Parakeets are amazing additions to any family.
They are small birds, full of joy and positivity.
That’s why we MUST ensure that they stay healthy!
I always discuss parakeet health with my fellow bird lovers because it can be hard to monitor the wellness of such a small bird.
One significant indicator of health is parakeet weight.
Parakeets do have an ideal weight range, though keep in mind that this weight can change per variety of parakeet and for each individual bird.
While every bird owner should know the information in this article, it is not the same as veterinary advice.
Work with your avian vet to ensure your bird is at its ideal weight.
Without further ado, let’s take a look. How much does a parakeet weigh?
A healthy weight for parakeets is 1.1 to 1.4 ounces, equating to 25 to 36 grams. Because this weight is so low it is important to take your bird’s weight at the right time, after they have pooped but before they have eaten breakfast. If your bird is over or under this weight it could indicate health problems, so be sure to seek a vet’s professional advice in this case.
Common health problems for parakeets are obesity, fatty liver disease, and malnutrition.
Weight can be an indicator of these issues, which is one of the main reasons that it’s important to pay attention to your bird’s weight.
Just like humans, the biggest factors in your parakeet’s weight are diet and exercise.
They must be eating a healthy diet with the right quantity of nutrients and they must get enough exercise.
Once you find your bird’s healthiest balance between diet and exercise you will have a very healthy, fit bird.
How do I weigh my parakeet?
There are a few options for weighing your parakeet. Firstly, there are specific bird scales meant to accurately gather this data.
These are generally a perch that can track weight and can be found at most pet stores.
As mentioned above, time of day does matter when weighing your parakeet.
Make sure you weigh them after they have pooped but before breakfast.
Also make sure you take measurements at the same time of the day so you can accurately compare them.
Because they are so small even the slightest variation can lead to unreliable weight data.
How do I know if my parakeet is overweight?
While you should talk to your vet for a professional opinion, if your bird weighs more than 1.4 ounces (or 36 grams) then it is possible your bird is overweight.
You can also examine your bird’s weight by looking at their breast muscle and whether they have excessive cleavage over the breast muscle.
They would also likely have fatty areas that are non-feathered, usually on the side of the neck or jaw.
Another telltale sign is simply examining your bird’s fitness.
If your bird gets out of breath easily or is very stationary, then it may be overweight.
You also may notice that you can no longer see your bird’s jugular vein easily, a sign there is a layer of fat on the neck.
How do I know if my parakeet is underweight?
While obesity is the most common health problem for domestic birds, your parakeet can also become underweight.
Weigh your bird and see a vet if they are less then 1.1 ounces.
You and your vet can work together to identify a reason and rule out illnesses.
One way to help them gain weight is to slowly increase their food, especially their favorite foods that they will love to eat.
Their diet should focus on calories and nutrition.
Snacks like peanuts can be great for this because they are high in fat.
Extra sunflower seeds can also help them to gain some weight if calorie intake is the problem.
How do I care for my overweight parakeet?
Do not panic if your bird is overweight!
Obesity is very, very common in parakeets, and there are steps you can take to address it.
First of all, ensure that your bird’s diet is healthy.
Make sure that their diet includes pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and even some beans and pasta.
Limit high fat snacks like seeds and nuts.
You can also limit access to some higher calorie food to about 30-45 minutes at a time, though ensure that your bird always has access to pellets.
Secondly, you should help your bird get more exercise.
If your bird has clipped wings, consider allowing them to be flighted.
Flying will really help your bird to maintain a healthy weight.
If you can’t have a flighted bird, then make sure they have plenty of cage space.
You can add and rotate lots of toys to keep your bird stimulated and moving around the cage.
Whatever will help your parakeet to move around more, you should do!
Your bird’s weight is important beyond simply ensuring that they live a fit life.
Both weight gain and weight loss can indicate or cause significant health issues, and so it’s important to track these changes.
Weight loss could indicate that there are nutrient deficiencies in your bird’s diet.
This can lead to long term problems so it should be addressed as soon as possible.
Other culprits of weight loss could be parasites or a yeast infection.
Weight gain and eventually obesity can cause lots of problems for your bird’s health.
For example, it could trigger fatty liver disease.
This is why awareness is critical, so you tackle the problem early.
Weight gain can also be caused by other health problems, so you must take you bird to the vet if you notice it.
On the whole do not panic or worry too much if your bird is slightly over or under weight.
It is very important to stay aware of your bird’s weight ranges and every bird is different.
If you notice rapid weight changes take your bird to the vet.
If you make sure that your bird has healthy food and lots of exercise then you’ll ensure that it leads a long and very healthy life.