Help first time bird owner

Parakeets (budgies) are awesome! Having grown up with them, I can tell you that they're some of my favorite types of birds... and I've been around most domestic and exotic species. On average, they live between 5-8 years... Anyway, parakeets can be super friendly and playful (if they are socialized properly) and it's always a treat to hear them speak! They have a tendency to mimic particular words and phrases after a while-- it's hilarious!

As for food... I agree with Mygala in not being a fan of Hartz. We have always used fortified blends from Kaytee, like Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Parakeet Food and Kaytee Fiesta MAX Bird Food for Parakeets because fortified blends include fruits, nuts and veggies in addition to the types of seeds that parakeets like. I'm not sure how big their cage is, but I hope it's big enough for them to stretch their wings as well as move about from perch to perch. Otherwise, they might not get enough exercise to stay healthy. BTW, it's important that they receive plenty of physical and mental stimulation on a regular basis so that they don't get bored... so, be sure they have more than one perch as well as some toys (mirror, dangling toys, a swing and ladder) to keep them occupied. Boredom is NOT good for birds-- it not only stresses them out, but it lowers their immune system and causes them to become aggressive.

One more thing... Parakeets LOVE attention! Be sure to give them plenty of attention!

Good points about the cooking fumes. Don't use non-stick cookware if you have birds in the house. Look Here

No free flying. Indoor flying is dangerous. Never allow it. Clipping should always be done. I've seen folks whose birds have flown into windows, mirrors, toilets and pans on the oven. Birds are fragile, they can't stand impacts. If they live or fly outside and are accomplished flyers, they should fly. If they live indoors they don't have the skills to accelerate, stop and dodge the obstacles.
Some birds can adapt, but you are always risking death anytime a bird flies indoors. Why risk the birds life for something that is not necessary for it's survival. In the wild, birds don't fly for "fun". Food, Fear or Sex are their motivations. A well fed, confident bird will happily play with it's toys and not miss flight.

Going from one seed diet to another shouldn't be a problem as long are both are basically the same content. In the wild, changing locale or seasons can be causes for drastic changes in their diets. It happens and they adapt and survive well.

Budgies are hardy, flexible little birds that can adapt to a wide variety of homes. They can live a long time for such a little bird, don't risk all that needlessly.

Bob

It's not uncommon for some birds to guard the food bowl. It's usually solved by putting in more than one food container. That way she can't prevent him from eating.


It's possible she could injure him, but not likely. There are many possible stressors that could cause this behavior, egg laying/nesting is just one of them.


If they have not had cuttle bone before, or have been a long time without it, they can sometimes gorge themselves on it. She doesn't need that much to be healthy.


What you can do is offer it to them once or twice/day and then take it out again. You can also offer other treats, like Nutri-berries. Either of these might serve to distract her from the chasing behavior.



Bob