Background Painting on Cage.

Question
QUESTION: Hello Miss Struntins.  I own two parakeets (a couple). Last month I made a painting on a cardboard.  I used acrylic paint. The painting is hanged on the back of the cage. My parakeets (budgies) haven't touched the painting until a few days ago.  They are actually destroying it by biting it.  I checked the paints and it doesn't say whether it is toxic or not.  I don't know if they're eating the painted cardboard.  I only see small pieces of it on the floor and bottom of their cage.  Should I take out the painted cardboard?  They're eating good, poop normally and they seem fine.  I'm just concerned about them chewing the painted cardboard.

Thank you for taking your time,
Eddie F.

ANSWER: Hello Eddie,

You definitely need to remove the painting from near your birds. If the birds were to ingest the paint, they could become very sick. You should take it out immediately. Even if the paint says it is non-toxic, any foreign matter entering a budgie's body could potentially be harmful. A birds system is much more sensitive than ours and even something simple could be unhealthy for the bird.

Hope this helps!
Thank you for the question!
Any other question or if you need more info feel free to ask and don't forget to rate the answer!

Calyopea

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Miss Struntins.  First of all, thank you for your previous help.  When it's
sleepy time for my parakeets, should I cover their cage with a blanket so
nobody or any light disturbs them even though they seem to be afraid of the
blanket?  My mother does this with her Peach Fronted conure and he is good.  
I haven't had the parakeets for a long time.  I bought the male like in
December 2007 and the female like a month ago.  I think the reason they are
afraid of the blanket is because they are not used to having one cover their
whole cage.  The blanket is thin and air does go in.  I just don't want anybody
bothering them with tuning on and off the lights in the room.

Another question: how often should I bathe my parakeets?

Thank you for your help.
I have books about parrots but some things are left out.   That's why I seek
help from an expert.  I really love my parakeets and I want them to feel more
than great.  I have other questions but I will ask them another day.

Eddie F.

Answer
Hello Eddie,

You should cover the parakeets with a blanket for sleeping. This will help them to realize that it is time for bed. If they seem afraid of the blanket, then don't cover them completely. Maybe just leave a side or the front uncovered. Some parakeets are afraid of the dark, so leaving a side open for some light might help alleviate some of their fear.

Parakeets do a good job of keeping themselves clean. That doesn't mean you shouldn't bathe them. Maybe once or twice a week you could spray them with a mister, or put a shallow bowl of water in for them. Their are many ways to bathe budgies, but my birds ultimate favorite is coming in the shower with me. I know it sounds strange, but the steam and heat is actually good for them. It helps keep their mucus membrane moist. If you do decide to try this method, make sure it is not too hot and they are not in there for a long period of time. Also, if your parakeets are not very trained you may just want to bring them into the bathroom in a small cage or something.

Hope this helps!
Thank you for the question!
Any other questions or if you need more info feel free to ask and don't forget to rate the answer!

Calyopea