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Learn some quick tips for getting your fussy bird to eat full and varied diet that could include birdseed, fruits and vegetables.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Do you have questions about what to feed your chicken(s)? Petco has the answers! Visit us to learn about chicken dietary needs.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Get prepared to react calmly and efficiently when accidents happen by learning basic bird first-aid skills and putting together a pet bird first-aid kit.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Review a description of the toxic or poisonous plants for birds, and a listing of plants considered safe for pet birds.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Learn how to identify if your bird’s poop is healthy or not. Visit Petco to find all the answers about birds’ poop.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
It is not uncommon for birds to chew at one particular spot on a perch. It looks like you have a number of wooden dowel perches in the cage - you could try to vary these by providing Manzanita wood perches (they look more like branches) and this may provide them with some areas that they can clean their beaks and wear their nails as well. For your question about the food dishes - it is very common for birds to only utilize materials (including food, water, toys, and perches) that are at the top of their cage. The reason for this is that they typically live in the trees, so they like to be high up the majority of the time. I would advise removing the dishes that are down low, and only providing dishes high in the cage. You can still provide multiple dishes if desired, in case you have some competition for food among the birds in the family. I hope that answers your questions, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
There is no one perfect toy for all parakeets. They need toys that can be destroyed and toys that can't. Cardboard boxed, paperback books work well. Forging toys to stimulate puzzle solving, can be beneficial. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
I see that you posted this question a while back, and I answered it there, so I'll repost my answer here for you to be sure you get it. Patience and time! Until he's 100% on his training, be sure to always reward with a treat. However, if he's perfect at it with a treat every time, you can start to wean off them. You can try luring him with the treat to get him to perch, and then start only giving him treats intermittently. If he doesn't know when he's getting a treat and when he isn't, he may be more inclined to keep trying in the hopes he gets one sometimes. You can also use a favorite toy to play with, a gentle pet in a place he enjoys, or some of his regular food instead as a "treat" while you're phasing out the real ones.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for reaching out about your parakeet. As long as the rope is not treated with anything. Natural rope from the hardware store is often treated with anti-fungals, which could be a problem. If from pet store, assume it is okay. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I do not recommend feeding such plants to finches or budgies as they may be toxic. Finches and budgies can eat a commercially available seed or pelleted diet (found in most pet stores or on the internet). They can have occasional treats of fruits and vegetables, but I would avoid any medicine plants or herbs. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!
Updated on September 24th, 2025