Beginner needing help

[ang]

Hi. I just got a young budgie yesterday. How long should I leave it to settle before I start letting it out of the cage? I'm a little concerned that it wouldn't go hack into it readily and have no idea how I would catch it to put it back in.

[Hezz]

Before you let the bird out of the cage, take the time to get it used to your hands and stepping up. This makes for a much smoother transition to the outside once the time comes to let him out.

Depending on how quiet the bird is, you may have to start will having your hand on the outside of the cage if he is really scared; if not try with your hand inside and talking softly all the while approach the bird with your hand. Millet is a good thing to have at this stage - most budgies can't resist a piece of millet - and their greed most often overcomes their fear of your hand. So, make your hand a pleasant experience (bribery) initially and he will come to anticipate your hand for treats rather than fearing that it will harm. Once you have him eating millet, move it away slowly, a little further each time until he is standing on your hand to reach the millet. Once he is happy enough to stand on your hand you can proceed to teaching him to step up on command.