Lisa Shea Forums Parakeets Health and Medical Issues Frito, My parakeet (questions)

I got him about two months ago at a poor qaulity store (in my opinion). he's an older bird and a VERY, VERY nervous parakeet It also looks as if he is missing a toe I set his cage near a window, and thats where he basically lives. I want to teach him how to say his name and a tone or two. But with him being a store bought bird, is this possible? Also, is it better if he lives by a wall, then by a window?

It is but first you need to bond with your keet. Read Lisa's posts on hand training in this forum.

For now I would move him from the window and cover all but the front with a sheet/light towel. He is looking for predators from every angle and the window shows him even more. He needs to hide and come out on his own terms. He will keets are very curious and sociable.

Have patience and take progress at your birds pace. It can take months to bond with a bird.

Kathy

Thank you I will do that. how long should I keep a sheet on?

I would leave it with just the front open until you feel like your keet is not "nervous, nervous, nervous" and comfortable with your presence.

Spend as much time as you can talking to him, even just being by the cage watching TV or reading is good. That way they learn you are not a giant predator.

A well-bird check up at an avian vet is also in order.



Kathy

Thank you so very much I put a towel (don't have a sheet is this ok?) on the sides of his cage and moved him away from the window. He seems alot more calmer and doesn't seem as vervous. After like a month, do you think it's ok to put him in front of the window every once in a while?

A towel is fine. I think you'll be able to tell when your baby is settled and you can take it off. Everything in keet time!

Kathy

Of course Thanks