Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!decwrl!world!rmura From: rmura@world.std.com (Ron Mura) Newsgroups: rec.birds Subject: Re: INDOOR - A New English Budgie Message-ID: Date: 23 Jan 91 16:51:05 GMT References: <1991Jan20.000822.8336@infonode.ingr.com> Sender: rmura@world.std.com (Ron Mura) Organization: The World Lines: 37 In-Reply-To: savagewe@infonode.ingr.com's message of 20 Jan 91 00:08:22 GMT In article <1991Jan20.000822.8336@infonode.ingr.com> savagewe@infonode.ingr.com (Bill Savage) writes: > > I just purchased an English Budgie. I got it because I budgie-sat for a friend > and discovered what pleasant creatures they are. > > Well, I don't know anything about birds. My friend knows a good bit, but I > would like to learn on my own. Maybe some of you have some "First Bird" > hints. I would like to know about training (talking, etc.), getting > the bird accustomed to you, what to feed or not to feed, and so on. To quickly give a few points that have appeared in this newgroup before: - Feed 100% white millet as seed (no oats and groats, etc.,--too fatty). - Give vegetables/fruits every day. Ours prefer parsley and broccoli. Rinse before giving it to them. Keep giving them fresh veggies even if they don't take to them for a while (they have to learn). - Fresh water every day. - Have at least 2 perches, 3 if there is room. They should all have different diameters (helps avoid foot problems). - If the bird is alone a lot, leave a radio on during the day for "company." It will also enjoy hearing outside birds. - Get as big a cage as you can manage, so it can move about. Length and width are more important than height (even though many cages you see are taller than long). - Training requires gentleness and patience. I would suggest getting a book or, even better, subscribing to _Bird Talk_ magazine. -- - Ron Mura, Boston, Mass. rmura@world.std.com