My parakeet never plays with her toys, and always just sits in her cage on the same perch on the same spot. Is something wrong with her?
2009-04-19T21:15:38Z
She's been like this since I got her(Jan. 2, 2009). Of course she goes and eats and drinks, but she never plays. Is there someway I could evoke this behavior?
2009-04-21T19:36:10Z
Also, My cage is 1ft wide, 15in long, and 2ft high, with a rounded top. The toys I have in there vary, because I try to switch it up after about a month and a half. The majority are wood with bells, because my stepsister's parakeet LOVES bells. The other toys are rope(but i have like one or two).
She does have a mate(my bff's birdie Mac.) And every other month, He comes over and stays over.
2009-04-21T19:38:36Z
My mom won't allow me to get another parakeet because she believes we have to many animals already.(Even though we only have like 10 goldfish in one 5 gallon tank and my birdie.)
tawnyfern_two2009-04-20T08:21:54Z
Favorite Answer
She sounds like she is bored. Stimulate her mind by interacting with her...whistling, head bobbing, tapping her toys with your fingers, opening and closing your eyes and making pleasant whistles, letting her know that the toys are ok and that you like them. Sounds silly but birds are flock animals and if you are her leader and don't play with them she may think that they are not a good thing. Letting her out of her cage and letting her get out of cage exercise can help also.
First of all, ALL parrots wil play with toys. They are naturally playful, curious, and Intelligent. They need stimulus, just like other Intelligent animals.
Many times, a parrot won't play with toys when you first bring them home, as they are a bit nervous and uncertain of their surroundings; however, I don't think this is the case in your situation, as you've had the bird for a few months now.
You didn't mention what kind of toys you have in the cage. Some birds have a preference for wood, or plastic, or bells, etc. Still, young birds will usually play with anything after awhile, rather than just sit still and do nothing. By the way, toys are NOT a waste of money. Parrots do need to learn how to play with toys, and that becomes difficult the older they get. If a bird is raised from an early age to play with toys, more than likely it will always play with toys.
You also didn't mention what kind of and size cage you have her in. Some of the cages that you can get are really designed with the human in mind. So many times, people look for cages that are pleasing to them rather than to their birds.
Lastly, when you got your parakeet, did you take her for a vet check? My best guess here, is that your bird may have some sort of illness that just needs some medical attention. But a vet check (with an avian vet) is always recommended for a new bird. If you rule out any medical issues, then you can start to work the things that I mentioned above. And it's always best to deal with a medical issue sooner rather than later.
Maybe you should spend a bit more time with the bird and let it have a fly , I have not seen to many birds play with toys ,to me it is a waste of money ,they are not like a cat or dog , give them some branches from a tree or some cuddlefish or mineral blocks these birds like to chew on them ,some birds are quiet and some are very active ,it could also be a sign of illness but very unlikely as she seems to be eating normally , Just make friends with her and if you haven't got the time get her a mate.