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Birds--General/My Bird Won't Eat!

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Expert: - 11/13/2006


Question
I just got a new bird from PetsMart today and I got the cage all set up and everything, but she won't eat! Please help!

Answer
Hi, Charlotte.  Thanks for posting!

This is perfectly normal for a bird that has just moved to a new home.  Give the bird some time to get used to being moved.  If s/he still doesn't eat after a day or two, let me know.  Depending on the individual bird, it can take several weeks for a bird who has been moved to become comfortable in it's new environment.  However, it should eat within a day or so of it's move, but might not be too crazy about interacting with you right away.  

Be sure to keep the bird on the same diet it was on at the pet store.  If the pet store was feeding a poor diet (seed only), you can gradually convert the bird to a more healthy diet once the bird has settled down in it's new environment.

I have a website that has a lot of general information about parrots if you want to visit:

http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html

Come back with any questions.

Chrys

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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