I want to re-tame my 7 month old budgie

[umaxii]

I'm facing a problem right now. I have 2 budgies that i both have for arround 6 months now. They are both 7 months old by now. The problem i'm having is that I did not tame them properly and i wish to change that. Back when I got them i was very scared I would do things wrong and ended up being too carefull and not taming them properly. They are sit on my hand if they feel like it but most of the time dart arround the cage when my hand goes in. I don't really know how to make things right with them since they are used to their way of behaving like that right now. And even if I take them out of the cage they are not comfortable being close to me. Any tips for this? I really want to interact with them more, but every time I do it doesn't seem to help.

[Hezz]

Sounds to me as though you have lacked a certain degree of patience with them. Birds don't just give their trust for nothing - you have to earn it. You need to spend time getting to know them, what they like and what they don't, particular treats that you can use to entice them to come closer and learn not to be afraid. It will all take a lot of time, and really they have no need for you as a companion; they have each other. You cannot expect them to change with one or two interactions. Taming/training must be on-going and daily, preferably several times a day. It can take months, even years for a bird to learn to trust.

[umaxii]

You're right. I need to put real effort into it from now on. Thank you for your response.

[Shirls]

Hello and welcome umaxii. If you can spare five minutes or so several times EVERY day, they will interact and get used to you in time. How long varies with each bird. Try rewarding them with a millet bobble each time they are good. Millet is a good training tool, so don't give it to them freely.

In the mornings when you refresh their food/water - talk to them gently, have a set routine and they will soon get used to your hand going into the cage. I can do this with mine and none of move out of the way sometimes, they are used to my routine which has become their routine.

[umaxii]

Dec 30, 2018 15:19:33 GMT Shirls said:

Hello and welcome umaxii . If you can spare five minutes or so several times EVERY day, they will interact and get used to you in time. How long varies with each bird. Try rewarding them with a millet bobble each time they are good. Millet is a good training tool, so don't give it to them freely.

In the mornings when you refresh their food/water - talk to them gently, have a set routine and they will soon get used to your hand going into the cage. I can do this with mine and none of move out of the way sometimes, they are used to my routine which has become their routine.

Thank you for your reply. This is very doable for me regarding time. I think this should work. If i see any changes in their behaviour I might edit this post a bit. Thanks a lot.