Lisa Shea Forums Parakeets General Parakeet Chat New keet question

Hi, my name is Sharon (Saved2) and we just got a parakeet today. My question is. How long does it take for our new baby to start eating and drinking? we got him home around noon today and he has not eaten or drank any water all day. He has just stayed in one spot on his perch all day. also what do you think about covering his cage at night so he can sleep? we had one about 20 years ago and I remember covering his cage at night. your opinions please? Thank you all. saved2

Yes, I for certain would cover him at night. Even sometimes during the day at this stage. Others have recommended covering him 3/4 of the way till he feels more secure in his new home. It gives them a feeling of security.

My freind made me a cover of flannel for winter months. I took a scrap of it a while ago and sewed a tight cover for a perch. It is now his favorite perch. Soft kushy keet feet. Like bedroom slippers for Buttercup.

Don't be surprised if you don't see your new keet eat or drink for a few days. Check the seeds to see if there are empty hulls on top, if so, you know its eating. They take very quick drinks of water, its tough to catch.

You might put some seeds and water in dishes on the floor of the cage. Some babies are not used to eating from seed cups.

Congrats on your new friend!!!

Kathy

ps: thanks for the perch cover idea!!!

you will know when your keet eats by its droppings but dont stare at it or try to watch at first ...always try to remember how you would feel in its place going thru the exact things its going thru and it will help you to interact better with your new lil buddy.

That perch idea is top notch!
I would definitely cover the little thing up at night, as Jeanne said.
My boy didn't quite understand what the water dispenser was about when I first got him. He would spend a while pecking at the see-through bit before he worked it out. I tried filling a small saucer with water, but he just went sat in it and stared at me like "What?"

Oh, and congratulations on your new best friend!
And welcome to the forum.

Armando, your description of your parakeet sitting in his water made laugh out loud. So cute.

Yes definitely cover the cage at night to keep out drafts and to help the keet feel secure.

I am sure your keet is eating and drinking, just doing it when you're not looking. As the others have said, to make extra sure you can put a shallow dish of water and food on the cage floor so it's easy to get to. Keets love to bathe so yes they might hop into them, that's fine!

My kid is a dirty boy and hates water...giggle..im still hoping ..he cant stand misting either..i think he thinks he is allergic to water like kids who dont want baths...i know eventually especially once spring and summer gets here that will change significantly...but in 10 weeks he has dove into his bath water only once the rest of the time is the ....DREADED misting. Im gonna try bird hypnotism soon i think...yourrrrr dirtyyyy take a BATH!!!!

Jeanne,
What a great idea to cover a perch with flannel! I'll have to try that.