Jul 25, 2014 7:54:50 GMT
bizarre1
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 41 
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Post by bizarre1 on Jul 30, 2014 8:13:08 GMT
Some of you may seen on the lost and found thread that i recently lost a budgie. She was the boss birdy and now Charlie is left alone (for the time being). Charlie was my daughter in laws budgie as was Toni (the missing one). He is about 2 years old now and terrified of humans.
For the last year their cage has been next to my desk where I work about 2 feet away from me, so lots of chatting to them and of course proximity. So he is used to me but still he freaks out if I put my hand in the cage to change food/water/millet etc. He flaps and flutters and tries to get away.
We have now moved house and he is in a different room so whenever I go in there i say hello to him and he knows it is me and I can see that he is listening and make sure I chat to him whenever I am close by.
Is it too late to try and get him a little tamer?
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Post by OP on Jul 30, 2014 9:05:52 GMT
I am no expert, however I have finger trained a budgie that is now going into his third year. It takes a lot of time and a lot of patience and most of all one needs to be tenacious. You will need to sit with your hand in the cage, or just inside the cage and keep it there whilst calmly talking to him. When Charlie becomes used to that move your hand a little further into the cage. Hopefully eventually he will come to know that your hand is nothing to be afraid of. Always, always move slowly but deliberately. You are trying to gain his trust. If Charlie is partial to millet that is a good training tool. Hold a small piece between your fingers to start with so the he associates your hand with something good. Don't leave the millet in the cage until he has become used to your hand. You can then use it as a treat.
That's just for starters. Remember Time, Patience and Tenacity.
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Post by sarah*glittergirl2212 on Jul 30, 2014 9:13:02 GMT
I don't think it is ever too late. Be prepared for the long haul though, patience, patience, patience and be happy with every little bit of progress and praise him often. Try not to show any stress or negativity.. Charlie will sense it for sure!If you persevere your relationship will definitely improve. All the best with your training
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Post by lemonade on Jul 30, 2014 18:48:45 GMT
It can be done. I tamed my Paddy who was 2 when he came to me. Hadn't been out a cage before or handled. OP and sarah have given good advice  Lots and lots of patience, and dead arms from sitting with your arm in the cage for hours! |
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Post by Hezz on Jul 31, 2014 1:23:46 GMT
As mentioned above, it is never too late to make some progress. A lot of time and dedication on your part. birds don't just give their trust; it must be earned, so you must proceed on Charlie's terms. Also, if possible move his cage back to being where you are. It will make it easier for you to give him 5-10 min taming time; talk to him while you work, whistle to him, sort out the world's problems, anything. If he freaks out with your hand in the cage, retreat a little and offer him millet through the bars of the cage for a short time and then try again.
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