Why isn't my parakeet drinking and what's the ideal temperature?

If Borah is panting heavily and has stopped eating or drinking, it may indicate that he is feeling unwell or has an underlying illness. Removing him to a hospital cage away from other birds, keeping him warm, and providing easy access to food and water may help, however if he is having a very hard time breathing or is refusing to eat or drink at all, seeking veterinary care immediately is best to rule out issues such as illness, infection, or injury causing his problems.

Sometimes it is very difficult to see a bird drink, they don't do it very often and usually in private. If he had not drank in 2 days I would expect him to be very poorly by now. I would keep an eye that he is bright and eating and he should be okay. In terms of taking him gradually put your hand in the cage, don't touch him at first. Once he is comfortable move your hand closer and so on until you can eventually have him on your finger.

Thanks for reaching out about Shadow. By the picture and the blue cere, is probably a boy. If not eating or drinking, this is very serious as these small birds have little caloric stores to compensate. Providing supplemental heat in the 80-85 degree range might give some aid. A veterinary visit is highly recommended, and soon. Older budgieregars are prone to metabolic concerns (kidney, liver) and other problems. Ingested foreign bodies or toxicities are also common if allowed free roam. Good luck.

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Venus and including a photo. Have you tried offering different foods? Provide heat support might give some comfort. Most sick birds are placed in incubators of 80-85 F. Offing water via a syringe if not drinking. A veterinary visit is recommended to assist with diagnosis and treatment plans. Good luck.

Parakeets, also called Budgerigars, are small members of the parrot family and they can become good mimics. The average adult size is 7 inches long, head to end of tail. The average life span is between 10 to 20 years with proper care. A well-balanced Parakeet diet consists of: Specialized pellets should make up 60-70% of diet, fresh vegetables and fruits and small amounts of fortified seeds Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water, changed daily. Do not feed birds: avocado, fruit seeds, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol; it can cause serious medical conditions. Avoid sugar and high fat treats. Things to remember when feeding your Parakeet: Fresh food and water should always be available. Vegetables and fruits not eaten within a few hours should be discarded. Remember, treats should not exceed 10% of total food intake. Housing Parakeets acclimate well to average household temperatures, not to exceed 80°F; be cautious of extreme temperature changes. The habitat should area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A habitat approximately 18"W x 18"D x 18"H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1-2" apart, makes a good home for one Parakeet. A flight habitat is strongly recommended. It is best to provide the largest habitat possible. Perches should be at least 4" long and 3-8" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. Perches should be at least 4" long and 3-8" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with habitat paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning. To avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches. Parakeets can be kept alone to bond with pet parent or in pairs to bond with each other. Different birds she not be housed together. Normal Behavior Parakeets are talkers, but their little voices are sometimes hard to hear. Active and need daily time out of their habitats to interact with family. Keep in pairs if unable to devote daily interaction time. Provide foraging toys, which provide important mental stimulation. Housing Maintenance Clean and disinfect the habitat and perches regularly; replace substrate or habitat liner weekly or more often as needed. Replace perches, dishes, and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat regularly. Ensure that there are no habitat parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead-based paints or galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird. Do not use a lot of cleaning agents around your bird a natural cleaner. Grooming & Hygiene Provide filtered, chlorine-free, lukewarm water regularly for bathing; remove the water when done. As an alternative, mist the bird with water. Clipping flight feathers is not necessary, but when done correctly it can help prevent injury or escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird. Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird. Signs of a Healthy Animal: Active, alert, and sociable Eats and drinks throughout the day Dry nares and bright, dry eyes Beak, legs and feet normal in appearance Clean, dry vent Smooth, well-groomed feathers Common Health Issues Chlamydiosis: Appetite loss, fluffed feathers, nasal discharge, green stool. Seek immediate avian veterinary attention. Diarrhea: Fecal portion of stool is not formed. Multiple causes from diet change to internal parasites. Consult with an avian veterinarian and ensure proper diet. Feather plucking: Bird plucks own feathers; may be due to boredom, poor diet or other illness. Consult your veterinarian and relieve boredom with attention, new toys or new space. Mites (scaly face and leg disease): White deposits on eyes, beak, legs, and feet. Consult your veterinarian. Red Flags Beak swelling or accumulations Fluffed, plucked, or soiled feathers Sitting on floor

Thanks for reaching out about Henry. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some aid. A diet in seed is very deficient in vitamins and minerals, and protein. If this is a metabolic disorder, neoplasia or other, a veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.