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 covers: 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.