HI guys I know I have read about this somewhere but I can't find it and want to check

A freind of mine got a new budgie, has had it for a day, but so far it hasn't touched it's food, the dishes are near the bottom of the cage and she asked if she should move them closer to the top, I told her to keep an eye on it and give it alittle longer to settle in, new budgies don't always eat straight away, but how long to leave before doing something? I know that a budgie can go awhile with out water but what about food? I wont to give her the right infomation and I am sure I read somewhere that you can give them a few days, is this right?

eating is essential. They can go without water for a few days but food not really. Other things to check...pooey bottom and level of thin-ness or not, sleepy and fluffed up behaviour.

Not eating is one thing but combined with other things indicates a sick bird. Ask more questions. meantime put a warm lamp by the cage....25 to 40 watt globe.

cool thanks Kaz will do

Kaz is right mate

a few new birds that i have gotten took 1 day to eat the others just ate ...

You done the right thing asking questions so she was correctly informed ..

 

Let us know the outcome

a lot of time birds do eat without the owners seeing them, a healthy budgie will eat, ask your friend to lightly blow on the food and see if any empy husks fly away many times it looks like they didn't eat but they did, as for water it is rare to see a budgie drink water until they are comfortable with their enviroment.

Good advice thus far. I'd also suggest having two food dishes. The one on the bottom and one up high next to his/her perch. S/he may be used to the higher one and/or scared to move off the perch

thanks guys I suggested pretty much all of that and it seems something has worked cause budgie is eating and friend is happy