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Post by nicolerussell on May 3, 2005 14:18:52 GMT -5
we just got a little parakeet named Patrick. It's our first bird. Any other bird people out there with any advice?
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Post by Marie on May 3, 2005 14:32:58 GMT -5
 Nicole Congratulations on you new addition.  Sorry I have no experience with birds. I haven't owned one since I was little. I made the mistake of letting my sister's little terrier in and that ended that. Haven't really cared for small dogs since. When you not too busy, you could post some pictures. We loved to see Patrick. This would be a good place to show him off. Marie
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Post by Patrick Kubeja on May 3, 2005 15:21:34 GMT -5
Hey Nicole Congrate's on the new bird  Matt has Parrots he may be able to help you but I still believe his computer is still down  |
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Post by nicolerussell on May 3, 2005 16:44:57 GMT -5
just got nipped by the little bird. He was fine on my finger until I tried to remove him from the cage...then he tagged me |
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Post by Patrick Kubeja on May 3, 2005 19:32:35 GMT -5
Is the Bird alright LOL!!!! Just Kidding I hope it wasn't that bad |
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Post by ChamZilla on May 3, 2005 23:08:13 GMT -5
Hey there, I did have a parekeet named Charlie. He was the best! He was white with blue undertones. But not at all friendly with your fingers! But if you were doing homework or drawing he was quick to come and sit on your book and watch what was going on. Or attacking your pencil or pen! He was hilarious. Just take your time with them and make sure his cage is kept clean every day. They tend to be messy. They like to pick at stuff like moulding around the window or an antique picture mirror that your grandma gave you. Wall paper. All kinds of wonderful stuff! And make sure that there temperature doesn't change too drastically or they will die. Mites are problems with some birds. Mine got them and I turned allergic to my bird after that I got weird bites all over or hives or something. So keep him clean Mite rings also help. You put them on the cage. They are very social birds and don't like to be put somewhere private, they love to look outside and have human interaction. Mine wasn't the jump on your finger type. He was the let myself out of the cage and stay in my room type bird. He also chased the cats around the house on foot. Which was odd. They will use baths but most of them prefer light misting. Clean water and a good quality food is a must. Cage paper is great but don't use too much gravel. Can make them sick. Some don't even use it with them and they are fine. They also love to use there own wings, but remember they are birds and most birds don't get the concept of glass. Expecially clean glass. Well I hope this helped, Oh and with the biting, you can tap them on the beak and say "NO" when they bite. Even though sometimes you want to rip there head off for biting you under the cutacle or under teh fingernail. But patience and repetition are key with birds Good luck! |
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Post by nicolerussell on May 4, 2005 14:48:54 GMT -5
thanks alot! I just used a pencil instead of my finger and it seemed to help---little buggers have sharp beaks!
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Post by Steven on May 4, 2005 17:32:28 GMT -5
aw, thats cool!
I actually used to breed/keep many parakeets. It was alot of fun but MESSY! they poop almost every second! haha. They would come out and free roam most of the day and so alot of stuff got chewed up, lol.
But they are really great!
I now just have a Nanday Conure(small parrot) that needs LOTS of attention, haha.
Thats a big thing with birds, they want attention!
Chamzilla covered mostly all of it! So that was good! They really like people food, like chicken and noodles and stuff like that.
My conure loves cherios in the morning, thats his favorite, he will also get fruit and stuff as well.
The biggest thing is keeping their cage and water/food bowels clean. I'm sure you will do great with it!
Have fun!
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Post by nicolerussell on May 4, 2005 18:15:20 GMT -5
I'm assuming he's a he based on what the guy in the petshop told me---I haven't bought an animal in a petshop for 100 years! But he said he could tell a little about the sex but their were no real gaurantees until he gets older.
Do they take food from your hand at any point?
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Post by Steven on May 4, 2005 19:33:35 GMT -5
Yeah, they will take food/treats from your hand, they might do it righty away or with time. You can also teach them how to talk or do tricks(also with time!). When you go into the room everyday just say hello, and look at him and interact with him and he may start repeating you. It takes longer with parakeets. My friend has one the will mimic the telephone and they will actually get up to get it and realize it was the phone, lol.
They are alot of fun!
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Post by ChamZilla on May 4, 2005 23:52:34 GMT -5
I agree with the last post also They are great little birds and can be a lot of fun and very intelligent IF you spend a lot of time with them. Also what helps them to pick stuff up is let them watch the cartoon channel or something when your not home and they will pick up repetitave words off there. Or what ever channel you want, I just wouldn't want them watching some nasty channels or anything. Could be embarissing for you. Also if you do put him outside in the summer as some people think that birds love it outside. DON"T put them in direct sunlight with no shade. This could cause them to overheat. Also they like to pick at screens so they sometimes escape! Good luck and I'd love to see some pics! Stephanie |
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Post by nicolerussell on May 5, 2005 4:22:19 GMT -5
wow I really had no idea they could do all those things. I really hope mine is as much fun as all yours have been |
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Nicole
Matt has Parrots he may be able to help you but I still believe his computer is still down 
