Hello all,
I am a first time bird owner and registered for this forum to get some advice/help in properly caring for my little buddy. As you can probably guess from my username I have a Derbyan Parakeet, around 10 months old, named Frank. I will readily admit that I was a bit impetuous in getting a bird as well as adopting a Derbyan but I have been working hard at learning how to provide him with a good home and healthy life.
If anyone has any advice specific to thet care of Derbyan Parakeets I would greatly appreciate it!
I do have some specific questions at the moment, such as:
1. I know they're not cuddly, but is it possible to socialize them to the point where they tolerate being handled? Specifically, so he doesn't go crazy when the Vet or vet-tech try to handle him during exams.
2. The cage I have for him was recommended by the store when I adopted him. It's dimensions are (roughly) 20" x 25" x 38." Some places online say that's enough while others recommend much larger. To be clear, I certainly plan on upgrading his cage in the future but I'm currently between jobs so money is tight, to say the least. However, if his current cage isn't sufficiently large I will do what I can to put him in one that is.
3. I've read some conflicting info about whether it's best to keep Derbyan's alone or with another bird. I can't afford another bird at the moment but if it's somewhat cruel to keep Frank alone, especially during the work day, I wouldn't be averse to finding him a buddy once I've found a new full time position.
4. Lastly, does anyone know any games you can play with parrots? I know training, giving toys, cuddling, and talking to them are all good ways to enrich the bird's life but I thought it might be fun to play games as a way to interact with him.
Thanks!
I am a first time bird owner and registered for this forum to get some advice/help in properly caring for my little buddy. As you can probably guess from my username I have a Derbyan Parakeet, around 10 months old, named Frank. I will readily admit that I was a bit impetuous in getting a bird as well as adopting a Derbyan but I have been working hard at learning how to provide him with a good home and healthy life.
If anyone has any advice specific to thet care of Derbyan Parakeets I would greatly appreciate it!
I do have some specific questions at the moment, such as:
1. I know they're not cuddly, but is it possible to socialize them to the point where they tolerate being handled? Specifically, so he doesn't go crazy when the Vet or vet-tech try to handle him during exams.
2. The cage I have for him was recommended by the store when I adopted him. It's dimensions are (roughly) 20" x 25" x 38." Some places online say that's enough while others recommend much larger. To be clear, I certainly plan on upgrading his cage in the future but I'm currently between jobs so money is tight, to say the least. However, if his current cage isn't sufficiently large I will do what I can to put him in one that is.
3. I've read some conflicting info about whether it's best to keep Derbyan's alone or with another bird. I can't afford another bird at the moment but if it's somewhat cruel to keep Frank alone, especially during the work day, I wouldn't be averse to finding him a buddy once I've found a new full time position.
4. Lastly, does anyone know any games you can play with parrots? I know training, giving toys, cuddling, and talking to them are all good ways to enrich the bird's life but I thought it might be fun to play games as a way to interact with him.
Thanks!
