Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 4/29/2007

Question
I just got 2 parakeets today.  The sign in the store had said that they are babies.  The last time I've had parakeets were some years ago, and I forgot to ask how old they were.  One of them feels comfortable enough to sit on my finger while my hand is in the cage..the other is still skittish which is understandable considering I had just purchased them that day.  I'm just curious when they will feel comfortable enough to eat/drink.  They have not yet gone near their food/water.  I also have Millet, a honey nut treat, and a Strawberry Vitaman thing (came with the cage) hanging up, so food is made available everywhere and they seem uninterested.  How long until they will feel comfortable enough to eat/drink?

Answer
Hi, Brooke.

It depends.  Are these birds weaned?  Right now, these birds are stressed out from the move, so they don't want to eat/drink.  However, I'm sure they'll come around in the next day or so.  Be sure you have them on the same diet they were on at the store...if you want to change their diet, you need to do so gradually.  If you've changed their diet, they may not recognize what you're giving them as food and not eat it (or they may not like new food and not eat it).

Chrys