Question:i bought a parakeet from the pet store and i wanted to let his wings grow out but one of them wont grow. iv had him for a few months now and only one grew back. what wrong? he is also very afraid of anyone that comes near the cage.
Answers:
Birds molt out at the change of the season. During spring and fall times. So if you purchased your bird after spring, chances are he won't molt again until the fall time. It only happens during the change of the tempatures.
If you want to handle the bird, take your time and talk with the bird in a higher pitched voice. Use a word like "step up" when you go in the cage. Allow him time to get used to you, and then push your finger into his chest and tell him what you want him to do.
A clipped bird is a safe bird. It does not harm them, but it also keeps them safe, they are still able to gain height if you allow them outside, so don't think they can't glide with a gust of wind while clipped, they can.
Allow the bird to get used to the new noises in your home, and your daily schedule. Two weeks should be good enough before you try to start and work with your bird.
Try using cheerios as a treat to feed him. They work well.
Good Luck!
Well first of all it takes roughly about a year to a year and a half for all flight feathers to fully grow back in. They'll molt a few of the old ones and grow in new ones.
He could be afraid b/c of many different reasons. One, he's just not used to the place yet. It can take up to a year especially birds from pet stores to become comfortably in a new home.
Make sure that you still allow out of cage time.
Two if you have the cage next to a window or door where there is heavy traffic, it can stress out the bird very easily.
Are you feeding a good pellet diet, with fresh water, fruit and vegi's on a daily basis? as well as a bathe every couple of days?
Never force your bird into doing anything. If you haven't worked with your bird to teach him the step-up command I suggest you start with that.
Also pick up a species specific book on budgies/parakeets and read up on general care, and it will have the basics for step-up training and some other training in the book. you can get this at your local pet store.
Please do not allow his wings to grow back unless you plan to either keep him caged 24/7 or in a large aviary. When birds are not clipped and allowed out in the house they can quickly come into contact with a number of hazards (ceiling fans, toilets, cook tops etc). Flighted birds can also fly away from you in a matter of seconds..and rarely if ever fnd their way home.
Birds generally need to have their wing feathers clipped every 6-12 months (after a heavy molt). The clipped feather will eventually fall out, a new one will grow in, and need to be clipped - your avian vet can do this for you or teach you how to so you can do it yourself. It does not hurt the bird at all.
Generally clipped birds are better pets as they are more dependent on you.
Its natural for your bird to be shy, spend time everyday sitting by his cage talking to him. Try resting one hand inside the cage without trying to grab/ touch him. If you do this everyday he will eventually realise that you are safe and begin to enjoy your company. You can also try offering him some millet sprays to coax him closer to you..
Just remember it takes time and patience...but it will pay off! Parakeets make lovely pets!
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