Bird species ending in “keet” are typically parakeet or lorikeet varieties. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between these birds, popular species, and care tips.
Bird Species Ending in “Keet”
“Keet” birds refer to parakeets and lorikeets. While both are groups of small to mid-sized parrots, they have some key differences.
Lorikeets are known for their bright feathers and “brush tongues,” which are tongues that evolved to eat pollen and nectar from flowers. This makes them different from other parrots, which primarily dine on nuts and seeds.
Parakeets are known for their slim bodies and long tail feathers. While most wild parakeets eat primarily seeds, it’s also used as an umbrella term.
Many lorikeets may be considered parakeets as well, but not all parakeets are lorikeets as they don’t have brush tongues.
Types of Parakeet
There are hundreds of varieties of parakeets, also known as budgies. Here are a few:
- Budgerigars
- Monk parakeets
- Alexandra’s parakeet
- Plum-headed parakeet
- Ringneck parakeet
- Rose-ringed parakeet
- Mustache parakeet
Types of Lorikeet
There are over 50 species of lorikeets or lories. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Rainbow lorikeet
- Black lory
- Musk lorikeet
- Coconut lorikeet
- Chattering lory
What is a Parakeet?
Parakeets or budgies are smart, playful, social little birds. They’re small parrots that can even learn to talk, though this is somewhat rare, and they’re not as clear-spoken as some of the larger parrot species.
As we discussed above, parakeets are known for their bright coloration and long tail feathers. They can be quite chatty, even if they don’t pick up on human language, and love interacting with their people and other birds.
Outgoing male parakeets may bob their head often, especially when living with a female companion. This is a sign that they’re happy, excited, or trying to win over a lady.
Caring for a Parakeet Bird
Parakeets do best living in pairs or groups with other parakeets. They’re social birds that tend to get along well with one another, though it’s possible for them to come across another bird that they dislike.
The most important aspects of parakeet care are a large cage that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements, high-quality parakeet pellets, and various perches and toys for enrichment. It’s also important that your parakeet’s water bowl is large enough to bathe in and that they get a small amount of fresh fruits and vegetables each day.
These energetic birds require plenty of time outside of their cage in a safe, enclosed space, such as a bedroom, without other pets like cats or dogs. Parakeets who don’t go outdoors may also need supplemental UV lighting to help them produce vitamin D.
What is a Lorikeet?
Lorikeets are friendly, affectionate birds. Like parakeets, they have brightly colored plumage. They’re also said to pack a lot of personality into their tiny bodies!
VCA Animal Hospitals describes lorikeets as “obnoxious trouble-making clowns,” and they aren’t the only ones who think so. These birds are known for causing mischief, making people laugh, and being quite loud, demanding pets.
Caring for a Lorikeet Bird
Like parakeets, lorikeets are social birds that do best in the company of other birds of the same species. Proper lorikeet care means purchasing a large cage that meets or exceeds minimum requirements, perches of various sizes and textures, and toys for enrichment. They also require daily time outside of their cage in a safe, enclosed space.
Lorikeets are more complex to feed than parakeets. They can eat high-quality pellets or a nectar or pollen substitute. No matter which you choose, it should be designed for lorikeets, not another bird species. Remember, their natural diet is quite unique!
Lorikeets also require daily fresh fruits and vegetables. If they don’t go outdoors, they may need supplemental UV lighting to help them produce vitamin D.
Where to Adopt a Parakeet or Lorikeet
If you want to adopt a parakeet or lorikeet, please avoid pet stores at all costs. Pet stores typically get all of their animals from breeding mills, which are the equivalent of puppy mills.
Breeding mills have one goal: to make money, no matter the cost. This means breeding en masse and without regard for the animal’s welfare. Their care standards also tend to be low. These birds are more likely to face health problems due to both genetics and poor care and may have shorter lifespans as a result of poor breeding.
While some local pet stores get their birds from smaller breeders, these birds are still not from reputable breeders. Reputable breeders will not sell in pet stores because they line up homes for their animals before breeding them, and they have a vetting process for potential homes.
Rescues and Shelters
Bird rescues and animal shelters are the best places to adopt a parakeet or lorikeet. You can find many bird species in rescue organizations, and they’re in dire need of homes for their birds.
Many people adopt birds without knowing how much care they need, how much that care costs, or how long the birds will live. Because of this, a large number of birds purchased from pet stores and backyard breeders end up in rescues or shelters.
Bird rescues also tend to provide resources to new bird owners because they want their birds to receive the best care possible. You’ll usually get better information than you will from a pet store employee who has little experience with these animals.
Rehoming
Another option is to adopt a bird who is being rehomed by their previous owner. There are several sites online where people rehome birds for a small rehoming fee.
A benefit of this is that you’ll often receive free items such as the bird’s cage or what’s left of their food. A downside is that these items may not be useful to you if the previous owner wasn’t caring for their bird properly–which is, sadly, very common. For instance, you may receive your bird in a cage that’s far too small and still have to buy your own.
Reputable Breeders
Finding a reputable bird breeder can be difficult as most people breed without proper knowledge or care for the birds. Differences between reputable and backyard breeders can be difficult to spot, especially for first-time bird parents.
For best results, ask for references, including previous buyers and the breeder’s veterinarian. Make sure all birds are up to date on veterinary care. Avoid breeders who offer bad care advice or keep their animals in poor conditions.
Reputable breeders will typically have a wait list–you won’t be able to bring a baby bird home tomorrow. They should have as many questions about your care and housing as you do for them because they want their birds to go to good homes!
