Parakeets are among the best birds that you can tame in your home. These birds are very affectionate and are always loyal to their caretakers and owners. But have you wondered how smart parakeets are?
Parakeets are very smart birds when compared to some other bird species. Based on the scientific research that was recently conducted, parakeets have a large number of neurons in the frontal part of their brains, which makes them even more brilliant. Similarly, the high neuron density enables parakeets to learn phrases quickly and mimic the sounds of other people and objects.
Furthermore, parakeets have a larger brain of approximately 1.32 to 1.7 grams. The size and weight of the parakeet usually determine its brain weight. The larger brain makes these bird species so intelligent that they can even solve puzzles and other tasks.
Aside from high intelligence, parakeets are highly known for their excellent memory, which enables them to remember people, events, and other environments. Their good memory also helps them show their loyalty to their owners and caretakers. Their ability to speak properly makes them even more unique, as they can remember the phrases and commands instilled in them.
Why Are Parakeets Smart?
The following are five reasons why parakeets are smart:
1. They have a larger brain size, yet their body size is relatively small.
2. Parakeets have a high neuron density.
3. They have a neural circuit called the Pontine Nuclei that enables high-order processing and erudite behavior in parakeets.
4. Enhanced speech since they can mimic the sound of people, music, and objects.
5. Big memory capacity.
What Are the Signs That Parakeets Are Smart?
Here are eight signs that show parakeets are intelligent bird species:
1. Parakeets can quickly solve puzzles, handle tools, and perform other bird tasks.
2. They recognize themselves when a mirror is placed before them. Mainly, other birds tend to fight their reflection by pecking at the mirror or window or hitting them, but parakeets know it is their reflection, and instead of fighting, they tend to admire themselves.
3. They memorize words and long phrases within a short time of training.
4. They can quickly join words and form sentences to create a clear speech.
5. Maintain clear communication with their owners and flock to seek your attention.
6. They can read the mood and body language of their owners.
7. They learn new tricks with ease after being trained.
8. Parakeets are social birds and love interacting with people more often, especially when they do not have a birding partner in their cage.
How Do You Ensure Your Parakeets Remain Smart?
If you want to ensure your parakeets remain smart, consider using these five tips:
1. Socializing
Parakeets are naturally social birds that love interacting with their owners and caretakers. They need more attention and time to socialize with you. This helps in bonding as you get more time to understand your bird. Also, when socializing with your bird, keep teaching it vocabulary and how to properly communicate to keep the brain active. Consistency in socializing stimulates and engages the brain, and hence it will remain smart.
2. Provide Toys in Its Cage
For a parakeet to remain smart, they need frequent mental stimulation to kill boredom and depression. Therefore, providing parakeet toys in their cages, such as ladders and bells, will keep them active as they frequently play to kill boredom. Also, birds love playing to keep them happy. Remember, a happier parakeet lives longer.
3. Put Perches in Their Cages
Perches are essential in a parakeet’s cage for exercising. Also, perches help create a sense of trees, especially when they are flexible enough to make a parakeet swing. Parakeets will always fly horizontally to roost on the highest perch, hence exercising their entire body. Put perches of different sizes, flexibility, and nests.
4. Purchase a Spacious Cage
Parakeets need a spacious cage that will accommodate all the accessories and enable them to fly freely without hitting themselves on the walls. In addition, buy a more comprehensive pen than the tall one because parakeets fly horizontally rather than vertically. Parakeets tend to be more aggressive when deprived of space, leading to fights and injuries.
5. Regular Training
It is essential to keep training your parakeet to keep its mind stimulated. You can teach your parakeet new tricks, how to handle different toys, new vocabulary, new songs, and other exercise methods. Parakeets like learning, especially when taking one step at a time and rewarding them after doing something to perfection.
How Much IQ Does a Parakeet Have?
The IQ level of parakeets ranges from 97 to 100. This is a very high intelligence quotient (IQ), considering they are tiny birds. Parakeets tend to unleash their full IQ potential when put in different environments and situations.
These birds can sing, solve puzzles, conduct bird tasks, and still mimic people and the sounds of objects. Besides, their high IQ makes them compatible with humans, thus making them the best companion.
How Big Is a Parakeet’s Brain?
A parakeet’s brain is approximately 1.32 to 1.7 grams. Parakeets are tiny birds with larger brains, enhancing their intelligence and good memory. However, their brain size depends on their body weight; the higher the weight, the larger the brain.
In addition, their large brains enable them to be very social with people and their fellow flock, making them the best companion an owner can have.
Are Parakeets Smarter than Other Birds?
Parakeets are smarter than other birds, except for some parrot species, since they have the same brain size and neuron density.
Parakeets make the best companions due to their fascinating speech and playful nature. They are also affectionate and are always loyal to their owners.
Are Parakeets More Intelligent Than Dogs?
Yes, parakeets are more intelligent than dogs. They can perform more tasks than dogs.
Based on the test conducted on both dogs and birds, it was noticed that parakeets perform like a three-year-old child in a mental test. Therefore, as much as parakeets are tiny creatures, they are brilliant, which makes them even more attractive.
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