Sarah-Jane White Getting to Know Your Budgie Slowly
I’ve kept and bred budgies for years. I love their happy chirping and beautiful colours. They are great talkers and there’s nothing better than your budgie starting to mimic you and say ‘I love you’ or, in my case I’m teaching them Spanish too so they say ‘Te quiero mama”.
These small, brightly colored birds really are social creatures. They enjoy getting and giving attention. Get to know your budgie’s likes and dislikes, behavior cues, and favorite toys. Understanding your budgie’s behaviors and responding appropriately will foster trust. Over time, your budgie will associate your presence with positivity, making your relationship with them stronger.
The bond between people and their parrots can be quite profound, something that I had little experience with until a parrot entered my life by chance in 1998.
Patricia K. Anderson, PhD
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Settling Your Budgie In
Setting your new budgie in your home is a decisive step. They go through a lot just by transitioning to a new environment. Grant them 4-5 days to get used to this strange, new world. During this time, try not to disturb them unless it’s vital, like changing their food and water. A tip: playing budgie sounds from a radio, tv or iPad can comfort your budgie. It will give them a sense of being part of a flock and security.
Optimal Conditions for Budgie Comfort
To make your budgie feel at home, you need to create a comfortable environment. The place where their cage is located should be free from drafts and sudden noises. Budgies need 10-12 hours of sleep each night. So, having their cage in a room where you and your family spend time, but also where they can rest undisturbed, is essential. Consider a bird cage like the this tall bird cage. The spaciousness design make it an ideal choice. Besides, it comes equipped with no-spill feeders and easy-to-clean base, ensuring your budgie’s home remains clean with minimal effort from you.
Bonding with Your Budgie
Parakeet Personality and Play
Parakeets, or budgies, are quite playful birds. They love to interact with various toys such as mirrors, balls, and bells. Play sessions are a marvelous chance for you to bond with your budgie. Spend time watching them play, get involved, and even introduce new toys to enrich their environment. Understanding your budgie’s play preferences is also beneficial. Is your bird a fan of swings, or do they love shredding up a bird-safe toy? Note: Always supervise your budgie during playtime to ensure their safety.
Building Trust Over Time
Earning your budgie’s trust is essential. It’s letting them come to you, not forcing them. Always be slow and gentle, particularly when approaching. No sudden movements, as this can instill fear. Consistently speaking to your bird in a soft, soothing tone reassures them. Also, don’t rush it. Patience is key. Remember, once lost, trust is hard to regain. So, it’s a marathon, not a race. Keep this in mind as you try to bond with your budgie. Eventually, trust will build a strong, lasting friendship between you both.
Training Your Budgie
Using Commands to Communicate
Training your budgie with basic commands, like “step up”, “go home” can strengthen your bond. Let’s start with “step up”, which means “climb on my finger”. Using this command helps your budgie get comfortable with being picked up and handled. “Go home” commands them to return to their cage. It’s a useful command, especially when you need them to return safely to their home. Remember, the key to successful training is consistency and starting slow. Each bird is different – so adapt as per your budgie’s comfort and pace.
Positive Reinforcement Techniques
Positive reinforcement techniques can go a long way in training your budgie. A prime example? Treating them to their favorite food. Positive reinforcement works by rewarding your budgie for a desired behavior, encouraging them to repeat that behavior. Be sure to reward them immediately after they perform the behavior to establish a clear connection between the action and the reward. Over time, this can lead to lasting, positive habits.
Interacting with Your Budgie
Hand Training for Closer Connection
Hand training is a phenomenal way to deepen your connection. Start by just placing your hand inside the cage daily. Don’t make any movements just yet. Over time, your budgie will view your hand as part of their environment. Next, you can offer them food directly from your hand. They’ll learn to associate your hand with positive things, ultimately enabling them to trust you more. Slow, steady, and patience are keys for successful hand training.
Social Activities to Engage in with Your Budgie
For closer bond, try engaging in more social activities with your budgie. Sing to them, read out loud, or even chat about your day. They’ll likely respond with their own chirps and tweets! You can also play games with them, like “chase the mirror” or “fetch the ball.” Remember to respect their boundaries and let them lead the interactions. This mutual respect will foster a stronger, healthier bond.
Next Steps after Successful Bonding
Continuing Care for Your Budgie
Continuing care for your budgie is an ongoing process. It goes beyond daily feeding and cage cleaning. Keeping a regular check on their health is crucial too. Be vigilant for any changes in their behaviors as these could indicate health issues. Regular veterinary visits are a must. Provide a multitude of stimulating toys and experiences for your budgie to keep them enriched. Keeping your budgie happy and healthy will ultimately strengthen your bond and love for each other.
If Challenges Arise in the Relationship
If challenges arise in your relationship with your budgie, don’t be quick to blame yourself, or them. Understanding and resolve are key. For instance, your budgie may act differently due to a change in environment or stress. You can consult avian specialists or bird-behavior experts for guidance. Like any relationship, it requires effort, patience, and sometimes professional advice. The goal? Ensuring your budgie feels safe, secure, and loved with you.
Budgie Bonding FAQ
How long will it take for my budgie to like me?
Feels different from bird to bird. Generally, it takes about two weeks for a budgie to get used to their new home. Bonding might take longer, possibly a few months. They are intelligent and have their unique personalities, so bonding time can vary. Patience is the key here!
How can I help my scared budgie trust me again?
If your budgie is scared, take a step back. Let them first feel comfortable in their environment again. Speak to them soothingly, offer treats from a distance, and most crucially, be patient. Over time, they’re likely to regain their comfort and trust in you. Remember, their comfort should always come first.
