My parakeet isn't playing with her toys?

Question

Hi i got my parakeet 2 months ago and she hasnt played with any of the toys i bought her. She has settled in fine otherwise. she even asks me to scratch her head for her. But she doesn't seem to want to play with her toys and most of the time she just sits and grooms herself. At the petstore she was the most active bird in the whole lot and was constantly playing with a set of balls. I have an exact replica of this toy in her cage but she shows no interest in it whatsoever? Is this normal? Is there anything i can do?

hi she see preens regularly but its not like she does it all the time she seems happy and likes to play with me but just not with her toys and yes she has a light cage cover at night she does NOT have mites im jus wondering if i shud worry if she doesnt play with her toys and the toy i have is the same one that she played with at the store so i dont know wuts up with that...otherwise i spend at least a couple hours with her so i think thats enough? thanks for trying to help though

Answer 1

Birds can be quite fickle when it comes to their toys. They don't like to play with the same toy all of the time, which is probably your problem. Try giving her another couple of toys to play with. Also, I have found that birds like to play more with inexpensive things such as a strip of leather than with store-bought toys.

Answer 2

If your bird is preening ALL the time,there could be a problem. Is she moulting? If so,you should give your bird a tonic,as when moulting, they are susceptible to other diseases at that time.Your bird may also have mites. If she is NOT moulting,when covering her up at night,place a CLEAN WHITE cloth over her cage. In the morning, check the cloth on the side facing her cage. Evidence of mites, will show.That being the case you will need to get her treated.Make sure your birds cage is in a brightly lit area,but not in sun,keeping her out of draughts.Sudden changes in temperatures will cause your bird to moult frequently.Try not to put too many toy's in her cage,she will be overwhelmed. Two at most, Change them every couple of day's to keep her interest going.Hope she makes some improvement,if not,it may be worth getting a vet to look at her. Good luck,hope all goes well.

Answer 3

There are a few causes for decreased play activity. She may still be adjusting. There may not be enough light for her to see well; birds need it very bright. You may not have found toys that she likes. Her cage may be located in a spot that she is uncomfortable. Her cage may be too small. Or, she could be sick. since you have had her for a short time, you will want to take her to be seen by an avian veterinarian to be sure this is not a medical problem, first, then adjust her environment and see hos she does in the next month or so.

Dr B
____________________________
Greg Burkett DVM
Board Certified Avian Veterinarian
The Birdie Boutique Inc - A Parrot Lover's Paradise
Shop at http://www.birdieboutique.com for the best bird supplies and bird care information
Call toll free 888-442-8426
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Answer 4

You need to give attention, to take care of it, to make time for it. If you want, you can leave it out of the cage (as I did ). I don't know what kind of parrot you have, because I had a cockatoo. You need to buy another parrot so he/she can socialize and have someone like it (!!different sex, same type of bird!!). Or try to buy the toy from the store. Speak calm with it and, please.. take care. I hope my advice will help you. Put heart in what you do.
My bird wasn't naughty, but take care at the windows (make sure it doesn't' t flays)

Answer 5

Birds will play with toys when they are bored. Yours has you to play with now. She has bonded to you, not toys. Nothing to worry about. Just love the little girl.

Answer 6

ah put a cat in the cage the little guy will immediately react and will start to sing the blues have same problem here