My sister and myself, always had pet parakeets growing up. It started 1st, when my sister recieved one for a birthday gift, and then I. Unfortunately, hers was sick and died 2 weeks after recieving it. She then went and picked out another, (for free from store since 1st one was sick), and that one actually lived for a couple of years. About 5 or so, believe it or not! This bird actually learned how to speak! Parakeets are in the parrot family, thus, they can learn to talk. The best way to teach them is by covering the cage, sticking your head under so that there are no distractions,...