am i stupid???

[dallas]

bert arrived today --- iv'e given myself a headache going around the subjects on here, as i really do want to do the very best for bertie. i've made him his tea of grated egg and carrot, which he ignored.
could someone please tell me (apart from seed, millet, snacks & fruit) what else i really must have on hand for food and also in case of health emergencies? i've read about guardian angel? oyster grit? but right now its going round my head. i would be grateful for a list of what i need to get in.
also bert is having --what can only be described --- as a darn good scratch under his armpits and around there, is he having a wash & brush up? or is there something i need to start worrying about? think i need to stop stressing over him and enjoy him, but im desperate that he has the best life possible.

[Bird Junky]

Hi Is this what you want???

B;J's. BRINGING HOME THE NEW BABY (BIRD)


This program has been written so that any new bird owner following it, will be able to bond with any bird be it part tame or a wild aviary bred bird. The only difference will be that the wild bird will need a little more time to achieve the same level of success

Your birds future home should be made ready. In the cage provide a basic seed mix, water, iodine block & cuttlebone. To prevent further upset to an already stressed fearful new bird.
The preferred type of both water & seed containers are the tube type, which can be refilled without opening the cage door.
A minimum of half the cage should be covered with a dark towel. This will help your new bird bird to settle down & get used to his new surroundings.
Birds also prefer a cage against a wall or better still in a corner of a room.
A treat food is anything edible that the bird really enjoys other than the normal basic seed diet.
After a few days your bird should be ready to take a treat food from your fingers through the bars. When your bird is happy to eat treats from your fingers.
Then you can move on to feeding him by hand inside the cage. When feeding inside the cage use a hanky fixed to the bar above the door with two clothes pegs to act as a safety curtain to prevent your bird escaping via the open door.

Offer him a favourite treat food by holding a small piece between your finger & thumb so your bird can reach it. If he appears in anyway disturbed. Remove your hand & allow him to calm down.
Re-offer the treat, hold your hand still so he can eat. Remember offer it don't try to force it on them. If he doesn't eat withdraw & try again later, repeat until he eats.
Keep trying, offer him different small treats as often as you can over the next few days. Your aim is to build up a strong bond of friendship & trust.
After a day or two of successful hand feeding. Your bird should be ready for step-up........B.J.

[stace]

Dallas. Just to add to what BJ has said. If you have a camera, get some practice in taking good clear pics. It's really handy for forum members to see good clear pictures of your bird and your set-up to critique (in a helpful way of course). If there is an issue, we can point out any bad toys, better ways to organise your cage, and so on.

[Deleted]

great post BJ..... ..

[Hezz]

My guess re the scratching is that Bertie is simply setting himself straight after his move. Feathers take a lot of looking after to stay beautiful, and most of our birds do want to look beautiful!

Regarding veggies and the like, Bertie may never have had these offered to him before. If this is the case, it could take him quite some time before he shows them any interest. And just because he rejects one thing one day doesn't mean he will do the same the next time you offer it. Most budgies will take to veggies before they will fruit, with the exception of apple - most budgies don't mind a piece of apple.

The best treat to have on hand is millet - it comes the way it grows; no additives, preservatives etc to watch for. Seed treats are often held together with some sort of sugar/honey so really should be limited.

You need something that Bertie can safely chew away on. I use bark but I realise that may not be an option for you. I hesitate to recommend anything else. Other UK members can perhaps help you out there.

If in the rare instance you, or rather Bertie, has a bleed there are two things that you probably already have in the house that can be applied - cornflour or a soft cake of soap. If the cake of soap is slightly soggy from the water not draining properly, this is good.

And don't forget to get Bertie out for his 15 minutes of sun each day.