I bought a 6 month old male cockatiel and I am worried because I havent seen him eat and drink yet. I have now had him for one night.
2007-01-13 20:45:19 · 7 answers · asked by michelle l 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
He needs time to get comfortable in his new surroundings. He's probably nervous and shy. Also, make sure you're giving him the exact same food that he was receiving wherever you got him from. Another trick is to get spray millet and offer it to him hanging on the bars or in the food bowl. It's a commonly loved treat and most birds go crazy for it.
Also, if he came from a place where he was with many other birds, he's not used to being alone. Sit by his cage, talk to him, and best yet, eat in front of him. It will be encouraging for him to eat.
Depending on where you got him, how reputable the place is, he may also be sick (large chain pet stores care less about the animal's health and more about profit). Or he may have eaten when you weren't watching.
Give it some time.
2007-01-14 04:22:38 · answer #1 · answered by PinkDagger 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you offering the same food as he had before? A bird that has been eating seed cant suddenly get offered pellets he wont know that this is food. A bird that is new and shy wont eat in front of you. You will know if he ate by what is missing from the dish. Offer also some fresh fruit or veggies if this bird was properly fed he will not recognise seeds and pelltes. As the other person said dont try handle the bird untill he loses he fear of you. If the bird is going to the furthest corner of the cage when you get near this is a sign that he is real scared. You can also cover 3 sides of the cage to make him feel safer if he is very scared.
2007-01-13 21:24:31 · answer #2 · answered by Angie C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When we first brought our cockatiel home, it took about a day before he would eat. They need to get use to their environments. Mine won't stop eating now. I was actually quite worried about mine cause I never saw him drink. However, they can go a day or two without water as they are getting a bit of water from their seeds. You will be able to tell if he isn't drinking with his attitude. Good luck and enjoy him!!!
2007-01-14 15:43:58 · answer #3 · answered by belle_rufus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since he is a flock bird, pretend to eat his food in front of him and be enthusiastic. He will then explore his food. Use a pellet food with10% seed and 10-20% fresh fruit and veggies. This guards against malnutrition from all seed diets.He should come around. Have a tweet year.
2007-01-13 22:40:33 · answer #4 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine ate as soon as he came to live with us. But then he had been starved and not kept well at the last place he was. I suppose it takes a couple of days to settle down. Maybe he is eating a little but you havent seen it. Give him a couple of days and then phone a vet for advice.
2007-01-13 20:50:38 · answer #5 · answered by jeanimus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your bird will be fine, he has been moved to new home and it is strange to him.
just put the food and water in the cage, he will eat when ready, it will take him time settle down.
you should see him eating, with in a couple of days.
just speak to him quietly, and he will come around. i would suggest you do not try to handle him until he is eating well, then just get him use to your hand in the cage, before taking it further
2007-01-13 21:00:32 · answer #6 · answered by DARLENE C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps the bird is shy and self-conscious when eating?
2007-01-13 22:23:51 · answer #7 · answered by Spotty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋