budgie bonding

[geoff]

hi i have had my budgie for about 2 weeks. when i first brought him home he would perch on my finger, but now he only does it to be let out of his cage. when he is out of his cage he doesnt want to be petted by me and flys to the opposite end of the room when i try. what things can i do to bond with him?

[sarah*glittergirl2212]

Hi Geoff, maybe when you first got your budgie he was a bit overwhelmed and sat on your finger fine, but now he has discovered his independence he is making the most of it! I'm guessing he is a young bird? In my very limited experience this initial rebellious streak calms down at about 4-6 months old, as long as you persevere with your bird continuously. Make sure he still knows who is the boss. It would be useful if you could let us know what method you are using to train him...

[Hezz]

This often happens - someone gets their new bird home, it is in a new place, new home, often new food, new faces, mostly the bird is young and everything is very scarey for a baby budgie ripped away from its nest, parents and all it is familiar with. This is why most young birds will still quite still in their new cage, not eating or drinking, not chirping or moving around. Totally overwhelmed by all that has happened to them in the last day or two. Scared stiff - literally. And allows you to do almost anything with it.

After a week or two, the bird has gotten used to its surroundings, much more comfortable with its new cage, new food, new faces, realises this is where it is going to live and so starts to show its personality. Most budgies do not like being petted. Some birds never allow themselves to be petted, and contact happens only on their terms. Some will start to allow a scratch after about 12-18 months. Budgies aren't like cats and dogs that can be handled and stroked, but they are a prey animal tht needs to always have an escape route open to them.

Spend time with your new bird, teach him to step-up etc, but don't expect anything to happen quickly. Your bird will only just be starting to have some trust in you, so it is important you take things slowly and allow that trust to build.

[geoff]

Hi guys. Thanks for the info. After reading your posts, I think that the bond with my budgie is better than can be expected. He lets me pet him in the cage, and I handle him as much as he will allow. I think I will just carry on as i'm doing and maybe he will become a bit tamer. Thanks again
Geoff

[Bird Junky]

Hi geoff. I suggest you have a read through the bonding
posts. You never know, you just might find something
useful. Yours B.J