Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 8/18/2007

Question
QUESTION: I got two parakeets three days ago.  One has been eating as much as he can, while the other one has hardly eaten anything.  I know it will probably take a while for them to get used to our fingers, but it seems like they sleep all day in the cage.  Is that normal behavior for a parakeet?  Is there anything we can do to help them feel more comfortable and eat a little more?

ANSWER: Hi, Rebecca,

How old are your new keets?  Where did you get them from (pet store, individual, breeder)?  Are they tame or untame?

Usually, no, this is not normal behavior for a keet, but if you just got them, and depending on answers to the above questions, it could be that they are still stressed as a result of the move to your home.  Also, every bird's personality is different, which could help explain some of the behavior.  

Are you feeding these keets the same diet they were previously on?  If no, this could be one reason one isn't eating.  You should keep them on the exact same diet (same brand of food, etc.) and if a diet change is necessary, make the change gradually over a period of time once they settle down in their new environment.

Provide answers to the above questions and I'll see if I can provide more assistance.  Thanks.

Chrys

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How old are your new keets?  Where did you get them from (pet store, individual, breeder)?  Are they tame or untame?

One of the parakeets seems tobe fairly young, his nostrils are not quite a dark color yet.  The other parakeet is older, his nostrils are dark bluish purple and he is bigger.  I got them from a pet store and have been feeding them the same food and got a stick branch for them to sit on.  Last night, they started eating the sead, little by little.  The younger one seems to be showing the older one how to eat and what to do.  They seem to be a little tame.  They will come onto my finger when I nudge their bellies.  They like to come out and eat on the carpet.  I think they are doing better now.

Answer
Hi again, Rebecca.

Sounds like they are coming around slowly.  This is normal for birds that have moved to a new environment.  It just takes time.  If the younger bird still has black lines across its forehead, the bird is under about 3 months old.  Keep working with them each day and you'll likely end up with a couple of nice pet parrots!

Good luck with them and come back if you have other questions.

Chrys