new parakeets still not eating...

Ashly0507 · New member Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Posts: 3

i purchased two parakeets almost four days ago, I see the female at the food and water dish constantly , but the male doesnt move from his perch to eat or drink... the only way he moves is IF he gets spooked. PLEASE help. Also the female (bonnie) keeps biting at (male) Clydes backside. Is this normal? Confused

Aqueous · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:18 pm Post subject:

If your male hasn't been eating or drinking at all for 4 days then by all means he should probably be long dead by now. Chances are you're probably just not seeing him eat or drink, especially if you're near the cage expecting him to do these things he may still no be comfortable enough around you just yet to go about his day to day business.

Since you just go them 4 days ago they're still going through their adjustment period. Whenever I bring a new bird home I usually allow them time to just get used to the new surroundings. No trying to take them out, no standing close to the cage and staring (which is tempting when you have a new bird). Just leave them alone to get adjusted, especially to people and local traffic.

As far as the biting goes, is she drawing blood or pulling out feathers? It could just be that's she's helping him preen or perhaps just a "back off" nip.

Ashly0507 · New member Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Posts: 3

I thought that was an awfully long time to not eat or drink. But I havent had a bird in years. So thank you for that. As far as the biting, no she is not pulling feathers or making him bleed. While he is on his perch she comes u to him and bites at his back side. He stays clear of her for the most part.

charmedagain · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2352 Location: uk

I agree wth Aqueous, if he has not eaten for 4 days he would either have died or very weak and ill.
He could be eating and drinking first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

As for you female biting him, its what most females do to see if the male is worthy of her. she will eventually back off and leave him alone.

Give them time to adjust and see how they get on. I wouldnt worry too much about the male unless he starts looking weak, then he will need to see an avian vet asap..

Mike