Are Parakeets Loud? [How, When & Why Do Parakeets Make Noise]

Parakeets are one of the most popular pets around. They are cute, tiny, and known for their charming songs. For centuries, you can see people keeping parakeets for the sole purpose of having a little singing companion. But, how loud are they? Does it ever become a burden and are there any things you need to consider with their noises? This is what you simply must know.

So, are parakeets loud? Parakeets are renowned for being quite loud and for making a lot of regular noise. Parakeets naturally use noise to communicate so will be most vocal during the day. Thankfully there are some methods you can use to keep your parakeets quieter, for longer.

While parakeet noise and songs can be charming, some people may find them to be a little trying.

A parakeet is not some kind of MP3 player you can turn on and off, they are birds at the end of the day

Depending on your personal preferences, a parakeet may or may not be right for you.

Let us now explore the topic further to better understand how, when and why parakeets noise and some other considerations to help reduce this noise if you currently or decide to adopt one/several.

How Loud Are Parakeets?

A parakeet won’t produce some supernatural sound that will make you go deaf. It is not unnoticeable either, though. Parakeets are vocal creatures and they vocalize in a way that makes them want to be heard.

Parakeets are not comparable in sound to a lot of other deafening birds people sometimes get.

Parrots and cockatoos are often much louder.

There is no real exact decibel amount for you to expect, but it may help to understand what sound you can expect by comparing it to other objects in the household.

Imagine a milder chime to an old-fashioned kitchen timer going off. You can even compare it to those generic phone ringers.

In other words, so long as you don’t have hearing problems or a headache, they shouldn’t be pain-inducing.

They can be annoying, though.

It is not the easiest noise to concentrate through. It can even make it difficult to talk on the phone with these noises in the background.

If you are someone who likes (or needs) their peace and quiet, these are probably not the greatest pets for you.

The same can also be said for a home full of sensitive family members. It will be difficult (if not impossible) to shield a slumbering baby or toddler through a chirping session unless your home is big enough.

Humans are not the only family members you need to think about. Many other pets may also be sensitive to noise.

If you have cats or dogs who tend to go a little crazy at sudden sounds,  a bird may not be the perfect fit for your home.

Don’t let the advisories deter you too much though. If you live in a home that can handle the extra noise, a parakeet won’t cause so much of an inconvenience.

While the sounds are loud and often sudden, they don’t spend the entire day singing.

How Often Do Parakeets Make Noise?

Parakeets will regularly make noise throughout the day. It does often sound like a little continuous chatter, which you will learn to recognize in time.

Not all of the chirps will be disruptive, and even the quieter sounds that they make you will soon get used to and even naturally not hear as it becomes regular and routine.

More so, a lot of the peeps will be going on unnoticed. While they are active there will be bouts of time where they want to be heard.

When Do Parakeets Make Noise?

Parakeets will make noise when at times when they want to be heard.

This could be for attention or could indicate that there is a more serious cause for concern.

You will be able to identify in time the different sounds that they make and what they mean.

Generally, the louder and more severe the noise, the more your parakeet requires your attention and something is more serious.

Otherwise, the noise will be lighter and not be a reason to raise the alarm.

Noise will mostly be heard during the day as parakeets are diurnal. This means they are inactive at night (as they sleep) and active during the day.

You will also notice that your parakeet is most active during the morning hours.

Depending on the season and where you live, this can be very early in the morning.

Just like a rooster waking you up at the crack of dawn, this is likely when your parakeet will get their spurt of energy.

Why Do Parakeets Make Noise?

Parakeets make noises for a number of different reasons, but for the most part, its when they are excited. In the early morning hours, this is usually to welcome a new day.

Just like humans, parakeets use their chirping for communication. They use their plethora of sounds to convey their emotions as well as “talk” with their cage mates (and you).

Although they will never have the clarity that a macaw or cockatoo has, they are able to “speak.”

Their vocal range is a bit limited, but with time and patience, you can teach them to say human words.

It can be very cute and they love the attention it gets them as much as you notice your dog doing tricks to please you.

Sometimes they will make these sounds even when they are alone. Males especially will chirp and sing all throughout the day.

They use songs to attract a female, and sometimes they just like to sing.

You may even notice that when you put music on that your birds will sing along to it. They do this much like you have a nice little karaoke night. They enjoy it!

It’s not always to convey a happy message though.

Sometimes, parakeets are forced to do this in order to let you know that you need help.

Can People Decode Parakeet Calls?

When you hear a “scream” of help, you will know it.

Although we can completely decode bird songs to the point where we understand exactly what they are trying to say, we can get a general idea depending on the pitch and frequency.

If the sound sounds more like a whistle, it is likely them just having fun. It sounds very similar to a human whistling away as they try to pass the time.

Their sounds are generally pleasant and cheerful. While they may grate on your nerves, they shouldn’t send shivers down your spine.

If you hear a bloodcurdling screech that sounds more like a cry for help than singing along to a little tune, rush right over to their cage immediately.

They only do this when they are absolutely terrified. While some birds make this sound naturally, parakeets do not.

These are a last cry for help in a mixture of fear and a desperate attempt to reach out for help.

How Can You Make Parakeets Be Quiet?

While their uncomfortable shouts are a necessary indicator of danger, their regular chirping may be an unnecessary distraction to your everyday life.

In fact, it can disrupt your sleep especially if you have recently got a parakeet and you are not quite used to the new noises.

There are some things that you can do to limit their talking as much as possible.

Providing them with some entertainment can prevent them from constantly shouting out for you.

In fact, you should always provide these things for your parakeet as standard as they require a lot of mental stimulation.

For one thing, always have toys for them to play with.

If you aren’t sure where to start in terms of the types of toys your parakeet likes, consider getting a few and giving them a little selection.

Switching out the toys occasionally will also keep things fresh and exciting for your bird.

This will allow them to entertain themselves when you aren’t around.

The Petuol toy bundle is available for a great price on Amazon.

It has 6 pieces which are great for variety and they are safe for your bird and easy to install.

It’s no surprise that they are so popular with parakeet owners.

Also, consider that these social animals need some social time as well. It is recommended that you have at least two parakeets at once.

Without having a companion, they can get rather lonely.

Having a companion doesn’t mean you should leave them alone all the time though. They still require human attention and interaction. Try to play with them regularly.

Also, make sure that they always have food and water as they may be chirping to let you know they are running low, are hungry, or are dehydrated.

If their chirping is disrupting your sleep cycle (especially if you live in an area with early sunrises or long days), throwing a night cover over the cage can get them into nighttime mode.

The Prevue Hendryx Good Night Bird cover comes highly recommended and you can get one to fit all cage sizes on Amazon.

Any old sheet would do, but covers specifically designed to be fitted over a birdcage will have a lot better coverage.

They will also provide other advantages than just any old sheet including:

• Being non-toxic and safe for birds,
• Breathable materials,
• Lightweight
• Machine Washable.

You need to ensure that if you get a cover that you do not suffocate your birds which can happen if you use the wrong type.

The Prevue sheet, therefore, prevents this horrific event from occurring and ensures you get some much-needed shuteye.

Finally

Parakeets do make noise, they are a bird after all.

In general, Parakeets are not overly loud, but they do make noise and regularly.

It’s important to know that you will never be able to stop their chirping completely.

If you feel as though noise could be too much for you, it is advised that you do not get a parakeet.

Or, house them in a place far away from your bedroom that is also warm, safe, and preferable for your bird(s).