The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs—now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly! Whoever coined the term ""birdbrained"" wasn't familiar with parakeets. They're smart as well as funny and entertaining. This guide helps you with everything from preparing for and choosing a parakeet to teaching it to talk and perform tricks. It * Details on setting up a healthy home for your pet * Everyday care, including feeding and grooming * Veterinary care and common health problems * Normal parakeet behaviors * Parakeets and children Parakeets can live up to eighteen years. That's a lot of companionship from a colorful little character who will undoubtedly find a perch in your heart.