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Why aren't my new parakeets eating or drinking after 20 hours?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Parakeet | Male

I just bought 2 parakeets and it has been about 20 hours that they have not eaten nor drank. what should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on April 21st, 2019

It can take a day or so for new birds to settle into their environment until they are comfortable enough to eat, drink and resume normal activity. I would make sure they are kept in a quiet, draft-free area to give them a chance to settle in, relax, and get used to things. If they still aren't eating or drinking (or you notice there aren't eaten seeds in their cup-- some birds may not want to eat while being watched at first) after more than a day, or you see visible signs of illness, a vet checkup is best.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on July 20th, 2017
This is not uncommon when birds get to a new home, they should usually start eating within 48 hours and slowly get used to their new environment. make sure you keep them in a relatively quite place for now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Andrea
Veterinarian
Published on April 2nd, 2018
Yes, they should be eating and drinking by now.
Maybe they are drinking when you are not looking or at night? Try measuring the water to see if they are drinking.
Also, they might be eating as well. Did you check the bowl for,hulled seeds? They will Hull them and eat the seeds and leave the shells in the bowl. Dig around the bowl and see if their are empty shells. Try offering millet sprays hung in the cage or wet romaine leaves hung in the cage. Try scattering the seeds on the bottom of the cage. Try offering seed in more bowl and plates around the cage. Be sure to offer the same seed mix they are used to.
Are there droppings in the cage? If droppings are not bright green or tiny and black, they might be eating.
If they really are not eating at all, call the store you got them from as they will have a vet on staff or nearby the recommend and they can help you out.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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