New Parakeet owner advice.. should I cover the cage?

Question

I just got a new parakeet yesterday. I have had it uncovered and on a desk for about a day. I was reading some new bird owner information online and it suggested that you leave the cage covered for the first 7 days. Should I cover the cage now even though it has been uncovered for 24 hours already? Do you have any more helpful advice?

Answer 1

parakeets are ANNOYING!! I had 1 for 2 weeks and i had to get rid of it cause it didn't STOP making god awful noises.

Answer 2

You never want to cover a bird for an entire day or more... it would be just like doing that to a person (meaning how the bird would feel compared to a human). You can cover the bird's cage at night if neccessary;

http://jamiesparrothelp.wordpress.com/

That site goes over why some birds need it and why others don't, etc.

As far as other helpful advice on your new flock member I would say make sure he is on a good diet. Diet is everything with birds - a bad one causes serious health issues, can lead to biting, screaming, etc. It's important for them to be on an organic pellet which is best. There are only two on the market that I know of found here;

http://jamiesparrothelp.wordpress.com/ca...

But also make sure your parakeet gets lots of fresh fruits and veggies. I had my toucan on a pellet only diet and they were great pellets for her but she started screaming and having serious behavior problems because she wasn't feeling good from her diet. Once it was changed to 70% fruit and 30% pellets, she was a whole different bird. I also had a cockatoo who started to bite her own feet due to an all pellet diet and once changed she was the healthiest eater and best in shape out of my entire flock. So it makes a huge difference.

Seeds and millet should be given in moderation as treats and not as their whole diet. Toys should be rotated often for mental stimulation and to keep them busy and not bored (bordom can lead to feather picking but isn't that common at all in keets).

They should bathe often as well, especially in the summer months. I think you will enjoy him! They're fun. I have three pictured here;

http://flickr.com/photos/davewomach

Answer 3

Well, you could cover it, but I wouldn't until night, and then not just for the first seven days, for its entire life. We have ten and we cover everythung except for the front during the day, and everything during the night.

Answer 4

No don't bother to cover it until night.  I disagree with the person above because parakeets are extremely sweet.  

Good luck

Answer 5

Here's a great website on budgie care: http://www.budgietalk.com/

Answer 6

Don't listen to the first person, he's stupid. Parakeets are lovely animals. You shouldn't cover the cage. Birds should not be covered for more than 24 hours. I strongly suggest that you cover him at night. Bids need a good night sleep for 10-12 hours, every night.