Best way to get a budgie to come to my hand (inside cage)?

[crof]

I have read various things. Some say to touch it's stomach until it steps up on you, some say leave your hand in the cage etc. I just stood holding half a grape with my hand inside the cage for about 30 mins and they just seemed terrified. Should I just keep being persistent with this method until they eventually come to me or should I try something else? Maybe a different food? Should I try the stomach thing? Any advice is appreciated.

It would also be interesting to hear how you all have managed to get your budgie to come to your hand (or if you have at all) while it is inside the cage.

Is there also a good time for training? e.g first thing in the morning, later at night etc?

[hitman]

I would get some spray millet for a start. I don't think a grape would work 😂

This is the tricky part getting them to be hand tame. Be persistent in your attempts. Hold the millet in your hand so the bird comes to it let it eat it and slowly pull the millet in so the bird has to come closer to your hand.
Eventually the bird will step onto your palm once it realises you are not a threat.(this step could take a while but could be done in ten minutes.) Get into a comfortable position you might not feel your arm if it's a long time🤣

This works with most birds but I have one that I've looked after for a good two years plus that just thinks I'm some sort of monster. I have a good few birds so I think they can get into a flock mentality and they copy the others. It might be a good idea to try and get one bird at a time alone if it doesn't work with the two but hopefully one will be brave and the other will follow.

[crof]

Mar 9, 2020 16:54:12 GMT hitman said:

I would get some spray millet for a start. I don't think a grape would work 😂

This is the tricky part getting them to be hand tame. Be persistent in your attempts. Hold the millet in your hand so the bird comes to it let it eat it and slowly pull the millet in so the bird has to come closer to your hand.
Eventually the bird will step onto your palm once it realises you are not a threat.(this step could take a while but could be done in ten minutes.) Get into a comfortable position you might not feel your arm if it's a long time🤣

This works with most birds but I have one that I've looked after for a good two years plus that just thinks I'm some sort of monster. I have a good few birds so I think they can get into a flock mentality and they copy the others. It might be a good idea to try and get one bird at a time alone if it doesn't work with the two but hopefully one will be brave and the other will follow.

Actually makes a ton of sense..... I feel like an idiot now.

[ladybird]

Crof....you are NOT an idiot, budgies don’t come with a manual do they?.........It all takes time and LOTS of patience , and it doesn’t really matter what time of day, just keep everything calm and slow, and talk quietly to your bud....also don’t stare him in the eye.

[maryann]

I adopted a 4 year old and I’m working on the same thing! But right now I’m just getting Harvey used to my hand in his cage. Next will be the millet. I really love him. He’s very bonded to us. He chips when we enter or leave the room and we whistle back. Each one is so different. Tons of fun and patience required.
Good luck and please let us know how it goes! I need the tips too!

[hitman]

Mar 9, 2020 18:01:35 GMT crof said:

Mar 9, 2020 16:54:12 GMT hitman said:

I would get some spray millet for a start. I don't think a grape would work 😂

This is the tricky part getting them to be hand tame. Be persistent in your attempts. Hold the millet in your hand so the bird comes to it let it eat it and slowly pull the millet in so the bird has to come closer to your hand.
Eventually the bird will step onto your palm once it realises you are not a threat.(this step could take a while but could be done in ten minutes.) Get into a comfortable position you might not feel your arm if it's a long time🤣

This works with most birds but I have one that I've looked after for a good two years plus that just thinks I'm some sort of monster. I have a good few birds so I think they can get into a flock mentality and they copy the others. It might be a good idea to try and get one bird at a time alone if it doesn't work with the two but hopefully one will be brave and the other will follow.

Actually makes a ton of sense..... I feel like an idiot now.

No its all new and fun learning. I just had a little chuckle to myself

[Hezz]

There is no point offering millet to a bird you want to come to you if you have millet readily available to them, so hopefully you will have taken the spray out before you try this way. If the birds are terrified of your hand, try approaching from outside the cage first, otherwise you are invading their house. Once they will approach the side of the cage for millet, then try with your hand in the cage. At this stage your piece of millet may need to be rather large so that they can see what they are being offered.

As you make progress reduce the size of the millet sprig. They will know that you have millet and they have to get close to get some. Once you have them eating from a small piece and right beside your hand, put the millet at such an angle that they have to get closer again to your hand, eventually needing to step onto you to reach the treat. Putting a bobble or two into the palm of your hand will usually achieve this, but only when they are ready, of course!

Once this is achieved regularly and they have stopped flying off when your hand appears, if you actively want them to step up, put your finger across their belly, near their legs, give the step up command at the same time as you give them a little push. They will hang on tight until they learn what is needed. Repeat action and words with a little extra pressure. It will get to the stage where they either step up or have to flap to keep balance. Once they start, they are usually quick to pick it up and will step up as soon as you present your finger, before any command or persuasion is given.

[crof]

Just an update to say thank you all and I finally made some progreess! It's not much but it's a start....

Yuki and Kusa eating!!!!

[Hezz]

That's definitely leading in the right direction. Well done.