Parakeet question please help?

Question

I have a parakeet who is currently in my room but i read that they should be in the room that you spend the most time in. I spend most of my time in the basement but there is no sunlight that comes down there. When I'm not down there it will be pitch black, is that OK? Also he doesn't use his cuttle bone, is that normal? And do you think i should get him another bird companion? Thanks!

Answer 1

You don't need to get him another companion if you are spending enough time with him... if you intend to have him be a sociable pet, that could easily go down the drain if you buy another bird, there's a good probability he will bond to the other bird and ignore you, even if he was your best buddy beforehand.

You can try getting another cage or even a play gym to put in the basement, that way he can be in the basement while you're there, and when you leave you can take him back to his regular cage. I wouldn't leave him there in the dark, unless it's only at night when he'd be sleeping anyway; he needs sunlight in order to be healthy.

One of my cockatiels never used her cuttlebone, as much as we tried to coax her to do so; some birds just don't seem to like them. It's better if they use a cuttlebone, but you can also try using a mineral block, and it wouldn't hurt to buy him wood chew toys made for small birds from the pet store, between the two of them that will supply him with vitamins and help keep his beak from growing too long. If it grows too long you'll have to take him to the vet so they can trim it, which is expensive, since they have to anesthetize the bird and everything.

Answer 2

DO NOT put ur bird in the basement!!! <:[

thats mean lol...

put it in someplace with the most action that has the most SUNLIGHT.  maybe like a kitchen?  thats where i keep my 4 birds. :P

Answer 3

I would not put in basement. This is to cold, damp and there can be many fumes from furnace etc... Plus to lonley when you are not there. These are very social smart and fun animals. They need interaction. I would keep in a room where you frequent often. Living room, bedroom is fine. Even if you spend only short time with her everyday as long as she gets that attention she will be fine. Play with her talk to her. When not with her leave lots of toys and a radio or tv on. I would question rather to get her a friend or not. Keep in mind if you do she may not bond as close with you and will choose to hang with her pal and may even become somewhat aggresive. Plus they may mate. Up to you. I am sure she will be happy with whatever you decide just not the basement. Or the kitchen to many dangers there. Sometimes it takes them time to get used to cuttlebone. Try some ground up oyster shell for calcium.  

Answer 4

Absolutely do not put your bird in the basement.  Birds are highly intelligent and can easily become depressed, plus your bird needs sunlight to remain healthy.  A bird companion may be a good idea, but bear in mind that birds do have personalities, so all don't necessarily get along.  Try moving the bird to whatever area of the house you are currently using. Good luck!