* Pet Bird Chat * NEW

[Pyjaks]

Username: Emufasa
How many birds do you own? ( if applicable ): None at the moment
How long have you had them?: N/a
What brings you to the bird chat?: Just for future reference, and i've also previously owned birds.

A bird shop has opened up several years ago, and my family is considering getting a budgie. My question is, at the shop they sell budges for roughly 30-40 AU dollars, however there is a small cage full of runt budgies that go for 10 dollars. I'd love to rescue a runt bird, but will it just have health problems later on? Is it better to get a normal bird? The runts do seem to be in good condition.

What do you mean by bird shop? Is it like a commercial pet store or is it owned by a reputable breeder?

[bergamot.]

Okay, this may be considered as posting too much, but I have a few questions considering my new budgies.

They haven't seemed to be eating or drinking, I did manage to get them to eat a bit of spray millet but they haven't touched their water or food. I've tried making little splashes in their bowl and dipping my finger in the water and holding it up to them, but they're not interested.

Also, I've read that dandelion greens are supposed to be good for budgies? Has anyone heard anything about that before?

[Pyjaks]

Okay, this may be considered as posting too much, but I have a few questions considering my new budgies.

They haven't seemed to be eating or drinking, I did manage to get them to eat a bit of spray millet but they haven't touched their water or food. I've tried making little splashes in their bowl and dipping my finger in the water and holding it up to them, but they're not interested.

Also, I've read that dandelion greens are supposed to be good for budgies? Has anyone heard anything about that before?

I haven't owned budgies in almost ten years so I can't answer specifically for them, but many birds go through a period of not eating or drinking when they're introduced to a new home. I would continue to give them some space and see if they perk up over the next few days. It might just be a case of they're still frightened and stressed about changing environments, and they need some time to adjust. however, if it's been a few days and they still don't seem interested, it might be time to call a vet.

Additionally, did you get the budgies from the same person you were bringing up earlier? They didn't seem trustworthy at all and there's always a chance they could have sold you a sick bird D: I wouldn't jump to that conclusion yet though, like I said its common for birds to be slow to adjust to their new homes!

Your little guys are beautiful, by the way :)

[bergamot.]

Okay, this may be considered as posting too much, but I have a few questions considering my new budgies.

They haven't seemed to be eating or drinking, I did manage to get them to eat a bit of spray millet but they haven't touched their water or food. I've tried making little splashes in their bowl and dipping my finger in the water and holding it up to them, but they're not interested.

Also, I've read that dandelion greens are supposed to be good for budgies? Has anyone heard anything about that before?

I haven't owned budgies in almost ten years so I can't answer specifically for them, but many birds go through a period of not eating or drinking when they're introduced to a new home. I would continue to give them some space and see if they perk up over the next few days. It might just be a case of they're still frightened and stressed about changing environments, and they need some time to adjust. however, if it's been a few days and they still don't seem interested, it might be time to call a vet.

Additionally, did you get the budgies from the same person you were bringing up earlier? They didn't seem trustworthy at all and there's always a chance they could have sold you a sick bird D: I wouldn't jump to that conclusion yet though, like I said its common for birds to be slow to adjust to their new homes!

Your little guys are beautiful, by the way

I got these two from the local pet store, which has quite a reputation for the quality and health of their animals, I decided not to risk bringing a sick bird into my home. They just started eating their food, so I think they're feeling more comfortable. I have yet to see them drink, but I been encouraging them.
Thanks for being so helpful!

[Alamire]

A bird shop has opened up several years ago, and my family is considering getting a budgie. My question is, at the shop they sell budges for roughly 30-40 AU dollars, however there is a small cage full of runt budgies that go for 10 dollars. I'd love to rescue a runt bird, but will it just have health problems later on? Is it better to get a normal bird? The runts do seem to be in good condition.

What do you mean by bird shop? Is it like a commercial pet store or is it owned by a reputable breeder?

I believe it's a family-owned specialised pet store. All the birds seem to be in good condition and have decent cage space.

[zoomzoombadaboom]

I'm really frustrated. My budgies Winter and Lemon Pepper are so afraid of me, I can hardly clean their cage without giving them panic attacks. They barely trust me. Their cage is really boring because they've pretty much destroyed their current toys and I've had to remove a couple things yet have been unable to install anything new. I feel like I have to be really careful because I'm trying to make it as easy on them as I can and I don't want to risk them freaking out and escaping their cage, because we have cats and the room they're in has no doors or protection. What can I do?
Also, why do they keep picking up and dropping anything they can - food dishes, swings, ladders, etc? It's really irritating because it makes a lot of noise and then I have to reach in the cage to pick it up, scaring them in the process. I feel like a horrible pet owner and it makes me hate myself.

[Polly44]

I'm really frustrated. My budgies Winter and Lemon Pepper are so afraid of me, I can hardly clean their cage without giving them panic attacks. They barely trust me. Their cage is really boring because they've pretty much destroyed their current toys and I've had to remove a couple things yet have been unable to install anything new. I feel like I have to be really careful because I'm trying to make it as easy on them as I can and I don't want to risk them freaking out and escaping their cage, because we have cats and the room they're in has no doors or protection. What can I do?
Also, why do they keep picking up and dropping anything they can - food dishes, swings, ladders, etc? It's really irritating because it makes a lot of noise and then I have to reach in the cage to pick it up, scaring them in the process. I feel like a horrible pet owner and it makes me hate myself.

How long have you had them? And what are you doing with them?? As in are you standing by the cage for a good few minutes every day, talking to them, offering them food....stuff like that. We did that kind of thing with the Rosella's and it definately got us somewhere. It could also be that you just have a difficult pair, not every bird is going to accept you so easily, they are all different. Some take days, and some can take ages.
When we first got the Rosella's they weren't exactly thrilled with us cleaning them out and installing new toys, they did freak out- they are birds and naturally wary and there is little you can do beyond being careful not to do anything too dramatic, but they will get used to it. It will take time. At first Scarlet and Cobalt (the Rosella's) wouldn't go near anything mum put in the cage for ages. Now they go see what it is almost as soon as it's in the cage. xD

I've found a lot of birds like picking things up and dropping them- i think it amuses them and they find it fun! My mums Crimson Rosella's do it all the time and a lot of the birds at the pet shop i work in do it as well. I've left the stick of a bird treat in the budgie cage as i've seen many of them tossing it about and playing with it. I wouldn't pick it up all the time to be honest, especially if they don't like it. Half the time my mums Rosella's have a load of toys on the floor as they have chucked them all down there. xD

[bergamot.]

My budgies are doing well, but I think they need some more toys/perches! Does anyone have any suggestions for good cage additions for these lil guys?

[Pyjaks]

My budgies are doing well, but I think they need some more toys/perches! Does anyone have any suggestions for good cage additions for these lil guys?

I'm glad to hear they're doing well :D I guess they started eating then?
As for toys, what do you already have? I think the best thing to keep in mind while buying cage additions is that most birds love variety. Having different types of toys is stimulating to them and keeps them entertained. Have you tried a foraging toy maybe?

[bergamot.]

My budgies are doing well, but I think they need some more toys/perches! Does anyone have any suggestions for good cage additions for these lil guys?

I'm glad to hear they're doing well I guess they started eating then?
As for toys, what do you already have? I think the best thing to keep in mind while buying cage additions is that most birds love variety. Having different types of toys is stimulating to them and keeps them entertained. Have you tried a foraging toy maybe?

Yes, they are eating quite well : )
I currently have two swings, a pedi perch, wooden perch, rope boing, linking plastic rings, and a few mirrors. Because their cage is pretty roomy, I feel like I should add a few more perches, and maybe a ladder or two?
Also, these guys love to poke around to find food, so I think a foraging toy would definitely be good!
Thanks!