Taming an older bird

[jackturner]

Hello Everyone!

I have recently been left a budgie from a friend who has sadly passed away! I promised i would take him and look after him and i am doing just that i have had him for about two months know.

However, the little guy doesn't seem very tame. I know he is just under a year old and he seems happy and healthy! he flaps quite alot when i put my hand in the cage but generally settles down and will take millet seed from my hand when offered. a have had him sit on my finger a couple of times but he still seems generally nervous when i have my hand in the cage.

Will this behaviour continue due to his age? or shall i just keep trying to tame him? if so is there any tips for taming an older bird.

ta very much

Jack

[jackturner]

P.s the birds wings aren't clipped!

[Hezz]

Hi Jack, good on you for taking on your friend's "orphan".

Taming a bird isn't like training a dog, unfortunately you are going to require a fair amount of patience and lots of persistence, especially as you and the bird are fairly new to each other. As many times as you can be around the cage talking to your new buddy, just going about your normal business. Many budgies get nervous when that scary hand comes into the cage, but if he settles after a while, that's good. And it's good he is taking millet from you too. Keep up what you are doing, just lots of it. Short sessions are better (many) than a couple of long sessions. You should be okay with his age, sure he isn't a baby, but it seems you two are already heading in the right direction. Once he has settled with you putting your hand in the cage, gradually move your hand closer and closer. If you have millet to offer, he may or may not hop onto your hand to take it, and you can start getting him to step up onto your finger then too. Just don't push him too hard, and don't expect quick results. You need to allow him to develop his trust in you, and there is not concrete time-frame for this - it depends on the individual bird. Good luck with the taming, and photos would be good too. Does Mr Budgie have a name?

[jackturner]

Cheers Hezz thats very useful - His name is Conan Doyle! my friend was a bit of an eccentric!
Thanks again
Jack

[Hezz]

Young Conan Doyle must be quite a character! Give him pen and paper and you may be getting Sherlock Budgie stories! I do love it when they get that handlebar moustache look about them while preening their chest and neck feathers. Very Conan Doyle! ;D

[Bird Junky]

Hi Jack Re your inquiry about training. Click on the post bellow
I'm sure it will be of a great help to you. Yours B.J.

budgerigarsforum.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=budgietaming&action=display&thread=2867

[sweetie]

hi jack just wanted to say well done for taking him on very sweet of you and ive no doubt over time you will grow very close

[budgiefriend]

Jack, you and Conan Doyle will have lots of fun together. Welcome to the forum and the world of budgies. We love photos!