When to allow out of cage

[mrso]

So I brought my new budgies home a week ago 2 boys , one aged 2 yrs and the other 3 months. They now seem happy and settled so am wondering when I can start letting them out of their cage. I tried gently rubbing their tummy with the spare perch yesterday to get them used to jumping on to it but they didn't like it. Advice please.

[JennyB]

I've only had my two for a week so I'm a complete novice too. From what I've read the budgies should be comfortable enough to get on your finger or a stick otherwise once they're out it'll be very hard to get them back in the cage! One of mine will get on my hand for millet but the other is still too cautious. I'm not imagining mine will be out for many more weeks yet. People suggest taking the birds out of their cage first in a bathroom so you can reach them whenever they land and pop them back in the cage. Once they're comfortable and safe flying around and will get back into their cage then it's easier when they're let out in a larger room. This is of course all theory and one I hope works for me. Good luck!

[Hezz]

Have you been doing any hand training with them? I am thinking not as you say you tried rubbing their chests with a perch. First thing you need to do is get them used to your hands being in the cage. A small piece of millet is good for these first few steps, encouraging them to come to you for a treat. Once they seem settled with your hand in the cage offer the millet and gradually move your hand further away so they have to come to you for the millet. The next step then is to get them stepping up onto your finger by gently pushing your finger across their chests. Use the words step up as you do so. Most budgies are fairly quick to get this one, but get to this stage first and then you will be in a much better position to allow them out for a fly.