Jul 28, 2019 7:08:17 GMT
feathers21
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 8
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Post by feathers21 on Jul 28, 2019 7:19:40 GMT
Hi, I am new here and have a 12 week old Budgie. I've had him for 2 days now and I know he will have to get used to his new surroundings and me. He is only eating millet and not his seed mix. Also I haven't seen him drink any water. I have placed some small bowls of seed in the bottom of his cage to encourage him to eat his seeds.Also I have put a piece of rinsed lettuce through the bars of his cage so he could get some moisture from this? and cucumber and a bit of apple. He is preening a lot and making little sounds and chirping a little, fluffing up.. I think he seems ok? Any advice would be most welcome. Many thanks.
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Post by samwiseg on Jul 28, 2019 7:46:10 GMT
HI and welcome feathers21 With any new bird, it is always scary being in a new environment! He has probably had a drink when you are not looking as birds are very wary when drinking as that is when a predator could get them. As for the seed, if you provide millet in there all the time he will favour that to the seed so it would be best if you removed that for th time being. What seed are you providing for him? Are you in the UK? The fresh foods are a great idea but maybe a little early to introduce as his stomach wont have settled yet from being new, plus it might seem rather intimidating all at once. It's ok though, all new budgie owners are worried that their bird wont eat or drink the first time! Just try to keep him calm by talking softly to him each time you pass the cage and blink regularly with him so he understands you're not a threat to him. He'll come round in the end! Keep us posted and let us know how you get on
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Jul 28, 2019 7:08:17 GMT
feathers21
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 8
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Post by feathers21 on Jul 28, 2019 8:20:58 GMT
Hi, Samwiseg, thank you so much for your reply. I am in the UK. The seeds I am feeding him are a regular seed mix from my Pet store. Would I be better off giving him a special mix? what would you suggest please. Is it normal that he preens a lot? (I just caught him having a sip of water) I have removed the fruit and lettuce and Millet. Fingers crossed he will eat some of the seed mix.
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Post by samwiseg on Jul 28, 2019 9:07:37 GMT
There are various types of budgie seed mixes available but as long as you use one that has been cleaned and has no additives with a selection of Canary Seed, White, Red & Panicum Millet Seed to name a few. Other members may come up with their recommendations due to their personal preferences. We use Johnston and JeffIf he is preening it is a good sign, he is probably trying to make himself feel more comfortable great you saw him drink too! Do you cover him at night time too? As this will help him settle - in this hot weather just a light sheet will do to make sure he has no discturbances. Have you decided on a name yet? What does he look like? Would love to see a picture once he is settled a bit more!
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Jul 28, 2019 7:08:17 GMT
feathers21
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 8
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Post by feathers21 on Jul 28, 2019 10:31:15 GMT
Thank you so much. He is white with a light blue collar around his neck and on his chest and tummy. Yes, I cover him with a light sheet at night. He's quite small and is having a little fly about in his cage. I bought the only cage size in the shop which is ok , but I have a much bigger cage coming tomorrow. I have also bought natural wood branches for his feet and enjoyment. I will certainly send some pics when he is settled in. He is climbing all over his cage at the moment and chirping so I guess he's happy?
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Post by Hezz on Jul 29, 2019 0:51:45 GMT
It does sound as though he is beginning to settle in. Some birds will take a day or two, some a week or two, depending on their overall character.
For fresh food, fruit and veg, you may have to experiment to find out how he will eat them - some like theirs finely chopped or grated and all mixed in together; others prefer a large chunk so that they can get their beak into it and throw bits around, so try grated in a bowl and chunks on something like a kebab stick. Just cut the very sharp tip off the stick so you don't have to worry about injuries to your bird. Concentrate on veg rather than fruits due to the higher sugar content, don't expect miracles, be prepared to waste a lot of food before you get it right, and be persistent about offering the fresh food until you see some success. If you can get hold of any seeding grass heads, pick them and offer these. This is their normal native food and most will identify with it.
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Jul 28, 2019 7:08:17 GMT
feathers21
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 8
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Post by feathers21 on Jul 29, 2019 20:29:03 GMT
Thank you for your reply The problem I'm having right now is he sits on top of the seed bowl attached to the cage and peddles his feet like mad and all the seeds are flying everywhere and he empties the seed bowl. He is only eating the millet spray. What do I do? He has a cuttlefish which he has nibbled at. I have put various toys and a ladder in for him but he is just 'playing' with his seeds.. I have tried him on a few veggies.. he's not interested yet..I have put a couple of small free standing bowls with seeds in them at the bottom of his cage.. same thing turfs them all out with his feet? I'm a bit concerned he will not be eating enough of the right foods.. can someone advise please.I have ordered a food dispenser in the hopes he will eat the seeds as he cannot scatter them all over the place. Any advice would be great.Thanks.
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Post by helenmat on Jul 29, 2019 21:45:33 GMT
You have done the right thing getting a dispenser. My birds have always had their pots on the ground because that’s where my breeder had them and I’ve always done the same but I am very careful not to put them anywhere they could get contaminated. My birds have never paddled in their bowls but if yours is then you will be better with something higher up. It’s early days though and I’m sure your bird will settle down.
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Post by Hezz on Jul 30, 2019 7:20:54 GMT
It is a very common trait of the young birds, to burrow into their seed pot and sit. Take out the millet spray, there is millet in the seed mix, and use the sprays for training only. Continue offering the veg, make sure there is plenty of seed in the pot, blow off the husks every day to make sure there is plenty still left in the pot. Take your time, he won't starve or become malnourised over the short term.
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Jul 28, 2019 7:08:17 GMT
feathers21
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 8
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Post by feathers21 on Jul 30, 2019 7:58:18 GMT
Thank you so
Thank you so much for your help.Much appreciated.
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