love and attention. If you are traveling around a lot for work, then this bird might not be a good fit.
You don’t have to worry if you are a beginner avian enthusiast because blue budgies are low maintenance and easy to take care of. Just be ready to provide a stimulating and clean environment for them.
In the end, your decision to get a blue parakeet depends on your financial, emotional, and mental preparedness for this responsibility.
Comments