Hi Guys,

Right now I'm fostering 2 parakeets for the volunteer group I work with. I've already found them homes, but I'm not sure when they're being picked up.

One of these parakeets is a lot smaller than the other, very tiny, and thin. He's also very nervous and he's breathing heavy, almost panting. I've been sitting with him, talking to him, singing, that whole thing, and he doesn't calm down for me. So far my savior with this guy has been Ryan. When hears Ryan say hello or start whistling, he settles down a bit. His breathing slows down. He has even chirped back. But he is still worrying me. I would like him to go into his new home safely!

He is eating and drinking. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Anything else I can do or should do for him?

Thank you!

I am watching jojo due to his blood loss yesterday.

question for you you say it is eating and drinking .what does his poooop look like. if normal then the bird may be just nervous...

lets hope so.

keep in touch

His poop looks normal. I figured he was nervous but I have never seen a bird breathing so heavily like that. I'll keep you posted. he looks like JoJo!

Do you feed him any fruits or veges? I believe these birds have only eaten seeds.

Thanks so much for you help!

He can feel safer and less scared if his cage is in a corner or has some of the sides covered.

Is there any chance the larger one is chasing the smaller away from food? It is often best to provide 2 of everything if in doubt about one chasing the other. It can also be that you have 2 different types of budgies, an english is very much bigger than a standard budgie.

My budgies eat some fruits and vegs but will only eat it if it is hanging. They do eat finely cut things in the dish now but they are now used to it. My budgies eat the same cooked mix that the larger birds eat, they needed converting from seed.

I guess they only eat growing things or that appears to be growing. They also enjoy grasses.

OK, you just gave me some great ideas. I have them in an open area, I'll try a corner spot. And yes, the bigger one is actually much bigger with a yellow face. They look completely different.

I watched them eating and drinking last night. It didn't seem like the bigger one was chasing him. It seemed as if they were taking turns eating. I'll watch more closely tonight though, as I could be wrong about that!

I was told very little about these birds. The owner was an old woman who recently died. There was no family, only a neighbor who helped her once in a while.

Also, the birds are not hand tame. So I'm assuming they were never out of their cage. They do seem to enjoy each other though. They sit on two separate perches and face each other, staring at themselves.

I'll try some new things tonight and let you know how it goes.

Thank you so much!

Angies comment about 2 eating bowls is a good point - even when they get along they can harass each other so that they rarely get to take their time at the bowl - Rio always wants to eat in Laker's bowl so Laker moves to the 2nd bowl, whereupon Rio hops over to the 2nd bowl & around they go. If there was only 1 bowl I think Laker would starve or live on millet treats.

The quieter space with some privacy, was a very good idea.
They must be a bit weirded out - when you think of 2 Budgies never getting out - small cage - no owner all of a sudden - change of diet - bound to make them jumpy. They are a high energy bird - being in a cage 100% of the time makes me worry for their sanity.

I wouldn't try to change their diet now - leave it to the new owners. Budgies eat what they are used to. Maybe they would like to join our group?

My Rio, & Laker when I first got him - would pant from trying to fly - they weren't fit enough fo all the flying they wanted to do.

Thanks Jac, I want to do all I can for them and make them as comfortable as possible while I have them. I'm definitely going to try a second bowl.

I'll be speaking to the new owners tonight. I'm sure they'll be picking them up one night this week. They have adopted parakeets from us before and they are very sweet people. So I am sure they are going to a good home. I just want to make sure I get them there safely!

And another good idea, I'll ask them to join us here.