Anyone who has Parakeets Please read.

[Cowgirl_Lexi]

I was wondering, do any of you out there have parakeets? You see I have had my bird Cookie for over a year now. She won't eat fruits and vegies or grit. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to get her to eat her fruits, vegies and grit?

Thanks,
Cowgirl_Lexi

[Cookiebaker]

Hi cowgirl lexi and welcome to pettalk! We had a parakeet for almost 8 years. Is Cookie hand tame?? One of the ways we got Azure to eat Fruits & Veggies and all those yummy things that are good for him, was to eat it ourselves and IGNORE him. (If it's something you don't care for, pretend that you are eating). Smack your lips a lot, say Mmmmmmmmmmmm, anything to get his attention. It may take a while, but eventually they get so curious they want to find out for themselves. I also started out with cheerios because that is something that they almost inevitably love. That helps to build confidence in you, and then you can move on to lettuce, carrots, purple cabbage, etc.

Another thing about lettuce that I found was that my birds really prefer Romaine (opposed to green leaf, iceberg etc.) and I washed it very thoroughly and left it very wet. Azure's first step towards lettuce was to "take a bath" in it. After that he always got excited to see lettuce.

I hope these tips help and your Cookie will be eating them soon.

[Cowgirl_Lexi]

Yes Cookie is hand tame. She is my 3rd parakeet. My first one I got from my cousin and her name was Sabrina. My second one was Princess(She was very mischivous and did NOT live up to her name.) She took over a year to finger train! But it was worth it. She died of shock after we took her on a trip. Thanks for the advise and I will have to let you know how it goes. I think Cookie is calling for me. (She is in the other room cheaping nonstop.)

Talk to ya lata,
Cowgirl Lexi

[popcornbird]

I don't have parakeets, but I have two precious cockatiels who absolutely LOVE veggies, however, once upon a time, they didn't touch them. The way I taught them............I used to put brocolli in a plate and sit down next to them, and put the plate in front of them. I took a piece and ate it in front of them and said "mmmmmmmmm, yummmmmmmmmy!" They gave it a try and didn't like it. I did this everyday for about 3 weeks, until finally, they started eating! After they got used to brocolli, I tried other veggies with them, and they tried those right away. I takes patience, but hopefuly they will learn. I taught my friend's parakeets to eat veggies for her, but from my personal experience, the cockatiels learned much faster. Good luck on teaching your birdie the benefits of veggies. And btw, welcome to this board.