Newbie here

[Rodeogirl73]

Hello everyone!

I just joined the board today, and hopefully to learn more when I bring home my baby 13 weeks old Quaker Parrot (parakeet) this coming weekend, named her/him Cricket.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated since it's been LONGGGGGGGGG while I own any birds. I'm 31 yrs old, married, live in Lakewood, WA. No kids, just furkids, 3 dogs, 1 cat and soon to be 1 bird. I grew up on a farm with ALL kinds of animals from horses to fish in my teen years.
Looking forward learning to give my Cricket a LONG happy, healthy life with me.

Darla (me)
Charles (hubby)
Keishia (Rottweiler)
Hunter (Pitbull-rescue)
Roxie (Pitbull mixed)
Kalleigh (Tri-color Polydactlyl cat)
Cricket (Quaker Parrot/Parakeet)

[Monica]

As long as you have a big cage, with atleast three dishes, one for seeds and/or pellets (whichever the bird was weaned to), one for water, and the other for fresh foods, plus different types of branches and toys, then you'd be set!

You might want to give Cricket some baby food an hour or two before he goes to bed, and this can be anything from actual baby food, to steamed or boiled carrots, sweet potatoes.... all mashed up together and served warm!

Congrats with the new baby fid (feathered kid)! Can't wait to maybe see some pics or stories!

[Rodeogirl73]

Right now I have a small cage just til this weekend, but I might get the bird after I get the bigger cage, but I have the small one just VERY short time temp, if I get the bird before picking the big cage up, I'll be getting a 26x22x15, somewhere around there, it's use one so I'll need to clean with with vinegar and warm water and dry good before putting Cricket in. I definitely planning to get lots of toys for Cricket.

[Graybird]

Make sher that you take the bird to the vets for a nrw bird check up as well.

[Rodeogirl73]

Originally Posted by Graybird

Make sher that you take the bird to the vets for a nrw bird check up as well.

[FONT=Lucida Console]I was gonna ask, which I have couple or so questions to ask.

#1) is there any vacination for birds?

#2) how often should I take the bird for check up?

#3) how many times should the bird be fed? I got one is right before bed, since Cricket is still a baby.

#4) how much fruits/vegies should be given per day?

Just want to gather much answer for my question before Cricket comes to new home this week and be prepared and ready for Cricket[FONT]

[lcbrink]

Originally Posted by Rodeogirl73

I was gonna ask, which I have couple or so questions to ask.

#1) is there any vacination for birds?

I don't think so. At least, it has never come up when I've brought my bird to the vet (And goes often).

Originally Posted by Rodeogirl73

#2) how often should I take the bird for check up?

Once a year is recommended. Any time you see a sudden change in either behavior, weight, or poop is also a time to go ASAP to the vet.

Originally Posted by Rodeogirl73

#3) how many times should the bird be fed? I got one is right before bed, since Cricket is still a baby.

You don't say if your bird will be fully weaned or not. If it isn't (And I don't recommend taking home a bird that isn't fully weaned) check with the breeder; preferably feed the bird several times with the breeder before taking it home.

Most people feed their birds twice a day or more, depending on the age and size of the bird. I leave food in the cage at all times for my cockatiel; fat birdy syndrome has never been a problem for him.

Originally Posted by Rodeogirl73

#4) how much fruits/vegies should be given per day?

As much as it wants IMO. A balanced diet is crucial, but if they love the veggies & fruits and you're not using them as a reward or treat, I'd say give as much as it wants. Better than feeding them pizza, mac & cheese, or pretzels.

[Rodeogirl73]

Originally Posted by lcbrink

I don't think so. At least, it has never come up when I've brought my bird to the vet (And goes often).

Once a year is recommended. Any time you see a sudden change in either behavior, weight, or poop is also a time to go ASAP to the vet.

You don't say if your bird will be fully weaned or not. If it isn't (And I don't recommend taking home a bird that isn't fully weaned) check with the breeder; preferably feed the bird several times with the breeder before taking it home.

Most people feed their birds twice a day or more, depending on the age and size of the bird. I leave food in the cage at all times for my cockatiel; fat birdy syndrome has never been a problem for him.

As much as it wants IMO. A balanced diet is crucial, but if they love the veggies & fruits and you're not using them as a reward or treat, I'd say give as much as it wants. Better than feeding them pizza, mac & cheese, or pretzels.

Cricket is weaned and thanks for the quick answers, I'm definitely gonna learn ALOT from this board!!