First of all, I know it says to buy one as young as possible, but how old is that? I know kittens/puppies have to be 6 weeks old before they can be adopted, but what about parakeets? At what week are they considered "ready"?

I live in Michigan and cannot find anyone who sells hand raised parakeets (which I would prefer). Just one pet shop that has 10-11 week old parakeets in a cage. Does anyone know any breeders in Michigan that I could contact? I live in northern Michigan, but would be willing to travel (within reason), to pick up a "nice" parakeet.

I am 40 years old and have always wanted a parakeet and I think my family and I are finally ready and I've found so much great information on Lisa's website, now I can't find my bird! Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

I have never been there but I have been told that Preuss Pets in Lansing is very good for birds. Usually keets should be at least 8 weeks old and at that young age should be easy to hand train even if they were not hand raised.

I think keets should be at least 8 wks? Some breeders do let them go younger than that tho. You can tell a young keet by the stripes on its forehead. If it still has stripes going down to its cere(nose) then it is probably under 4 mos old.
Here's a site with breeders listed by state. Not ALL breeders of course, but it's a start. http://www.birdsnways.com/birds/breeders.htm
Good luck and let us know if you find one!

You could TRY asking the pet stores who their breeders are that supply them..and a hand fed keet..is really lovely but they adapt so readily that even if its not hand fed it wont be long before they become your second skin...just takes some patience and time and this forum is full of great people who are kind enuf to be gentle and help with all that info..going to a BREEDER in my opinion is ALWAYS best..ask a vet..contact avian vets in the area THEY KNOW ..and u will need one anyway...so check with vets..thats a good source ..also find out thru vets about local bird clubs as often they are invited to speak at the clubs...and again that would be the best way to source out the info you need to find just what u want..take your time ..do it right...dont let wanting a bird have u making hasty decisions u may not be happy with later. Good luck im sure u will find just the bird whose meant for you

oh one more thing dont skimp on a cage...a good size cage should be min. 18in square if u can go a bit larger ..i have a 25in x 14in then do that..remember it will be ur keets home for a very very long time..and room enuf to open its wings and flap without hitting toys ..perches ...and ladders u will put in is what your trying to do.

Thanks for all the great information so far! I am using this time to study, but would love to find one by Christmas time, it would make a wonderful family gift for all of us.

My mom had a parakeet when she was young and she would tell me wonderful stories, it could even speak English and Danish! So I have wanted one ever since. And she got hers from a dime store!

I know patience is key, but I also want a very friendly bird and think the best chances would be to find a young, hand-fed one.

This information is a great start and feel free to keep it coming -- am hoping to find one in the next month or so -- I'll let you know!

yes a lot of lil budgies do talk males are the bigger ones but females do talk also..when they very young tho there is no way of distinguishing male from female..getting them young tho is what u should consider..dont let your decisions be swayed tho in getting one if u cant find a local breeder who hand feeds. As ive said and many will tell u ..parent raised birds will become JUST AS FRIENDLY...and u will want to spend LOTS of time with you new friend anyway ..so finger training is a good start to getting to know and trust each other.

Are there any bird rescues in you area? Sometimes perfectly nice, socialized birds are relinquished when someone becomes ill or is allergic to them, and you could find a new friend and save a homeless bird. It's worth a shot. Try Petfinder and see what comes up in your area!

You might call vets in your area to see if they know of anyone who breeds keets. Good luck in your search. How far north are you?

Kathy

No bird rescues in the area. No luck on Petfinder. One vet in town, but they knew of no breeders.
I'm about 5 hours north of Detroit. So for now, I'm trying to find a nice cage that is affordable. Want it to look nice since he/she will live in the living room. Saw some nice ones on ebay, but don't have $300+ to spend on a cage.

Keep the great info coming, it is MUCH appreciated! Even if I don't have the opportunity to respond, I am reading and absorbing all the information I am given.

Thanks!