You are here:
- Home
- Animals/Pets
- Pet Birds
- Birds--General
- Parrotlets
Birds--General/Parrotlets
Advertisement
Question
We saw some parrotlets at a pet store where you can reach down into the open cage and they will rush to jump on your hand. We fell in love with them ( we already have a cockatiel for 5 years now ) but when we went to purchase/ adopt one, they were different babies and were in a cage. She seemed not too friendly, but we figured it was because she was in a cage... We brought her home and she is slowly adjusting, has stopped biting, but two things concern us. She doesn't seem very active ( she's not sick ) she seems to like to sit on her swing and watch us, or sleep. She plays occasionally. Also, she won't eat anything but millet, except a few times she has eaten the seeds on top of the playpen. She rarely takes any treats from us, and if she does, it's very little- a few half hearted nibbles. Is this normal? Is she still adjusting? It's been 1 1/2 weeks.
Hi, Carol. Thanks for posting!
1 1/2 weeks isn't really that long. Some birds adjust quickly, other don't. Moving to a new home is very stressful for a bird...she most likely just needs more time to get used to her new environment and her new people. The stress is why she's not very active...most likely why she's not eating much, too. However, be sure you are offering her the same food she was eating at the pet store. She needs to be on a more healthy diet, but don't change this until after she's adjusted. Changing her diet will be stressful, too. Take one step at a time with her and do so at her pace. Also, there's another bird in the house she's going to have to get used to. She just needs more time I believe!
Chrys
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you, I feel better about her now. We were quite worried that we should have waited 4-5 weeks for a baby instead. We'll be patient. She is a sweetie. | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
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.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.