Advice for a bad bird owner

I got my first parakeet in late 2006, and my second one in early 2007. The cage was small, I put the second one in the first cage as soon as I got it, and my second bird recently died last week. Since then I've been looking up parakeet stuff and wow I had no idea they needed so much, I'm getting a really big cage next weekend, with lots of toys and extra food, my first bird still never goes on my finger and I doubt I'd ever get her trust now.

I just need help on some questions:

1- She's been living in that cage for over 3 years, I assume she'd be happy to move to nicer, bigger cage as soon as I get it, but I don't know if she'll understand that's going to be her new house now, or if she'd want to move

2- I'm getting a second parakeet to keep her company, and this time they'll have lots of space and won't fight, my mom's being cheap and said I can only get the big cage + toys. Should I keep the first keet in it's original cage and the second one in the new bigger cage first? I don't know how my first keet would like that, and I always just leave the cage doors open so they can fly around the room, will my first parakeet try to go to the bigger cage?

I'm going to try to get two cages, a same size one as the one I have now for the new bird, then when they have gotten to know each other, put them in the bigger cage.

3- I hope to get an already hand trained bird, if I get one and it stands on my finger, isn't scared to take baths, and play around people, will my first keet eventually learn to do all these on herself if I play with the new bird in front of her?

I try to play with her, but she always runs from my hand / flies away

I'm going to get a big cage with horizontal bars, I just need help on toys, and I'll be getting a cuttlebone, and I don't know how to make them understand what it's for. I'll be getting two different water/food plates for each too.

If you're a parakeet expert answer these please, I don't want to be a pet bird owner, I just never knew about all this when I first got my bird

Thanks:)

We i believe are all pet bird owners here so to speak..i dont think anyone here would claim to be a expert...These are our little friends. Any bird needs lots of time to get use to everything..and paying attention to them helps to put them at ease but, by paying attention to them i mean just for several days being close to cage and talking to them without rushing them into anything..and not sudden quick moves to frighten them, or letting the new bird out right away. If these pets will be urs it might help if you earn some money to help to pay for their care, toys, cage, vets, foods, and all that comes with owning a pet. If you get a second bird, u first... MUST/SHOULD quaranteen it from your other bird so just in case the new one is sick it wont infect the older bird, u should quaranteen for a month..keep them separate NOT together... That would give u time to save some or earn some money also for the other little things so that if u decide to put them together in a new larger cage when ur done with quaranteen u will be able to help pay your parents back..They are not being cheap all this comes with several dollars of expenses. A similar smaller cage at first to keep them separate will you quaranteen for a month and then show your mom u have good intentions of helping to pay for all this..during that time you should REALLY REALLY show responsibility and EARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN..to pay for a bigger cage for them both...to introduce them to the new larger cage together at the same time where one wont become bossy it will be new turf for each of them. Also ask around maybe someone has a small cage for now to quaranteen the new bird in. And if you check the prices of big cages i think you will see MOM ISNT BEING CHEAP cuz cages dont come cheap...GOOD LUCK

GM - you might think about keeping just one bird for a while and work at getting her trust. It is a slow process that requires patience. Even if you get a new bird you will still have to have patience and spend a lot of time training the new bird.

Here are two links to some of Lisa's suggestions. It would be good to read thru these to give you a good idea of what you can do.

Hand Training a Parakeet -
http://www.lisashea.com/petinfo/articles/bird_hand.html

Q&A on Hand Training a Parakeet -
http://www.lisashea.com/petinfo/questions/q7

If I get a new male parakeet who is hand trained, and isn't afraid to get on a finger or a trap with water to take a bath, would it be easier to train my female parakeet? I've had her for over 3 years now, and she still is scared of me, so if I try to hand train her now, is it too late? She's also terrified of water that isn't in her container, so I don't know how to give her a bath either.

Also, if anyone has some great cage setup suggestions, I would really really appreciate it :), I know those toys that can become choking hazards or have holes in them are bad, I have no idea about perches though.

Edit: I always leave the cage door open for my bird, so she eats, flies around, sites on the fan in my room, and comes back in the cage whenever she wants. If I start to try to hand train her now, should I not let her out? She knows the house and has flown in every room before, so I would feel bad if I just made her sit in the cage all day, especially if I get my second bird who probably will be in a separate cage.

Am I allowed to let the new bird fly around, or will it still be scared because it doesn't know the house yet?

Edit: Also, all these years I had only had two of the same type of perches (I think plastic), this time I'll get a large variation of perches, would she like that or is she already too used to the ones now? And I should move all the current toys and perches in her cage to the new one so it will be familiar to her right?

It is not too late to hand train your present bird. In fact now that you only have one bird would be a great time to work with her. Lisa has some excellent suggestions in her threads on training.

Hand Training a Parakeet -
http://www.lisashea.com/petinfo/articles/bird_hand.html

Q&A on Hand Training a Parakeet -
http://www.lisashea.com/petinfo/questions/q7

As far as the bath; you can mist her with warm water. I usually mist mine with warm water then I put their bath in the cage. That was the only way I could get a couple of them to actually get into the bath and splash around.

Their bird bath is also their seed holder, treat holder and veggie holder. That way when I put it in their cage they are quite familiar with it and it does not scare them.

Cage setup is really an individual thing. What I usually do when I am thinking about changing their cage is sit and watch them for a long time, paying attention to where they go and how they get there. Then after I change it I watch also to see that it is working for them

When you get your new bird there should be a 30 day quarantine to make sure you are not bringing any infections to your present bird. During that time you new bird will get quite familiar with the part of the house he can see.

You are allowed to do anything you think is good for your birds.

It is always good to have at least three different types if perches in your birds cage. I have two wooden perches that are not just the straight dowel type, but have differing widths. I have two cement perches for their talons and beak. I also have two rope perches. My guys LOVE their rope perches.

I kind of rattled on a bit. Sorry

I would work on building trust with the bird you have now before getting another. Even if you get a hand trained bird, you still have to get them to trust you; depending on the bird that can be a week or several months. I have two hand trained birds, one was my buddy from day one, the other is just coming around after several months.

Save and get a bigger cage. I have a single flight cage and it is excellent for two birds. Emily was in it alone for several months and loved it. I wouldn't worry about the transfer to much. It all depends on the bird. Emily was cautious but only took a day to adopt; Heneri knew a good thing when she saw it and I couldn't keep her out.

They will know what to do with a cuttle bone and only nibble on it as needed.

Welcome to the forum!

Kathy

Dedication, dedication, dedication! I agree with BLR. I think you should just keep the one bird and start gaining his/her trust. That way your relationship with one another will be a lot better and more fun and exciting! Once you are excepted as "one of the flock" then you're golden! However, I would suggest slow movements. It takes a great amount of patience, knowledge, and great people in forums to achieve this goal. ;D Welcome to the forum and good luck! :]

Jazz and Jess

I'm getting a new bigger cage this weekend, and I just read through the entire hand training pages so I'll wait for a new bird until she's trained, I just have some final questions:

Do parakeets freak out when I move their cage? I usually move their cage to the computer room when I go on so I can play music from there, and she does chirp to it.

When she is fully tamed, how do I play with her? Do I just let her be around me when I do stuff?

I have been changing her food/water for over 3 years, and she still freaks out when I put my hand close to her (step 1), and she gets cautious every time I change the food/water. What can I do to stop this? (Along with the soothing music although I doubt it would do anything with her)

When she is tamed, how can I get her to eat different food? Every time I bring an apple, lettuce, carrots or anything else she goes to the back of her cage and tries to stay away from it.

How long will fully taming her take?

Thanks

When Emily was in her smaller cage I used to carry her around the house with me, when we were still bonding. It wasn't a problem. The more time they spend with you the better.

I put a towel out on the floor with some toys and we have a play session. They will make up their own games, don't worry.

Just keep working on step 1 until your bird doesn't get upset when you put your hand in the cage. How long it takes depends on the bird and how much time you put into it.

Patience is the key!!!! Reward good behavior and IGNORE negative behavior...no matter how much it hurts!!!!

Put the new food, chopped into keeter sized pieces, in a dish and sprinkle some millet on it. Remove after a few hours. Then try again. Eventually they will accidentally try some. But they have to watch it for awhile. Be careful with apples or anything with seeds...fruit near the seeds is toxic to birds. Remember they only weigh 1 ounce...they are not going to eat an entire slice of apple.

I have the feeling from reading your posts you are anxious and trying to rush the process. Take your cues from your bird. If they are not ready to get on your finger than just sit and talk to them. I used to read the paper, textbooks, tell them your thoughts on world events, whatever. Just take it slow.

Hope this helps! Keep us posted.......

Kathy

Would she react negatively if I closed the door in her cage until she is finger trained? I always leave it open and she flies around the rooms and likes to sit on the fan.

Also she doesn't mind my hand coming in to change food/water, but if I come close to her she backs away. Is that still step 1 or can I go onto perch training? And if it is still still 1, how can I make her trust my hand when it comes close to her?

It takes baby steps. If she is not afraid of your had when you change her food and water you have quite a good start. The next step is the one that takes the patience. Put you hand in the cage and just sit there with your hand near her. If she backs off then stop. Gradually she will get to the point that she will trust your hand quite close to her. You can also get some millet and put it on your hand, offer it and just wait, remember patience. She will come around but if you get impatient you will undo more than you have done.

Perch training can come anytime after she trust your hand. Right now she is not afraid of your hand but she does not trust it.

Thanks for all the help, I will start training her when I get the new cage and after she gets used to it (she will like it better than the old, smaller one right?), and I might take a picture if I can find a camera lying around

By the way her name is Paris, I was only 12 when I got her, and I was taking french in school, was the first thing that came in mind

Paris is a wonderful name. Hope you keep her in the wardrobe that would befit her name

She will love the new cage. It will take a bit for her to get used to it. I would put all her things from the old cage in the new cage at first so some of it is familiar. Like her toys and even her food and water tray if that works.

One more thing, how will I get her in the new cage? She usually flies in/out whenever she likes, so if she flies out, then I change the cage, wouldn't she be confused and not go in?

Put her favorite treats, millet, familiar perches, toys etc. She will go in.......it isn't usually a big deal. Keets are curious.

If you can, I would try setting up the new cage right next to the old cage..like cyberbud said-with some of her fav familiar things, food etc in it. She might surprise you when she's out and about and go play on top of the new cage for a bit and then get curious enough to go in and check out her stuff. That's how I switched cages and it was easier than I thought it would be.
She's going to love her new bigger digs
Love the name Paris BTW. Cool!

Also, there's been like a collar around her foot since I got her, I think collar, don't know what it's called. It's never bothered her, but how do I get it off?

Here's my page on metal leg bands -

http://www.lisashea.com/petinfo/wingclaw/band.html

If I got her to the vet, how would she calm down for him to remove it? She would be freaking out from the drive because she hasn't been in a car since I got her.

GM, if it were my bird, as long as the band is not bothering her I would not worry about it. If it does start to bother her in any way you can take her to the vet to have it removed. Also, if you have to take her to vet for anything, you can have it removed then.

I think the risks are minimal. After all show birds have to be banded.

when they are frightened they often go into statue mode. Also the vet will know how to hold Paris so he/she can examine them and not injure the bird. There is a special technique to use...our vet showed us when we had to give meds to Emily.

I just got a new cage! Our old one had two birds and it was like 16x16x20, which sucks yeah. Now it's just her, and I bought her a beautiful cage that is 26x18x31, and I just spent all day setting it up :):):):)

I put it where her old cage was, I put her old ladder and food containers in, and I put her favorite swing she sleeps on every night the highest I could in the cage.

She still won't go in, but hopefully she'll get hungry soon, see the food in the new cage, and then go in, eat, and try her new toys!

It is a little overcrowded with the toys, but she still has more room then the old cage, and I think she'll love it when she gives it a chance

They are very courious so that will help also. To tell you the truth, probably when you quit worrying about it and go on about your business, you will look around and she will be in the cage. Seems to always work that way.

Right now I'm just sitting in the room where the cage is on the laptop, refreshing the page every few minutes. I have music on and she's chirping but I can see she's hungry and I think she's looking for food on the ceiling fan, she still won't go in to eat

If the cage has a flat top you could put some food on top of the cage so she will at least go to the top of it.

It's been over an hour now and I left her alone in the room, she still hasn't gone to eat, and there's no droppings in the cage, the cage doesn't have a flat top, what should I do?

Still hasn't gone in

Have patience!!! And put extra treats and millet in the new cage clip some millet to the open door. Go to the cage and play with the toys, splash the water, then go read a book.

Worse case, you can dim the lights, catch Paris and put her in the cage.

Keets can't see well in the dark...sometimes you have to use that to your advantage.

Keep us posted!

Kathy

Still hasn't gone in, I put food on a tissue on the cage door.

I felt bad so I put some food on the ceiling fan before, I cleaned it now to put food on her cage door, and she was eating on the fan, she hasn't had anything to drink all day though.

I usually put her to bed 4 hours from now, if she's not in from now, will I have to catch her? How will I catch her?

She looks so sad and hungry sitting on the ceiling fan, I can tell she wants to rest :s

Why doesn't she just go in?

Edit: Now she's trying to find food on the fan, this sucks to watch, wish she would just go eat in her cage already

You will catch her, if necessary, when the light is dim with no problem. I remember once Emily would come so I turned off all light, used the light from my cell phone to find her, offered her a perch, she jumped on, and I put her to bed.

Have you tried putting a perch near her to see if she will hop on????

Try not to get anxious...they can sense this...

Have you tried leaving the room? maybe she will investigate if you're not watching.

I'll be watching for an update!!!

Kathy

if she is clipped than pick her up and place her in her cage. i would hang lettuce on the cage door. and i would also play some soothing music to calm her down. if that does not work than get a light blanket and toss it over her, bring her to the cage and let her go.

I turned off the lights, held her food container to her chest, I had to push against it so she would be forced to get on, then I put her in her new cage

Right now she's just sitting on the highest perch in the cage, she looks really sad and unhappy, but hopefully she will begin to check the rest of the cage out soon

Edit: She's starting to explore :):):)

She got off the highest perch to the ladder next to her, now she's trying to figure out how she can navigate through her new cage

i bet she is relieved to be inside a cage. my bird did when she escaped out of the petco box when i was bringing her home for the first time

She's sticking her head out on the highest perch to see where else she can go (I think), but she freaks out when I touch the cage or when I move it from a room to another, basically when it shakes

Edit: Cage bars are half an inch apart, is that fine? Also, she still hasn't touched her food/water even inside the new cage

Half inch is what they should be.

Give her time - she will want to explore her new home to know every inch of it.

You might try covering the top and three sides so she can feel safe in it.

Just remember right now she doesn't know how much bettter her new digs are, just have patience.

PS good thinking on turning out the lights. That is the best way to capture them.

She just got out from the highest perch all the way to the bottom of the cage where her food and water is, I'm proud of her

Although she just eats in front of me, she still hasn't had anything to drink, but at least she's starting to get the feel of the new cage:)

Oh my gosh. I kept reading thru this since you tried getting her in new cage and sighing every time you said nope not yet. LOL
Yaayyy!!! She's in! She's going to LOVE her new digs G M. You'll see. And as for drinking..you really don't see them drink all that often, they drink so quickly

Yup she's in but I noticed her having a hard time moving through it. I took a few toys out, but it still seems way too overcrowded at the top of the cage.

Okay so say this is her cage, and she's the 1, the toys are 2's and swings are 3's. Food/water is 4, cuttlebone is 5, perches are dashed lines.



_____
/3 12\
_|-----2-|_
|-32------2-|
|----\ |
| \---- |
|5----- |
|__4_____4__|

I think that's the best way I could describe it, not really good at finding the right words. The top of her cage is so filled with stuff, and she's always just sitting on her top perch or swing, she has a hard time coming down for food because there's pretty much nothing at the bottom of the cage. How can I change the toys to be in the middle or at bottom? They have to be hung from the cage top so I don't really know how I can fix this problem

Edit: Uh okay it came out all deformed in the actual post, just imagine a huge cage with a small bird, all the toys and swings are on the top and she only stays at the top because of this, huge cage, and only one swing and one perch are being used. She won't even go to the perch with the cuttlebone because it's a stick, and she's only ever had straight perches.

Any cage help ideas?:)

If you have two perches, put one toward the top on one side, and put the other toward the bottom on the other side. That way she can flit or fly from one to the other.

Hang some of the toys from the side of the cage. She can play with they that way too. I would take all of the toys except two or three out. Then you can rotate them in and out so she won't get board and she can have more free space in her cage.

Does she only have one perch or she is only using one perch. My guys like their rope perches best of all. They are really nice because you can bend them around any way you want.

Be sure she has perches lower in the cage so that when she decides to explore around she has places to go.

Well done getting Paris in her new cage!!! Use your imagination when it comes to toy placement. You can hang them from the sides, I hang some on the outside too.

A boing (spiral rope perch that sways) and rope perches are great things to save up for. They really allow for flexibility in arranging your cage.

Kathy

ps: You need to start a new thread...you're not a bad bird owner!!!!

Came home from school today and there were droppings on some of her lower perches

Also took some big toys out and she seems to like the extra space, I opened the cage today from the top so I could grab her cuttlebone and move it to the perch she's usually at, she got scared by it and flew out. But now she's been in the cage and has eaten inside it, so hopefully she'll fly back on her own now

@Kathy, she has one of those in her cage, she's barely been using it though, she uses it to get down to her food/water

Edit: Caught her because I could tell she was hungry and she wouldn't go in, now she's sitting next to her cuttlebone on the highest perch, but I don't think she has any idea what it is

i would not let her out for at least the next few days. give her time to calm down from being outside the cage for a while

sounds like she's adjusting well. don't worry about the cuttle bone usage...its a now and again thing. They seem to know when they need it.....

Kathy

love the name paris..so sophisticated giggle..yes i agree with peepers allow her to just stay and sit like a statue in that cage for several days without changing things around all the time., and dont let her out till u have her finger/hand/or perch trained so u can retrieve her again to put her back if need be..but for the time being its a lot your asking she needs to adjust to sites sounds routines and her new cage and toys THATS A LOT for a lil bird and it takes several days but she will come around if you dont keep shifting things around in her cage also.

Your gonna be a good mommy dont fret lol

hows the keet going?

If you get the food holders that can be hung on the side of the cage you can put them anywhere. Put perches where she can perch and won't be over her food or water. Put the food and water about half way up on the side. Put your perches a little lower toward the bottom half and put a mirror on the side of the cage right where the perch is. Hang the toys near the other perches but not over the food. You also don't have to put all the toys in at once. Save some and rotate them into the cage to give her something new to play with. You can also put some of the perches on the outside if they are the screw on type. You can hang a toy on the outside near that perch for something to play with when she is on the outside of the cage.
Try to leave the center of the cage free of any hanging stuff so she can fly from perch to perch and to her food and water. This will give her flight room to exercise her wings and she will love it.

I let her out today, she seems fine about knowing her new home, she even sits on top of the cage now, but she doesn't know how to get back in the cage, the door is pretty big but you have to kind of fly in, in her old cage she landed on the door then flew to a perch inside. I have to hold food up to her and slowly take her in, but other than that she figured out how to get to the food/water inside the cage, and she uses most of the perches and has started playing with the toys

Emily had the same problem when she moved to her big cage. You can purchase "front porches" a little landing pad to hang on the outside of the cage. Whenever they are out I put the porch on the door!

I'm so glad to hear its all working out.

Kathy

I didn't let her out to fly yesterday so today she was flapping her wings around and running back and forth on her perches, so I opened the cage door so she could figure it out. Normally I just take her out. After about 20 minutes she finally tried to climb down her cage and flew out:)

I just hope now she will know how to get back inside

if her food is inside, I bet she will figure it out

Been 2 hours and she's been outside still, I held the food upto her and she hopped right on, and I had to slowly bring her in the cage again

She went inside herself!!!:))))

giggle oh dont we think they are such genius's lmao...wtg Kenny

I would definitely recommend creating a "landing area" at the doorway of the cage, so that the keet can gently land in the door area and not have to fly in through an opening. It is much safer for the keet, and keets like to hang out in their "doorway" and survey their domain!

She's acting really wierd, she got used to the cage and uses everything in it now, but today she's sitting on a perch she usually doesn't sit on, and she's all crouched down and not singing/chirping to music

Should I be worried?

Edit: Nevermind, moved her near a window and now she's fine and chirping

I love hearing updates on Paris Sounds like she has come a long way since your first post here. Awesome!
Sounds like she was just a little tired earlier huh?
I agree that a landing platform or something in front of her door would be really nice. What kind of door is on her cage? Is it a slider or what?
If you google bird cage platforms you will find some you can attach to outside of cage. Or you could even just attach a rope perch to the outside, in front of and just below the bottom of door opening.
If your door is a slider(slides up and down?) you might be able to modify it into one that opens into a platform like I did with mine.

oh but illusive..they ARE geniuses! LOL At least I think so

Parakeets are extremely smart, many studies have been done on their intelligence levels. It is a main reason I enjoy them so much as a pet!

Yes kksuns has an excellent idea there - if you take a bendy rope perch you can "create" a landing spot by making a loop of the rope in front of the doorway. That should be an easy fix to give a landing spot for now while you research more sturdy solutions.

She looks bored everyday now, I want to get another parakeet for her. All she does is sit on the top perch looking bored and not chirping, and she still hasn't used her cuttlebone. She hasn't even touched her toys and it's been over two weeks now.

Is it okay if I put the new one in her old cage? And what should I do when I get it? Should I keep them both in the same room, or will the new one feel bad since Paris has this huge cage, or will she feel bad because the new one's in her old cage?

Should I let them out to fly to meet each other, and when will I be able to move them both to the big cage? (I know when I do I'll have to rearrange the things in the big cage)

Please reply, thanks

P.S She's not hand trained, and I doubt the new one will be, but I can't watch her being depressed everyday, and I want to let her out to fly around, she knows how to get back into the cage herself.

Also should I not let them fly out for a week or so after I shift them both to the big cage, just so the new one can adjust to the new cage and hopefully learn that's his home now?

A thirty day quarantine is a good idea. Just to make sure the new budgie is not sick and not showing it yet.

That way they can get used to hearing and seeing each other. Keep them in separate cages. No one will feel bad about which cage they are in.

When you are ready to put them together, you will want to watch them to make sure one does not hurt the other. It probably will not happen. They will probably be just thrilled to get together.

good luck with cheering you

orrrrrr if u dont have one already put a mirror in the cage before you get another bird.

and if you get a mirror, make sure you clean it daily!!! my little peepers tried to feed his own relection.

What is really sad, my Tweety tried to get his best friend in the mirror to preen her.

I don't see how getting a mirror will help, it's a bit mean to make her think there's another bird with her, but it's just her own reflection..

Just seems cruel

I could be wrong, but I think what illusive was suggesting was try a mirror to keep Paris company. If that works you won't need to get her a companion.

If I had it to do over I would have stayed with one budgie.

I'd like to add at this point that my birds LOVE their mirrors! I've thought about your post and can't think of anything mean about it!

Birds love mirrors. They fall in love with them. They kiss them, feed them, talk to them, sing to them. At first I only had one keet, and he just danced with joy when I put it in his cage. Now I have four keeties, and they still love their mirrors. Also they don't like me to move them. (the mirrors!) Silly little birdies.

The only reason I can think of , NOT to get a mirror, is if you plan on extensive training. and also, you might wait till you and birdie bond. But my first was a rescue, and he bonded with me immediately, and always thinks he's the only one I should talk to! I got the mirror because I work, and wanted him to have company while I was away. I didn't get another bird at first because I wanted him to get healthy first, since he'd been out in the world and had health issues.

Not mean. Do your little birdie a favor and get him/her a mirror, whether you get more birds or not! lol

Thank you ladies..oh and BLR thanks for your comment elsewhere i left a message back but im still not 100% certain im doing some of this stuff right

got both of them

Emily used to love her mirror friends and would spend lots of time chattering to them, but that was the extent. I think you have to judge it bird by bird.

Kathy

G M Kenny its a whole like kinder than watching a egg bound hen.

This chat brings back a memory of when I did take the mirror from Emily, thinking I was being mean leading her to think there was another bird. Em never minded me rearranging her cage and would just watch, but when I took the mirror out and walked away from the cage, she jumped onto my hand as if to say "not that one mom" I put it back.

I think like any toy if it causes a problem you should take it out but otherwise I don't see the harm.

I just put a wall mirror next to her cage, she seems scared of it

oh geeeeeee what...get a parakeet toy mirror not a wall mirror...sigh...make it too HER size so it doesnt seem like a GODZILLA thing..thats why they make parakeet toys...remove that wall mirror asap ..toys are cheap enough a quick stop to any pet center and you will find one cute enuf to make her little heart go pitter patter..it may take a day or two but wont be long ..but remove that wall mirror...sigh..

GM little mirrors for keets, or toys with mirrors are really cheap, a couple of dollars. My tweety has a mirror with beads accross it. She loves it and I think it was less than 3 bucks, probably less than that. If you are going to get it to help paris to not be lonely, then get a mirror that clips, or mounts on the side of the cage. That way she can stand there an talk to and kiss the little birdie in the mirror. It is really sweet to watch.

I'll get a new bird and both of them mirrors, then after a month put them together in their new cage, also lately she sat on my finger and I took her to the cage door where normally she flies out to the room, but she flew back inside the cage. She hasn't come out to fly in a week, why?

ok i dont think your really understanding what many are trying to explain to you..your mind seems made up and of course thats your choice. While there are some very educated people in here trying to offer you some suggestions based on personal experiences for some reason..your not willing to trust their judgement.

You first asked about a single bird and what to do about its seemingly lack of perkiness so to say...and you stated you wanted to get her a friend thinking that was the best solution while many tried to discourage that for a very good reason and yet explain to you a way to handle your problem. Now you may simply compound that problem two fold as you still want to get another bird and now mirrors for both.

Im going to try to state this in a way that maybe more understandable for you..if you feel one bird is lonely its NOT MEAN to put a parakeet mirror in for her where she can interact with it rather than get another bird which may cause jealousy and exhibit dominance behaviour which also is not going to help. Also another bird may stimulate breeding mode which could potentially lead to even more serious problems until you decide you want to learn more about breeding and ALL the complications that could arise and the responsibility of having to potentially take care of babies. You by interacting with her and being patient as it takes a lot of time sometimes to train your friend would be a very suitable mate/friend to her to keep her happy, and not compound a stituation. If you dont have time to devote to this thats ok also as many with busy schedules dont..but as stated her by several and them giving very valid reasons also as to why they suggest certain things, a simple parakeet mirror and some patience would solve the problem you have been describing..either way a mirror or you interacting she will bond with one or the other and be very content without getting another bird till you become more familar with the mind workings of birds. Which by the way ..we ALL have had to learn through time but a lot of us didnt have the advantage that you do of getting advice from people who have gone through what your experiencing through this forum...I urge you to give all their suggestions a FAIR try and give it time. I think you will do just fine as you do seem to be a caring person wanting to do the best thing for your bird..which you will do by giving some of these suggestions a chance.

Is it alright if I buy a new bird and put it in the old cage? It's small but it'd only be for like two weeks, then I can move it to the big cage

i think you should stick with what you have and learn a lot more before getting any more birds.

Stick with one bird. Two will compound the problem and it doesn't guarantee the first will be happier. Just the opposite could very well happen.

One bird can be as much fun as 100 birds. You can train it tricks, teach it to talk, more !!! I would let the bird bond with you before you get another one.

I hate seeing her bored and depressed all day, she barely even comes out to fly now, her old cage had a mirror that she never used. I really want to get her a friend, I just need to know if it would be alright to put the new bird in the old small cage for about two weeks. My guess would be it's about 12x14x15

Also, what could I do for toys? She has 3 toys but only plays with 1, and how many toys would I need for two birds? Would it also be okay if they shared the same food/water containers or should I get them each a different one, because the cage only has the doors for one food/water container.

ok your not listening to some VERY wise people here so my question to you is why you asking questions when your not willing to listen to some very educated individuals and insist on doing THE WRONG things

Kenny - there actually is no wrong decision here. It is just some people telling you what their decision would be based on their experiences. I can understand wanting another budgie to keep yours company. Personally I think it would be alright, I have four that I got for various reasons. BUT if I had it to over again I would spend time with the first one.

What kind of toys do you have in the cage? Maybe your bird would like a different type...some birds like bells, others things they can destroy. Try moving your toys around. Sometimes my birds will totally ignore a toy, then I move it and it becomes the favorite.

Well I got a new bird, he's in a separate cage but very close to Paris. At first he was freaking out but I got him in his cage and it's all set up now. Right now he's just sitting there and I think he's tired and still confused, hopefully in 2 weeks I can take him out of this crap cage and put him in with Paris, now he's trying to figure out how to get to his food

Also do I have to wait so long to transfer him to the big cage? Can I do it in a week?

Any name ideas? He's black and blue

Quarantine should last for 30 days...ideally in separate rooms.

Best of luck in your new adventure!!!

How would putting them in separate rooms allow them to get to know each other? He gave up trying to get to his food, I think he's hungry but he's just resting now

His cage really is small, I really would like to move him to the big cage, does it have to be 30 days..?

The quarantine time period is to make sure that the new bird doesn't have any illness/disease that could possibly be contagious so your present bird will not catch it. If new bird DOES have something, you can take it to the avian vet to take care of the problem BEFORE you put them together. Normally, this period of time should last for 30 days.

There will be plenty of time for them to get to know each other after that.

His droppings have been really watery, they're a lot different from my other bird, is that just because he's young or is he sick?

He's randomly freaking out in his cage, I think he's really trying to get to his food

Edit: He just got to it =)

Depends, has he been eating a lot of fresh foods? That can sometimes make their poop a bit runny-sounds gross. Cyberbud and Tweetymom have been BOTH telling you to quaratine birds to stop the spread of diseases. I would seperate them and place them in different rooms.

peepers he hasnt been listening to ANYTHING anyone says...

My mind was already set to get her a friend, I just needed advice so I can make him feel more comfortable

I separated them and he's really been trying to adjust to the cage and try to get his food, but I think he's having trouble since the cage is so small.

His poop is still wet, I got him from a big cage that over 10 parakeets shared, the only food they had was the normal bird seeds

Is he sick?

Edit: I left my bird in my room, and brought the new one in mine to listen to music like I do with Paris everyday. About 20 minutes later Paris starts screaming, and so I bring her here and she's happy and chirping now. How can I separate them better during the day? I want to play music for the new bird since he still looks scared, and Paris is just used to it now. I put them in different rooms when they sleep, what can I do for the day?

Actually as long as you keep them separated from each other, I personally feel that separate rooms are a little overkill. If your new bird is looking sick then separate rooms. But I would hope that you would not buy a sick looking bird.

I have never quarantined my birds, I have been VERY lucky that they have all been healthy.

Always a quaranteen period is good.

Uh, he has poop sticking out of him, I've never seen this before with my birds, should I be worried? His droppings are still wet

He just sits in his cage not making sounds or playing with the toys, and he yawns sometimes, how can I entertain him? He doesn't respond to music

@BLR, you said you never quarantined your birds, would it be okay to put him with Paris when I know he's not sick?

Edit: He randomly started moving around a little, now he's sitting quietly on his water cup

You don't know he is well yet. So I say NO for the full 30 days. It sounds like you may have a sick bird. What do you mean he has poo sitcking out of him. Is it stuck to his vent feathers?

Yea, I cleaned most of it off, there's still some there, he's sitting on his water container, and he looks really bored/tired

His head is down and his eyes are closed

Birds don't get "bored." It sounds like he may be sick. How long has he been acting like that.

Since I got him yesterday

Aren't new birds very still for the first weeks until they become more comfy with their new environment? I have heard someone on this forum say that new keets are like little keet statues for a while.

I took the water container out of the cage with him still on it, and he didn't fly away. When he saw Paris he flew right on her cage though, and I think Paris really wants him in. What should I do? They want to be in the same cage

There's more poop sticking in his backside too now

He's trying to find a way inside her cage..

I got him in his own cage, but poop is still sticking back there, and he's sitting on his food container(how I got him back in), but he won't eat and he hasn't eaten for hours

What should I do?

You have only had him for a day. Leave him alone, quite moving him around, quite putting him in the same room with Paris. Cover three sides and the top of his cage.

LEAVE HIM ALONE for at least 48 hours. Just make sure he has food and water available. Then leave him alone.

Is he acting fine? Try to describe the situation more. We can't help you if you don't give details on how he is acting.

He's in his cage, and I think he's trying to get the poop on him off, there's some on his beak..

Give him until tommorrow and if the poop is still there , than wipe it off with a damp paper towel.

I tried wiping it off earlier today, he doesn't let me, and now there's some on his beak

Edit:I think he's eating it

He should not be eating it. Does he have food? Is it the same type that he was eating at the petstore?? He should be able to clean it off by rubbing his beak on the perch.

He has food, but he always faces in the direction opposite, and he has a hard time moving through this cage since it's so small, that's why I want to move him in with Paris

The food was bought from the same store we bought him from

how small (give deminsions) is the cage he is in? If it is big enough for him to open his wings out then he will be OK for his period of adjustment.

He can open his wings, and he just went for food himself just now, only problem thing is he does it in a crazy way. He'll grab onto the top of the cage and walk to his food upside down, then, he doesn't know how to climb the side walls, so he'll just flip out and fly to the bottom. Then he manages to walk to the food, he has no trouble flying back to the top perch when he's done

Paris just climbs sideways to her food, I'm worried if I shift him over he might not know how to get to his food, and that cage is a lot higher

He looks healthy when he's going for food, but any other time he just sits there with his head down looking depressed..

He we all have our own styles. Just as long as he is eating, don't worry.

So he's cleaned himself, still some on his beak, why is he sitting in his cage depressed? He's not even moving his wings or anything, just sitting there motionless

I told you before, he is not depressed. He is adjusting to his new environment. He probably is ready for bed.

Has anyone but me noticed the length of this thread and G M seems to keep being a contributor to his own problems by NOT listening. You have more patience than me BLR bless your heart..

I have noticed that the thread is getting long. G M, I don't think there is something wrong with your bird. He is just a little nervous about his new home-normal. Next time if you get another keet, make sure you have a apropriate cage, even if it is temporary.

He's figured out how to get to his food, and he's sitting with his head up. He's still sitting there motionless though, no preening even. He still has poop getting stuck, why is this? He's eating the same food and drinking the same water as Paris, and she's fine

Edit:Just now he went to eat, and when he was finished and flew back, there were bits of feathers all over the food container. I've never seen this with Paris, a lot of you are saying he's fine and just tired, is he sick or not?

It sounds like he is moulting. This is not anything to worry about. If you look closly at his head, you will see little pin feathers, they look like he just needs to lay them down. This is a sure sign that his is moulting.

When you say bits of feathers all over, I am assuming they are down feathers. That would be just the little soft puffy feathers. That is quite normal with a moult.

Kenny, I am glad your new guy is getting to his food! That is progress. Do as everyone suggests and let him get to know his new home without worrying too much about him being a little keet statue. Your worrying might even be stressing him out!

He will come around when he feels safe. It could take weeks or months, as has been said. He is just a small creature in a big new situation, doing the best he can to figure out his life.

I don't know anything about the poop you ask about, but looking for signs of molting is great advice.

My new guy is fine now but Paris recently has been looking very sick, last night I went to change her food and when I came back she started to go to it as I was putting it in the cage (she usually waits till I leave), then as she was eating I took her out of the cage and she was still eating there not flying away, and I put some food on my bed and she hopped to it (she never sat on the floor/bed before)

She would even get on my finger but kept going for the food, and lately she's been looking really fat, and she doesn't move now or chirp to music or other birds even

I want to take her to a vet but my parents don't want to spend the money and they think she'll just get better, when she was on my finger last night, she also had this rotten smell

My past bird who died also was bloated looking had the same smell the day before he died, and he sat on the bottom of his cage. Paris is sitting on her perches still but she did go on my bed/carpet so I'm really worried right now

Is there something we can buy to put in her food/water that could make her better?

Also, her poop lately has been really hard to clean off, it hardens and sticks to the cage, and leaves stains on the perches now

Edit: Today she's sitting in her cage, not responding to food and she won't even move when I get my finger close to her

birds poop does stick when it dries it doesnt forever stay moist..also it will stain perches..thats all normal..
However i think its a bad practice to allow birds onto the floor for MANY reasons ..accidents and no telling what they will find on the floor to pick and eat..and besides there is too much in carpets to cause problems...so id keep her off the floor

Sorry to hear your bird isn't feeling well. You could try keeping your bird extra warm by putting a heating pad underneath half of the cage. Sometimes that works.

It really needs to go to the vet. You could always call a vet and see if you can get some advice or work out a payment plan.

Good Luck!

Kathy

I agree with cyberbud. I think it's time to bring Paris to the vet. It could be a tumor. Lisa has a lot of articles covering this here if you want to read up.