Post by jeevestheparrot on Sept 8, 2014 3:40:36 GMT -5
Hi there,
We have a two-year old quaker parakeet. His previous owners didn't know much about him, and in the end they said they couldn't cope any more so we took him on. We changed his diet from the basic parrot mix (full of peanuts and sunflower seeds) to a variety of fruit and veg (snap peas, broccoli, apple, spinach, etc.), smaller seeds (such as that made for smaller parakeets like budgies), nutriberries and pellets. He also has a mineral block and a cuttlefish bone which he uses. Once a week he gets a little egg white.
He is out most of the day to fly around where he likes and we've made the whole house parrot-safe! He gets to have a bath at least every week. He is very happy and has loads of toys and interaction with the whole family. As I mentioned he is out most of the day but sometimes chooses to go to his cage to play with his toys or chunter to himself! When we're eating though he has to go back to his cage because he gets very cross when he isn't allowed 'human food'! He is happy with going back to his cage and it's amazing how if he's in a bad mood just to settle him down in his cage, put the radio on and just let him have some quiet time!
He has a limited photo period because we found that when we first got him he was 'angry' and nervous and we learnt he had been awake from light until the owners went to bed. He's up from about 8:00 am until 6:00 pm, and the change that has come over him is amazing, he is very sweet and gentle and doesn't mind at all when it's time to put the cover over his cage. He is very chatty and knows a lot of words.
But the problem is that we have had him for 8 months and he has never moulted. We sometimes notice some pin feathers on his neck but when we 'preen' him we very gently rub these to open them up when they're ready. What are we doing wrong? when should he moult (his feathers are now looking a bit dull and worn, ready to be replaced)? Do we need to increase his photo-period, or will that just make him angry again (we also found that when we extend his photo-period he chooses a corner for a nest and will attack everyone who comes near, except for his 'mate'! Is he not getting the right nutrition? He weighs 98g.
Thanks in advance.
We have a two-year old quaker parakeet. His previous owners didn't know much about him, and in the end they said they couldn't cope any more so we took him on. We changed his diet from the basic parrot mix (full of peanuts and sunflower seeds) to a variety of fruit and veg (snap peas, broccoli, apple, spinach, etc.), smaller seeds (such as that made for smaller parakeets like budgies), nutriberries and pellets. He also has a mineral block and a cuttlefish bone which he uses. Once a week he gets a little egg white.
He is out most of the day to fly around where he likes and we've made the whole house parrot-safe! He gets to have a bath at least every week. He is very happy and has loads of toys and interaction with the whole family. As I mentioned he is out most of the day but sometimes chooses to go to his cage to play with his toys or chunter to himself! When we're eating though he has to go back to his cage because he gets very cross when he isn't allowed 'human food'! He is happy with going back to his cage and it's amazing how if he's in a bad mood just to settle him down in his cage, put the radio on and just let him have some quiet time!
He has a limited photo period because we found that when we first got him he was 'angry' and nervous and we learnt he had been awake from light until the owners went to bed. He's up from about 8:00 am until 6:00 pm, and the change that has come over him is amazing, he is very sweet and gentle and doesn't mind at all when it's time to put the cover over his cage. He is very chatty and knows a lot of words.
But the problem is that we have had him for 8 months and he has never moulted. We sometimes notice some pin feathers on his neck but when we 'preen' him we very gently rub these to open them up when they're ready. What are we doing wrong? when should he moult (his feathers are now looking a bit dull and worn, ready to be replaced)? Do we need to increase his photo-period, or will that just make him angry again (we also found that when we extend his photo-period he chooses a corner for a nest and will attack everyone who comes near, except for his 'mate'! Is he not getting the right nutrition? He weighs 98g.
Thanks in advance.
