New Mom, Lots of Questions

[Hope4Peace]

Hi there everyone. I’m new to the board and being a bird mommy. I have had, and currently have lots of pets, but no real experience with birds. Last night I adopted a beautiful parakeet named summer. My uncle could no longer care for him. He told me he believes it is a male, as his former cage mate laid eggs, and this one never has. I don’t know how credible that is for sexing, but for now I will assume summer is a male. Anyways, I have a basic knowledge. I know they are very social and are best kept with others of their kind, so I do plan on getting him a new cage-mate soon. I have lots of questions and I’m hoping you all can help me give this little guy the best care possible.

First of all, About a new cage-mate. How do I go about socializing? Is Quarantine needed? If so, How long? When I do introduce them, do I need to do it in slow steps, or is it ok to just go ahead and introduce the new bird? Will Sex of the new bird matter? Really, Anything you can tell me about how to approach getting a cage-mate for my little guy will be appreciated.

Second of all, His diet. What do you all recommend? I will be sure to make the change over very gradual so as not to shock his system and to ensure acceptance of the new food. Any suggestions of quality feed is appreciated.

EDIT: I know below I say I have a list of links... but I hit post before I added them! Will edit and add them asap....

Third of all, Treats. I have a list of treats I have found below. Please tell me which are good choices, and why. If you have additional options that you recommend, that would also be appreciated.

Toys, I also have a list of toys listed, as with treats, which are the best options and why. Are there any other suggestions?

Bathing, Is this product something you recommend? Or will his bird bath be sufficient? If I should use this product, what approach should I take to ensure I do not scare him or stress him?

Socialization with me, what steps can I take to help my new friend get used to me and begin trusting me? I will be making sure to bird proof my bedroom where he will be kept and give him some free range time, but I would like to be able to at least have him come to me when I request (reach hand out). And also would like to be able to get him back in his cage without too much stress to him, and too much effort from me.

And lastly, Is there anything I’m missing? I already know things like, they need warm climate, must keep cage clean (have some bird cage cleaning solution and scrub pads on my list). I know I need to make sure he has clean water. I will be changing his water dish and bird bath water daily. His food, Yes I know to stir up the food to let him get to the untouched stuff, and I know how to tell if the food is eaten or not. I have a sheet to cover the cage at night, but making sure there’s plenty of ventilation. So, Is there anything I’m forgetting? Any other odd tips that could help me?

Any Help and Advice is greatly appreciated.

Big thanks from me and summer,

Amanda Hope

[darrylleeohs30]

if you want the bird to bond with you, i would suggest trying some socialization steps before getting him a new bird. more times than one, i've had a budgie and got him a friend, and they bonded with eachother and not me. so if you'd rather him bond more with you, keeping just the one budgie may be something you want to do.

one of the most basic things you can do with your new budgie is to teach him to step up onto your finger, while he's in the cage. usually i will just put my finger at stepping-level and repeat the words step up in an upbeat voice. once they do that on their own a few times, you can try removing them from the cage after they "step up", but don't do so unless they are ready.

with bathing, i usually mist my guys down with warm water from a spray bottle once a week. my budgies don't really enjoy taking a dip in the bird bath, but a good misting they do seem to enjoy. you'd probably have to try both on your little guy to see which one he likes best.

good luck, and remember to have fun with your new buddy :)

[Hope4Peace]

Thanks so much for the reply. I would like him to bond with me, but I care more about his happiness than anything. I am not going to have the time to give him enough attention to feel justified in keeping him solo. I almost got another male today, I was planning on keeping him in a smaller cage on the other side of the house untill I was clear on what kind of QT and introduction procedures needed to be taken, but the girl at the store made me second guess it.... I dont know how true this is, or how it can even be so as I know at the stores at least seperate litters are always mixed, but she said the number one cause of bird deaths was trying to introduce a new bird. She said that they must be raised together.... This however, is also thought to be true of rats, but I know for a fact that it is just a myth. So, I ask again. Should I get a cage mate for my boy, and if so, how do I go about it?


Also, I thought I had sent a request to admin to get my first post edited to add my links (didnt know about the 15 min deadline), but Im not sure it went through so I will go ahead and list them below. These are all things I found and would like opinions on.. which are best, things to stay away from, etc.

as far as treats. I already know I need to make sure they always have cuttle bone and millet spray, but what about any of these....

Alfalfa & Timothy for Birds
Twinis Treat Sticks
Bird Kones
UltraCare Parakeet Health Blend Treats
Fruit & Veggie Bird Mineral Blocks
Parakeet Treat Sticks
Kaytee Bird Greens
Manu Minerals
Jungle Sticks
Healthy Toppings
Mineral Logs
Kaytee Parakeet Treat Sticks
Sprouting Pot Bird Greens
Vive Healthy Treats
Kaytee Parakeet Seed Treats
Ecotrition Parakeet Treats
Bird Buffet Sunflower Treat
Twice Treats Honeybars
Oat Groats



And Some toys... which would be the better choices?

Beak Bites
Hanging Mini Whisker Bird Toy
Hall of Mirrors for Birds
Talk 'N Play Bird Toy
Slide 'N Spin Bird Toy
Treat Piñatas
Jungle Joy
Whiffle Rattle Bird Toy
Snack Trays Treat Toy
Fruit Flavored Bird Toy Pieces
Summer Breeze Chime Time Bird Toy
Starfish & Chop Choppy Foraging Toys



Also, what are your opinions on these?

Safety Perch
Beach Walk Perch
Bird Cage Corner Platform
Snuggle Sack
Snuggle Hut


Thanks again. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[catschair]

I have 17 budgies, most of whom are rehomed and of uncertain parentage and they all get along fine. Of course, they have a lot of space, and have their own special friends, but I have not seen a lot of aggression (not saying it does not happen, of course). You are doing a great job of researching what is best for your baby--good job! I think you can find a lot of great information on each of these topics by using the search function on the top blue bar. Would love to see some pictures of your fid!