Basic Care of a Monk Parakeet | Complete Guide

Translated by Nick R

Diving into the world of birds will never fail to amaze us. Our curiosity and ability to domesticate different exotic species have led us to enjoy the company of animals that were once rare. Speaking of pet birds, do you already know the monk parakeets? Would you like to have one at home?

Table of Contents

Why should you have a monk parakeet?

Parakeets are amazing animals that learn and adapt easily to different conditions, having an advantage over other pet birds. If you’re keen on adopting a pet bird, monk parakeets are definitely an excellent choice. But what are the reasons to adopt a parakeet?

5 Reasons to have a monk parakeet as a pet

Great adaptability: they can easily adapt to new environments and are easy to tame.
Parakeets are very intelligent birds and learn from humans easily.
They are sociable and affectionate birds, they like physical contact with members of their own and different species, including humans.
They are flexible feeders, adapting easily to new foods.
They can make sounds and talk.

If you have heard a little about them, maybe you are wondering if it is legal to have them.

Is it legal to keep a monk parakeet at home?

Besides the reasons I already mentioned, parakeets have something that makes them much more attractive as pets, their exclusivity. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2019 classified the species within the category of Least Concern (LC); meaning that it is not endangered.

But, because the parakeet is a valued species and has been a victim of illegal wildlife trafficking, in most countries, you must meet certain requirements and documentation if you want to own one. It is considered a protected species under the CITES Convention for possible uncontrolled trade.

Therefore, my recommendation is to always get the bird in stores specialized in pet birds, where they are bred with all the basic care and provide you with proper advice.

Characteristics and behavior of monk parakeets

Characteristics of monk parakeets

Scientific name	Myiopsitta monachus
Common name	Monk Parakeet
Place of origin	South America
Habitat	Tropical, temperate and cold zones
Size	28cm – 31cm
Weight	120g – 140g
Average sexual or reproductive age	12 months
Life expectancy in captivity	20 – 30 years

The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is a species of parrot (family Psittacidae) of average size between 28 and 31 centimeters, weighing between 120 and 140 grams. This bird is native to South America, with the largest populations in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil.

However, the common parrot has been introduced to other parts of the world, spreading to other countries in the Americas and numerous countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, including the United States, Mexico, Chile, and France. Its distribution extends beyond the tropical zones, reaching temperate and cold zones. In addition, its population has been increasing in the streets and parks of several cities.

Appearance of the monk parakeet

Monk parakeets feature very pronounced features that are easily distinguishable from a distance. In this case, we can identify the following characteristics in monks:

Their beak is characterized by being curved and ocher-colored, the upper jaw extending above the lower one.
The head, as in all parrots, has a well-defined vertical axis.
The legs are grayish and have four toes, like parrots, two backward and two forward.
The tail is long and pointed.

Parrots have bright green plumage on the back with bluish-green wings; while the forehead, throat, chest, belly, and forehead are light gray. The plumage may vary slightly in shade in the different subspecies.

Distinguishing the male from the female is complicated, as the two sexes look too similar to each other. This is called monomorphism, i.e., there are no evident characteristics that differentiate females from males.

How to differentiate males and females?

There are three ways to distinguish males from females:

One way to tell if your parrot is a boy or a girl is to look closely at the beak, which in males would be wider.
Another way is measuring its head, which is substantially larger in males.
You can also try touching the cloaca part. A male has the bones together with no space between them, while a female has a small opening.

Monk parakeet subspecies

The monk parakeet has diversified a lot, with several subspecies being distinguished in different places. There are currently 4 subspecies recognized:

Myiopsitta monachus monachus.

Known as Catita Parakeet, it inhabits forests, savannahs and parks in South America. It’s the largest variety, reaching up to 31cm in length and 140g.

Myiopsitta monachus calita

Commonly called the Cata de Mendoza, it lives in forests, savannahs, and parks of western Argentina. This variation is small with a length of less than 30cm.

Myiopsitta monachus

Just as Argentina has its own exclusive subspecies, in central South America you can find the Paraguayan Cata, a slightly smaller parrot of about 90 to 120 grams and no longer than 28cm.

Myiopsitta monachus luchsi

This variation, known as the Bolivian Parakeet, has a smaller population than the other subspecies and is slightly larger than the Paraguayan.

Wild behavior of parakeets

Monk parakeets are communal

They are very social birds and organize themselves into complex social groups. In their natural habitat, they associate with flocks to forage for food and build communal nests. Additionally, they have a large repertoire of sounds that allows them to communicate in different situations.

Reproduction

They reach sexual maturity at 12 months but don’t reproduce until they are 2 years old. Once they find a mate, it becomes their only partner during their life cycle. That’s right, parakeets are monogamous. The bond is so strong that pairs are able to recognize each other by vocalizations when they are outside the breeding season.

Breeding begins between August and November when their sexual organs become active and nest building begins. One month after mating, the eggs are laid, laying about 6 to 8 eggs.

What you didn’t know about parakeets

Monks, as you may have noticed, have very similar behavior to parrots, which are also very sociable. However, they differ from parrots in nesting, which is uniform in most psittacine species and is characterized by cavity nests.

Monk parakeets are the only members of this phylogenetic family (evolutionary relatives) that build their nest with a network of branches that connects to other hanging nests as if it were a net; while the rest simply use holes in trees to create their nests, leading to a differential behavior with a communal social structure.

Domestic behavior of monk parakeets

Your parakeet is very intelligent

Like other members of the Psittacidae family, parakeets are very intelligent birds capable of learning words and tricks with ease. In captivity, you must nurture their curiosity and challenge their intelligence all the time with exercises.

Your parakeet is affectionate

Being such social birds, parakeets are very sensitive to contact, so it is not uncommon for them to develop a very close bond with their caregiver. Don’t be surprised if your bird is very affectionate and seeks your pampering. I advise you not to leave them alone, you should always keep them in mixed pairs of male and female. Females are more territorial, especially during the breeding season, so keep the females in the company of the males.

Monk Parrots are communicative

Just as they do in their natural habitat, parrots communicate very well with their lifelong partners, they also do so in captivity, obviously, with the possibility of enhancing their ability to communicate. They are able to speak using a wide repertoire of words. Of course, this doesn’t happen overnight and you must train them to do so.

Monk parakeets like to fly

Argentine parakeets are very good fliers thanks to their physiognomy and their ability to fly at high speeds. In that sense, you’ll notice that they get stressed easily inside their cage, giving them space, and freedom and taking them out of the cage several hours during the day. Recreation is fundamental to the bird’s health.

Ideal space for your parakeet

Environment for parakeets

They adapt to different surroundings with different environmental conditions, so offering them comfort will not be as complicated as with other species of birds that are shyer and have specific tastes. So for your parrot to be happy, consider the following:

Ample space: if you have a bird-friendly yard, all the better!
They are usually very noisy, so it will be enough not to bring more noise. Place the bird in a quiet place, if it’s exclusively for birds, much better.
The place must have natural light.
It needs to be well ventilated, taking care of air currents.
It has to allow your parrot to sleep 8 hours a night.

Cage for parakeets

A must-have accessory when you have a pet bird is the cage, it must meet the standards of quality (material), space, and environmental enrichment. The following are the items to consider when purchasing a cage for parakeets.

How much space does your monk parakeet need in the cage?

The cage is fundamental for any pet bird, but the larger the species is, the more it begins to lose prominence in the daily life of your friend. The cage becomes the bedroom. However, for medium-sized birds like the parakeet, you’ll have to get an aviary cage, which is larger than the conventional cages of more than one meter in height and width.

What accessories will your parakeet need?

Monk Parrots are very destructive birds and will need good accessories. Here I show you the most important ones.

Substrate base (not recommended newspaper).
Mineral and natural perches or as they are commonly known, perches or sticks.
Wooden feeding platforms.
Plastic or ceramic feeder.
Plastic or ceramic drinker.
Plastic or metallic fountain type drinking trough.
Foraging tray with natural materials for chewing (including nest-building materials).
Ladders of natural materials.
Natural logs (outside the cage).
Calcifying grit for the bottom of the cage.

Toys for parrots

Acrylic balls.
Wicker balls with seeds inside.
Rolling and spinning.
Swings and hangers.
Playgrounds.
Toys for foraging like cuttlefish bones or calcium stones and everything that it can destroy (very important).

What basic care does your parakeet need?

Maintenance of the cage and accessories

Cleaning your bird’s environment is very important for its health. These are the maintenance activities you should perform:

Clean the cage and its outside area daily. Make sure no food, feces or other residues are left behind to avoid the proliferation of pathogenic agents.
Clean accessories such as feeders, waterers and toys regularly. Avoid letting food and water remain in the containers for long periods of time.
Deep cleaning, at least twice a week.

Bathing for parakeets

Bathing is natural for birds and they will seek to bathe themselves. However, some birds are cleaner than others, and taking into account that they are locked up most of their lives among their feces and with other birds in captivity, bathing should become a habit that the animal has to acquire or that little by little you teach it.

Other care

Care of your parakeet’s beak

The beak is a fundamental part of a bird’s life since they use it for eating and as a third claw. However, when it grows too long, it becomes uncomfortable for the bird and begins to affect its well-being because it can no longer eat and grip well.

Although, foraging and some toys such as cuttlebone help to wear down the beak, it is not enough. The beak of parrots and parakeets grows approximately 1mm to 3mm per month. If you notice that your friend’s beak is too long, you should see a veterinarian.

Caring for your parrot’s claws

Just as your parrot’s beak grows every month, the claws are no exception and also grow constantly even though in the midst of their activity they wear out. Therefore, I insist that foraging is fundamental to wearing out the beak and claws, as well as the wooden perches.

However, it is not always enough and the nails start to become a hindrance. So, if the bird has very long nails, you have two options:

You cut the nails yourself (only if you have experience).
You take your friend to the vet to have a specialist do it.

What do monk parakeets feed on?

The diet of parakeets is very flexible and can vary, but they are primarily granivorous; feeding on seeds of wild and cultivated plants. In their natural habitat, some favorite seeds for these birds’ palates include thistle seeds, as well as sorghum, rice, and corn. They also like flowers, tender shoots, and fruits of all kinds.

Monk parakeets can adapt their eating habits depending on the season, which allows them to multiply and expand rapidly. If you want to know how you should feed parakeets, read on.

Necessary food for your parakeet

The most suitable foods to keep a parrot strong and healthy are the following:

Parrot food

Like any other pet bird, the basis of their diet in captivity should be birdseed or feed that is more suitable for some species such as Argentine parrots. In this case, it is recommended that you look for monk parakeet feed, as it contains all the nutrients that this species needs. The feed should correspond to 50%-55% of your pet’s diet to ensure good nutrition.

Complementary foods

On the other hand, parrots consume a good amount of other foods such as fruits and vegetables (without overdoing it).

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a source of nutrients that complement the diet based on parrot food, representing 35% to 40% of the diet. These are some of the fruits and vegetables they like the most:

Apple.
Pears.
Oranges.
Tangerines.
Strawberries.
Watermelon.
Apricot.
Pineapple.
Carrot.
Broccoli.
Spinach.
Cauliflower
Celery.
Banana.
Melon
Peach.
Grapes.
Cherries.

Others

It’s very important to change or add to your pet’s diet so that it doesn’t get sad. You can add a little starch and animal protein to your parrot’s diet:

Rice.
Eggs.
Bread.
Insects such as crickets.
Larvae and worms.
Meat from dead animals.

Foods you must not give to your parrot

Although parrots eat a little bit of everything and like varying their diet, never give them tomatoes and avocado, these foods are very dangerous for their health. Chocolate and any kind of sweets are also harmful to your friend, as well as onions, fried foods, milk and very salty foods.

How can you take care of your parakeet’s health?

Health problems	Symptoms and cause	What to do?
Psittacosis	The most common disease in parakeets and caused by the intracellular parasite Chlamydia psittaci. Very similar to a cold with moist dripping from the nostrils and wheezing.	Take your pet to the veterinarian for medication.
Pneumonia	This disease is caused by air currents. Your parakeet will show respiratory symptoms, with noisy breathing, nasal secretions and watery eyes.	Avoid drafts and cover the cage. If it’s too late, take your parrot to the veterinarian immediately.
Colibacillosis	Colibacillosis is caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli and is one of the most common and dangerous diseases. A bird suffering from the disease presents fatigue, loss of appetite, joint pain, restlessness, and gastrointestinal symptoms.	Keep the bird’s environment clean and change food and water daily. See your veterinarian to prescribe an antibiotic treatment.
Aspergillosis	It’s a disease caused by a mold-like fungus of the genus Aspergillus when the bird consumes contaminated seeds. The fungus affects the air sacs, worsening in a short time.	Ensure that the seeds consumed by the bird are free of dust and avoid leaving them outdoors for long periods of time. Visit your veterinarian urgently.
Acariasis	Mites are external parasites that live on the parrot’s skin without affecting it. However, when grooming is poor, the mites proliferate and the bird starts scratching more than usual.	Clean the cage, accessories and environment frequently. Bathe the bird regularly. If the disease is already present, take it to the veterinarian.

Signs of a healthy parrot

If it talks and makes noise as usual, it is a sign of good health, you know how talkative all species of the psittacine family are.
If its appetite has not been affected and it continues to eat in regular amounts, your friend is feeling well.
The feathers are shiny as usual, not discolored or ruffled.
Its feathers are not drooping and it shows no feather cupping or fluffing.
Its feces have good consistency and normal color.
No secretions or open mouth when breathing.

Are monk parakeets invasive birds?

The parakeet, as an exotic species with a high level of adaptation to different environmental conditions, has been introduced in many places worldwide, especially because they have been abandoned by caregivers who had them as pets or released by accident, which caused a process that made them feral, turning small groups into populations of parakeets fighting for food and space with native species.

In some countries, such as Spain, the United States and Chile, they have caused havoc. In the case of the Iberian country, where it was included in the Spanish Catalog of Exotic Species to regulate its commercialization, the common parakeet has become an invasive bird by displacing native birds such as the Turdus merula and preying on their eggs.

How did you like parakeets? Would you like to own one? Now you’re an expert, surely you’ll be a fantastic owner.