Dogs2birds

[RunnerGirl]

Hi. I noticed that you have birds. We just got my DS 2 parakeets. We are having trouble getting them to sit on our fingers and getting used to us in general. We've had them for about 2 weeks. Any tips and is 2 weeks not enough time for them to be acclimated to us yet? TIA!
LD

 

[dogs2birds]

LD - Congratulations on your new additions! First I will say that I know it's difficult when you have 2 birds in the same cage to train them to like people better than each other. So it may take a little bit more work. But it's definitely doable and I do think it's important that they have a friend so they're not lonely when you're not home, so good job!

I found this website all about parakeets:

http://www.lisashea.com/petinfo/budgie.html

There is a part in there about hand training your parakeet:

http://www.lisashea.com/petinfo/articles/bird_hand.html

Consistency is key. They should be made a part of the family. My very first bird growing up was a parakeet, Pete. He talked up a storm. We kept him in the living room so he could be part of the family. Then I moved on to a Cockatiel, Cosmo. And look at me now. Who knew!

Good luck!!!

Suz

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds

 

[mparker]

I have two parakeets and four cockateils. One of the parakeets was given to me by my brother who never tamed him and didn't take good care of him - when we got him, he was small and malnourished with a little hump back - so very tiny for a parakeet. The vet couldn't believe how small he was - he was so afraid of humans as he stayed in a cage without any toys or cuttlebone for two years. Well, after a couple of months we were able to tame him to come on our finger. It took time but you have to take him out of the cage and give him lots of love. It takes time but it does happen. The little guy now that he had proper nutrition and cuttlebone, is no longer humpback but still cannot fly. My cockateils are very old - they are 19 - 21 years old. My darling 21 year old just had a stroke and is recovering okay - I love that one so much as she was my first bird. MaryAnn

 

[RunnerGirl]

Thanks for the info. Last night we took them out one at a time. They really seemed to enjoy sitting on DS's shoulder and in our hands. Little Squiggy is quite the nipper. He did calm down after a minute. DS named his Lenny after The Wonder Pets on Nick so I decided mine would be named Squiggy! ;-) LD

 

[dogs2birds]

Mparker - So sad about the stroke. I hope all goes okay.

LD - That's great news. You're already making progress! Once Squiggy learns that he can't scare you with the nipping, he should get better. Lenny and Squiggy - too funny! Keep me posted on your progress.

Suz

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds

 

[Fembot2]

Our parakeet, Dory, just lost her mate, Hedwig, last weekend. They would preen and feed each other all the time. I've since moved her cage to sit next to the computer desk so she gets lots of attention. She has become so friendly and will eat her breakfast as soon as I sit down w/ my coffee in the morning. For little tiny creatures, they have such a huge personality. When you talk to her she moves closer to you and puffs up and closes her eyes. DH says no more birds, so she'll be a single gal for the rest of her life.

 

[dogs2birds]

Awww...that's so sad. But I'm glad you've moved her closer to you. I work with this gal who has a dove (I think) and they used to have 2 and they just left them in their unfinished basement. One died and the other one is still down there all alone. I've made comments but she says that her little girl will go visit (they're never home) and the cat stays down there a lot. Oh, that's comforting. It just breaks my heart. Those birds were together for years.

Suz

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds