New Parakeet - 1st time owner

Tom · New member Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

Hello all, I am new to this board and just got my first parakeet last week. We got him at a store that specializes in all types of birds. I think things are going well because he will sit on my fingers and let me hold him. I am concerned about a few things. He does move around the cage somewhat but is not very active. I havent heard him sing or even chirp once. Also, I never see him drink water. I change it twice a day. He does eat his seeds and millet. Ive offered fruits but he hasnt been interested. Im really concerned about the water though.

I am a newbie at this, so any info you can give me will be great.

Tom

Chezza · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 5:35 am Post subject:

Hi Tom welcome to the board, theres some lovely people here with great advice and are very helpful, if he's not drinking at all, that "You" can see maybe the best bet would be to get an avian vet to look over him, just to check for any health issues..You dont want him to suffer dehydration. Maybe contact the store and ask on his background, wether or not he was not drinking there too, when you say "parakeet", do you mean budgie?????

Charmedagain has some really good knowledge and wisdom on birds, im sure you will get top advice from him.. Your the best

charmedagain · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2260 Location: uk

Hi there and welcome to the forums.

Firstly i would like to ask how long have you had your birds, The reason i ask is because for the first few days you sometimes do not see them drink or eat.

Also its best if you use the same type drinkers and feeders that the store used as your bird will know what they are.

Parakeets are not huge drinkers and usually sip there water every now and again, It could be he is drinking during the night.
As chezza mentioned if he has not had anything to drink for longer than 48hours it would be best to have him checked by an avian vet as after this he will become very dehydrated.

Because he is eating tells me he must be drinking as all birds usually drink just before or just after eating,
When changing the water try and do it first thing on a morning and then last thing at night that way you can see if he has touched it, Or say put his first fresh water in the cage at 8am then change it at 6pm.

But like i say the drinkers can be the problem, If the store used the covered drinker bottles this is what he will be used to, If they use drinker cups abit like feed cups he will be used to those, Also getting them in the same colour also usually helps.

But if your not completely happy with him call and avian vet and ask them what they think or again as Chezza mentioned call the store and ask them.

Sorry i could not be of more help

Mike

Tom · New member Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

Thank you both for the replies. Yes, he is a budgie. I will call the store and ask them how he was drinking before. The thing is that he was with about 10 others that were also very young. I am going to take a ride over there today.

I read through about 6 pages of threads, and yes, this is a great board! It seems theres quite a few newbies like me!

One other thing I noticed about my budgie (his name is Rocky) is that I sometimes see "poop" stuck to his feathers near his "opening" (not sure what I am supposed to call it). Is that normal? Should I be doing anything about it?

Tom

charmedagain · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2260 Location: uk

With young birds poop around the vent area is normal as he will probably be molting so the feathers are falling out and growing back in, Alsong as his poop is not watery he should be fine.

It could be he is stressed with being on his own, I never keep birds on tehre own i usuallyhave them in pairs but this can sometimes cause the birds to spend time with each other rather than letting the owner handle them.
THis is not a problem if you have to hand tame birds as both will still carry on as normal.

As for him not singing much this again is very normal until he settles and relaxes into his new surroundings away from the other birds.

Mike

Tom · New member Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

Ok something else I noticed that is concerning me. I hear him "wheezing" sometimes and I can see a little thing moving in one of his "nostrils" as he breathes. His breath sounds a bit "clicky" when I hold him up near my ear. Should I be alarmed?

charmedagain · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2260 Location: uk

It sounds like he may have a respiratory infection which needs to be confirmed by an avian vet ASAP as this can be fatal if left hoping that it will clear on its own.

Mike

Tom · New member Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

Ok I just got back from the bird store where we got him. I had him checked out by the owner, who is the breeder as well. He had a little "booger" in one of his nostrils and sneezed it out, so no more wheezing.

In my original post, I mentioned I havent heard him chirp or sing yet. Well, once he was in the presense of other birds he was singing and chirping like crazy. I guess I have to be patient with him and let him get used to his new home.

Tom

charmedagain · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2260 Location: uk

Glad to hear everything is ok, Because he is used to being with other birds he has to now get used to being alone away from his feathered friends.

Give him a few more days and he should soon be chirping away, Also if you talk to him alot you will find he will start to respond to your voice.

Mike

Chezza · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:07 am Post subject:

Thats good news Tom..Hope all goes well for him and you, you will get many years of happiness together for sure.. Your the best

Zeppy`s mom · Member Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 130 Location: U.S.A.

Hi and welcome . He wont chirp because he probably still needs to get used to the place he is in. Trust me enjoy the peace while you can . when i got my bird i got so excited when she chirped. Then maybe a week later she just wwouldnt shut up.i am not saying dont love him, just be glad for the quiet. Exclamation