Traumatised Budgie

[buntyfox]

Hi,

I've owned my budgie (Einstein) for over 2 years now. He used to let me pick him up, stroke him, and he would sit on my shoulder. However, my younger sister had friends round who found it funny to try and catch him as he was flying around the living room. I was not aware of this party and was obviously furious. Since the party, which was around 4 months ago, Einstein has refused to come anywhere near me. I'll try and put my finger in the cage and he'll go crazy and fly right out and away. The closest I can get to him now is when the cage door is locked and I'm renewing his food/water. I've been trying for months to try and regain his trust but nothing seems to be working. I've been treating him like a new budgie and he's just constantly refusing to let me within 10cm of his space. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated because I've almost lost hope altogether! I don't know if getting another budgie would be wise whilst he's in this state, but if that turns out to be what I have to do to help him recover then I'll do it because I can't stand to see him so distressed. 

Thank you!

[OP]

What a great shame. If it were me I would just continue to change his food & water and clean his cage. Hard as it will be I would refrain from trying to approach him as you are used to doing. Allow him time to hopefully see that you are not the nasty ones that chased him about. Just carry on talking and such that you would do. There will be others along with maybe different opinions.

Welcome to the forum.

[starlingqueen]

Can you relocate him to another room so the room he was traumatised in is not his main focus? A quiet room where he can rest and feel safe. Then start to offer him millet like a new bird.

I hope your sister was punished for her behaviour. This is animal cruelty and she should be made aware that is not how you treat animals.

[feathers]

Hi buntyfox and Einstein, welcome the forum

I am so sorry Einstein has lost his trust in you. As starlingqueen has said try moving him to a different room and also cover all but the front of the cage, I would also give four drops of Bach Flower Rescue Remedy (available in heath shops and chemists) in his water for a several weeks.

I am sure in time with lots of tender loving care he will be back to his old self.

Wings crossed x

[samwiseg]

Couldn't agree more with what others have offered poor little guy! But as SQ said relocating him to another room is a great idea as it should take him away from the trauma "mentally".

Good luck, love and patience is key (which you seem to have bucket loads of)

Oh and welcome to the forum btw! x