New budgie won't come on finger

[peanuts]

Hi all, hoping you can help as I'm scratching my head on what to do here. I've had two budgies in the past and they were both extremely friendly and well trained. I didn't do anything special but just spent time with them and they always loved to come on my finger or to me in general. As soon as I would open their cage, they'd come racing out.

I just purchased a budgie after a few years of not having one. He was 10 weeks old when purchased and the store clipped his/her wings. I have spent ample time with this budgie but he does NOT want to come on my finger. I leave the cage open for hours and supervise and it won't come out. Once in a while he will fly out but then it wobbles on the floor and I have to chase it because it doesn't like my partner and I for some reason. It can't get back up because its wings are still trim so I have to take it up to the cage. I have put my finger it countless times and it either doesn't react or it bites. It just won't go on our finger whatsoever. There is a mirror in the cage (birdie basketball) and it loves it. I know some say to not put a mirror in so we took it out multiple times but it didn't make a difference. I decided to keep it in because at least it brings joy to the bird.

I have tried feeding the bird but it is afraid of all food. Mango, lettuce, spinach, apple, etc. It is afraid of all of it. When it finally takes a bite, it won't engage further. I've tried using a honey seed stick and that doesn't work. NOTHING works.

I don't know what to do because I want this bird to engage with us and like us but I can't imagine going years with this bird being independent and not wanting any attention from us.

[peanuts]

Forgot to mention the following:

- We've had him for a month now
- He also won't eat millet - he just eats seeds (I add multi vitamin drops to his water)

[blue48]

Poor thing probably feels unsafe because he can't fly, I hate to hear of birds having their wings clipped. You also don't know if he has had a bad experience in the store which has made him fearful and untrusting, and also if you are having to chase him him when he's on the floor that isn't going to instill confidence.

Please give him more time. A month isn't that long for a nervous bird. Sit outside the cage and read to him, my bird likes it when I sing to him. You could try setting up a play area on top of the cage, or fixing a perch just outside the cage by the door, maybe hang a favourite toy from it, and some millet even if he's not eating it at the moment. He may come to like it.

[peanuts]

Thanks for your reply. I will listen to your advice. I hate seeing birds with their wings clipped too..it kills me. I figured he would gained confidence when his wings fly but was hoping that he likes us in the process.

[blue48]

There are many members on here with far more experience then me peanuts. They'll have better advice to offer about training and diet.

Good luck

[Hezz]

You had budgies in the past that were tame and interactive. I bet you have forgotten the time before all this happened, before those budgies learned to trust the family they lived with. The two of you have gotten this budgie whom you have made up your minds to lurve .... I don't think the birdy has got that memo yet. This bird is now on its own, strange house, strange people, strange cage, toys etc, etc. The list goes on, everything familiar has gone. Not only all this newness, but then some person, just like you are, took away its only means of defence: flight.

So think about all that for a moment and try to imagine why this little bird would want to have anything to do with you. You need to step back a bit and approach this a little more slowly and cautiously. Give this little guy some space, but also get him used to sharing this space with you and gradually there will be a degree of trust (that you aren't fattening him up for dinner) begin to grow. Trust is at the centre of all bird bonding and it doesn't develop overnight.

Put a part of a millet spray in the cage for him to discover. Once he's started eating it then use it as a bonding treat. Offer some through the bars of the cage, or cage door, but without spooking him with your whole hand. As he becomes more comfortable with your hand bringing treats, start trying to get him stepping onto your hand for the millet, reduce the size of the offering as well, so he doesn't fill up in one sitting. Take things nice and slowly, working as the bird's pace, not yours. Once he seems to be comfortable with what you are doing, move him gently onto the next step. Trying to push too quickly and you will undo all the good gone before.

Even though you have had him a month now, it might still be worth covering the back and sides of his cage with a sheet or similar so that he doesn't have to be concerned with watching out in all directions for predators.

[Barry]

These two guys helped me as well; they've got some really good advice.

Since I'm in a similar situation (without your experience though), I figured I might share my take on the matter. What you could try, if you're willing to get some nice lactic acid in your arm, is putting your hand in the cage and just leaving it there for 15+ minutes. I've tried this with my 2-month-old, and while he still will not go anywhere near my hand on his own, he becomes noticably more calm after a while, to a point where I can at least present my hand to him without him freaking out.

Good luck with your shy little fellow. If you can think of anything that will reward it for mellowing out while being in the presence of your hand, therein lies your answer I think.