I got him (or her) about 2 weeks ago from a pet store. He eats a lot, but I dont see him drink much. He doesn't play with his bell and swing. The only sound he makes is the same chirping sound. And lastly, I been following the hand training guides, and he doesn't seem to be getting used to it. Whats wrong with him? or am I doing something wrong?
2007-03-13 12:03:02 · 6 answers · asked by davey 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Hi! First of all, I suggest taking him to an avian certified vet (find one near you here: www.aav.org/vet-lookup ) to get a well-bird check up and make sure everything is okay. That's great that he eats. Does he eat seeds? I suggest converting him to a formulated diet with a good pellet (like Roudybush, Kaytee etc.) with plenty of fresh veggies and fruits (never give him onions, avacoados, dairy products, sugar, alcohol, caffiene etc.) Does he drink from a water bottle or cup? I'm sure he does drink, probably when you're not watching him. As for the toys, my bird was like that too, but you kind of need to demonstrate how to play with it. Just make it look like you are having so much fun messing around with his little toys. You are now his flock, so whatever you do, he'll want to do too! The hand training takes a while. How have you been starting? Hopefully, it sounds something like this: stick your hand in his cage to let him get used to you. you can hold a treat in your hand to encourage him to come over. if he does come over, you don't move or do anything to startle him. just teach that hands are a good thing and are not something to be scared of. if he has passed this stange, then you should start getting him on your finger. you start by pushing your finger on his belly so that he looses balance and steps onto your finger to stay upright. then, you life your finger up and he should step onto your finger. while he does that, say "step up" or whatever command you want and praise a looot and give him a treat. keep sessions short and sweet.
the sounds he's making means he's hungry, wants attention, or he's using a "contact call" to see where you are and if you're alive (in the wild, they would do that) now, you're his flock, the only one he has, so you are a source of entertainment and socialization. just answer him back or make sure he has enough food/water and give him some attention. it helps in the beginning if you read out loud to him to let him get used to your voice. i highly, highly suggest you subscribe to BIRD TALK, a great magazine about pet birds and their care. they always have something thats great to read! anyway, hope this helps and good luck!
2007-03-13 14:40:23 · answer #1 · answered by p_snickerdoodle@sbcglobal.net 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure your bird is drinking, he wouldn't still be alive if not!
He may not like the swing, some birds don't, and he may not know how to play yet, some birds have to be taught. When he chirps, he is probably looking for the other members of his "flock", so whistle back to him. Something that you don't mind hearing repeated because he will probably learn to memic it.
With the finger training, it takes persistance. Remember to give him a treat or praise when he does it right. It will take time. A great treat for doing something right is a piece of unbuttered, unsalted popcorn. You can hold it while he eats it.
He sounds like a perfectly normal bird.
2007-03-13 12:11:04 · answer #2 · answered by Christie D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds all pretty normal to me. If your bird wasn't drinking water he'd be dead by now. As far as hand training goes, it takes a long time. Be patient. It could take you weeks. Birds play with their toys on and off during the day. You may not see him doing it so unless you are in the room with him 24/7 I wouldn't worry about it. As far as the chirping goes, what noise were you expecting?
2007-03-13 12:13:02 · answer #3 · answered by 2Jaded 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
some birds are just take more time to adjust, in a few months i'm sure his behaviour will change, taming a budgie just takes time and A LOT of patience, just NEVER take your frustration out on a little bird.
also, budgies in the wild can go days without drinking water because of the dry climate they live in
2007-03-13 13:02:51 · answer #4 · answered by Mel 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its normal
2007-03-13 12:47:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO YOUR NOT I HAVE BIRD TO THEY NOT DRINK MUCH.I HAVE BEEN TRAING MY BIRD TO. BUT IT DOES NOT WORK.
2007-03-13 12:08:45 · answer #6 · answered by javier g 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋