Q&A for How to Stop a Parakeet from Biting

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What happens if the bird is scared?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Focus on building his confidence. Site the cage in a room where he can watch your comings and goings butt without feeling overwhelmed or threatened. Once his is happy watching activities, spend time sitting next to the cage, reading or watching TV. Then speak gently to him and offer treats through the bars of the cage. Slowly win his trust by letting him see there's nothing to be fearful of and that your presence means good things.

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Question

What if the bird was already trained to step up, but he bites if I try to hold him? When the previous owner tried, he was just fine.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The bird associates his previous owner with safety, but hasn't fully learned to trust you yet. Take things in baby steps. First, win his confidence. Do this by talking softly to him and offering treats through the cage bars. Gradually, get him used to being hand fed, and then once he accepts your presence, he will be ready to step up.

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Question

I'm taming a male parakeet, but there are good days and bad days. Does it take time?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

As with any living creature, it takes time, patience, repetition, and dedication to train them. Some birds are slow learners, and it takes months or even years, while others are quicker. Congratulate yourself on the good days, and persevere through the bad. You will achieve your goal!

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Question

I give millet sprays to my budgies. What else should I give them to eat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Millet is high in fat and risks the birds becoming overweight, so it is best kept as a treat. As a rule of thumb, seeds should only make up 10% of the birds' diet. Try slowly introducing parakeet pellets into their diet, along with fresh fruit and vegetables. They also need a source of calcium: put cuttlefish in the cage and feed your parakeet hard boiled eggs crushed in the shell occasionally.

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Question

Can I pet my parakeet on his wing?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This depends on how friendly your bird is and how used he is to being touched. A well-trained bird that is used to being handled will be equally as comfortable being petted on the wing as on any other part of his body.

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Question

I played a mating call video, and then my bird started to bite. What should I do?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Hearing mating calls has unsettled your bird and made him territorial because he thinks there's a female bird around. Don't play the video again. Leave him to calm down, because if he nips and you pull away, this may become a habit. Keep to his regular routine but respect his space, and he should eventually become friendly again.

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