Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 10/20/2007

Question
I have one male and one female parakeet living in one cage. Lately however, my female bird will poop A LOT in her water bowl the minute I change the water. The minute I place the fresh water in her cage, she'll perch over it and dump a lot into it every time. She has never done this before. Is she perhaps wanting to make a nest or something??? I have no idea! I'm just throwing out guesses.

Answer
Hi, Shaunna,

I don't know either...I need more information about your birds and the situation.  It might just be coincidence she is pooping in the water dish when you put it in.  Try locating the water dish somewhere else and see what happens.  Ensure the water dish is situated higher than the birds perch so they don't defecate in it.  You might also want to try converting your birds to a water bottle, which is healthier for them, and they can't poop in a water bottle.  I don't think she's wanting to make a nest, unless your pair is pair-bonded and you've seen them mating.

Chrys