do parakeets like to be coverd at night?

Question

i just bought two babie parakeets and wasn't sure if they like their cage covered at night. how long does it take to hand train them after you bring them home from the pet store? and do they like to have their cage covered at night?

Answer 1

My dad used to breed parakeets. Covering the cage at night is important, especially if you stay up late. It helps the birds stay in rhythem with a normal day/night schedule. They can be pretty stuborn birds so it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to finally get them hand trained.

Answer 2

Keets need 10-12 hours of sleep a night. The sheet or blanket keeps them warm, and in nature, they sleep in trees because its dark and a safe place...You want to create that effect with your budgie. Creating a safe place for them to sleep is important. Make it a dark, warm, quiet place. However if its too quiet, they will think that there is a predator, and they will be nervous and not sleep....if youre awake, and the tv is on, its good...when you go to bed, put a radio on very very low by the cage, so it has a LITTLE noise to comfort them.
As to hand training, it might take a while. What i would suggest, is puttin your hand in the cage and just let it sit there...do this for about a week....when that is done, move your hand a little closer each day...Eventually your bird will know your hand or finger is 'safe' and will step up on it. When it gets close enough, say UP, and they will step up onto it. Make sure you tell them that they are a good boy or girl, and talk softly to them while doing it. Eventually, you will be able to put your finger up, and say UP and when they are across the room, they will come to you.

Answer 3

We never recommend covering up bird's cages. The main reason is because when it is dark in their cage and if something was to scare them out of their sleep and they can't see what it was they can go into a panic and have what is called "Night Fright" and that can cause birds to get injured or even die from "Night Fright"
Leaving on a low light nightlight will not interfer the Bird's sleeping pattern but will prevent "night Fright"


Sapphyre
Certified Avian Specialist
http://www.borrowed-rainbow.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BorrowedRainbowAviary/

Answer 4

yes it is ok if you cover their cage at night because it makes them safe.once you put your parakeets in a place where no draf of wind can get them,you could start walking slowly by their cage to get them use to people around them.
them just sit by their cage and talk to them so they get used to your voice.next you should start to stick a thin stick in to the cage to get them use to you putting your finger in the cage.(you might want to keep the 2 birds in seprate cages so you can train them earier.they get wild if they are together.)
this all should take a 3-4 day prosess.finall they should be ready to be held.once they are on your finger,spend some time with them for at lease 1 hour.then your parakeets should be finger trained.
enjoy!!
P.S.IF THE PARAKEETS ARE NEAR A PLACE WHERE A DRAFT CAN GET IN TO THE CAGE,THEY MIGHT GET A BAD COLD!!

Answer 5

it depends on the individual bird. from my own experience they are prone to night terrors. they may need a night light instead of a blanket.

Answer 6

yes, not only does it keep the light out, it also keeps it warm and safe feeling for them. they are affected by drafts that we can hardly feel, so the cover keeps that out to.