norwexdawn - getting a parakeet from a breeder does not guarantee that it will be what you are expecting. One of the things you can do is go to a pet store that has parakeets and just spend some time watching the birds. It is amazing how their personalities start becoming apparent.

Got to warn you though, if you see one in a cage by itself be sure to find out why it is by itself. One day when I was in the pet store there was this beautiful little girl in a cage by herself; and she was just turning herself inside out trying to get to the birds in the cage next to her. I felt so sorry for her I got her and brought her home. Well - that is Gracie. She is a bully, picks fights, and hogs the food and anything else that she wants. I even had to separate her on different occasions. When I would do that she would just about turn herself inside out trying to get to my other birds. Moral of the story – ask questions.

As it turns out her and Gilbert are now a bonded pair, that is when she is not flirting with Jason and bossing Gilbert around. He must really love her because he just takes it all in stride.

Check Craigslist. People do sell parakeets on craigslist.

More great advice -- thanks! I enjoy reading everyone's parakeet stories and seeing the pictures. I don't even care what color mine is, they are all so beautiful!

Checked craigslist, no luck.

Thanks again!

Found THE cage. It is 18 x 18 x 21.5. Claims it is the perfect size for one parakeet. Now, to find my bird....

Sounds like about the same size as my first cage. I think mine was 23H tho. It was a good size for one keet Of course eventually you're going to want even bigger to make room for more TOYS. LOL You'll see, it's an addiction! haha
Good luck finding the little monster to put in it!

I know how excited u must be ...the anticipation of that new friend coming home once u make your decision..dont forget u will have toys and ladders etc in the cage also that will take up space and birdie needs to extend its wings to flap/excercise..so rotating toys as opposed to overcrowding it is a consideration to make..besides they think they are being spoiled that way..errrrrrm hmmmmmmm sigh..ok ..THEY ARE.

i also get so excited to bring home your keet.

i got mine from petco and petsmart. petco is better because the wings are clipped and they have a band on the leg

my new budgie from a breeder has no band..the band most times can also become a real hazard to birds..and clipped wings well too each their own as i dont believe in that either unless u have kids who dont think sometimes and just open the door. I just dont believe in clipped wings and i know some others in here that feel as strongly as i do about it and wish they would come out an say it too ..not just in private..geeeeeesh..i hear this in private ALOT but some folks dont want to go against what some of the site admins may say or some others and are afraid to ruffle feathers pardon the pun...HOWEVER i see a forum as a place to speak ur truths and let every individual freely make their own choice.

http://www.birdbreeders.com/breedersinmi.aspx

Here is a list of breeders in Michigan. I would also keep an eye on classifieds in newspapers, bulletin boards in grocery stores, coffee stores etc.

Good Luck!

Kathy