Hello from another Newbie!

[maz]

Hi - I'm Maz, short for Marion (thought I'd better not confuse myself with Marianne!) and I lost my last budgie, Ollie, in January. Yesterday hubby and I finally took the plunge and bought a pair of new ones after popping into the local garden centre-cum-pet shop several times to see when they had youngsters in. As yet they are unnamed and I don't want to alarm them by trying to photograph them just yet, but I'll post pics as soon as I can. I think they are clearflight pieds, both green but different shades, but am no expert in all these mutations (I used your guide to hazard a guess!) They're both pretty young - still have most of their head bars.
They've been very quiet since we brought them home yesterday evening, which is understandable, but I'm wondering how long they can go without eating? I put food and water in containers on the floor for them as well as in the usual hoppers attached to the bars, but they're not going anywhere near them yet! Any suggestions?

[BudgiesBuddy]

Hi Marion

Welcome to forum.

Sounds like you have very beautiful budgies. Budgies cannot go long with eating so they will soon be nibbling on some food. You have done right by providing them with food in more than one place.

After the change of place and cage etc, the budgies are always stressed, at least for 48 hours.

[maz]

Thanks, that's reassuring!

[stace]

A couple of things to try. Perhaps string up a piece of millet and see if they try that. Cover three sides of their cage, so they don't feel so exposed. It might make them feel a little safer in their new environment. And maybe play them some happy budgie sounds and see if the noise of a flock makes them feel more at home.

But like BB said. It takes them a few days to settle in to a new environment.

[barrieshutt]

Morning Marion and welcome to the forum

[Marianne Marlow]

Welcome to the forum.

You might want to sprinkle some seed on the floor of their cage, it might encourage them to eat and then find the seed pots

[juju]

hi Marion, I bought my budgie home at 10.30am and she didnt eat till 8pm the following evening but is now eating really well, I know how you feel though, I was really worried, look forward to seeing photos of your budgies

[maz]

Thanks everyone - they are giving the odd tweet now but still not interested in food though some is on the floor. I know it's early yet.
We did keep the cage semi-covered to begin with but I think they're OK with it uncovered now. It even took a while before they acknowledged each other!
And feel free to call me Maz - it's shorter! ;D

[Hezz]

Welcome, Maz. Lets see some photos of your newies when they settle a little.