Two New Parakeets - One is Shy, One is Outgoing

User Question
I have a question for you. I had found your web page and have found it to be quite informing. I have purchased 2 baby parakeets and got them everything they need to be happy and healthy. Their names are Rocky (Blue in Color) and Sly (Yellow in Color). Sly is very friendly and affectionate as it has only been 4 days, that he has been with us and is already use to our hands being in the cage and will perch on our fingers and will even come out of his cage and sit on my shoulder, where Rocky is the exact opposite, the minute we put our hand in the cage to change their water or food he goes into a panic mode, and flutters to the other side he does not like to be touched at all and we are both very gentle with both of them voice wise and handling wise.

I know it has only been a few days. that we have had them, but is there anything that you might suggest to us to get Rocky to trust us? I know it takes time to train them but it is unbelievable the way Sly took to us with in the first 24 hrs, I know the pet store we got them from said to give them some time to adjust to their new home, but you could see that Sly was a quick learner so to speak after the first 24 hrs.

Lisa's Answer
That's so wonderful that you got a pair of parakeets to enjoy! Definitely every parakeet has a VERY distinct personality. We have three parakeets right now and each one is very different from the other. Pinto is the flock leader, very bossy, pushing the others around. She always wants to be whereever the other 2 are, to take the primary spot. Nazo is the inquisitive one. Any time we put a new toy into the cage, or new food out, Nazo is the one that goes and investigates while the other two hide. Santo is the follower. She never does anything first. She's always the last one out of the cage in the morning, the last one into the cage at night, the last one to jump into a bathtub, you name it. If the other 2 parakeets fly somewhere, Santo flies right after them because she's afraid to be left behind.

So definitely your two parakeets each have their own personalities! One is an outgoing parakeet, one is shy. Just like with kids, you need to adjust to each parakeet's personality and learn to handle that parakeet in the way that makes it comfortable. I imagine after a week or two that Rocky will get used to you, especially since Rocky can see that Sly is quite comfortable with you. But it will probably always be that Sly is the one that jumps on your shoulder immediately and nuzzles, while Rocky is the quieter one, maybe sitting quietly on your finger and chirping to you. Both will be quite fun!

All Questions in this Category

List of Parakeet Question Categories

NOTE: Because of the huge volume of incoming questions, I no longer answer them one by one. Instead, we have created a live, free Parakeet Forum which is very active, where people are online 24 hours a day to help you with your parakeet related questions. If you have any questions about parakeet care - or simply want to share your parakeet stories and photos - please join us!

Parakeet Forum