[hattrick58]

We brought "Cecil" home Friday evening. My concern is I haven't seen her drink any water yet. We have a bottle and a bowl accessable to her. I even tried dropping some off my finger to her beak. She is eating well. Another concern is although she will sit on our finger or shoulder, she quickly tries flying back to the cage. Her wings are clipped and she lacks control and twice has flown into the wall. she is very quiet, not much chirping. Any advice would be appreciated.

[cathy]

Don't worry too much, parakeets never seem to drink a whole lot of water. I would though, keep an open bowl or dish available until you are absolutely sure he is drinking from the water bottle. You should also offer some moistened dark green lettuce, grated apple or carrot. Since you only have him since Friday, he is still in an acclimation stage and I would not push him along too quickly. The more patient you are with him, the faster you will gain his trust and desire for your companionship.
Birds stress easily and my rule of thumb is to let them acclimate slowly by letting them stay close to their cage, especially the first week in their new home. He needs time to adjust to his new surroundings and family.

Cathleen
Director customer service PetsWarehouse