Why do parakeets beat their wings?

Hi,

We have three parakeets (two males, one female) and all three of them do this several times a day. At first, my husband and I worried that something was wrong, but we noticed that they did this when we didn't let them out of the cage to fly around.

They are exercising, and it's actually a very good sign that they are doing this. Our female doesn't 'exercise' as much as she could and she is getting fat (poor dear). Even when we let her out of the cage, she prefers to sit happily on our finger (we are her taxi-service).

I'm glad that you have provided your little birds lots of room for them to exercise - a lot of people forget that they are 'flying' pets and forget to give them 'flying' or 'beating' room.

It's just stretching and exercise. It's the same for you and I.. when we wake up we stretch and when we're feeling great sometimes we exercise. Same is true for animals. It's a reaction similar to a cat's stretches, and it makes sure that everything is working properly. A natural instinct that all animals have. That way, if for some reason they have to get away, they know they can.

mainly exercise and stretching.... probably the same reason mice use the exercise wheel. I think if I had wings and was in a cage I would do the same thing:)

My cockatiel does the same thing, hangs on really tight, gets this really cute look of determination on her face and flaps and flaps.

I read somewhere that it's just exercise.

They are actually angry with something. I asked my vet and he said it is perfectly normal. This usually happens when he is hungry or another bird is eating in front of him.

I have had them before. It's normal, don't worry. They just do it. I agree, it is indeed exercise.