Budgies are very intelligent animals, and if you have one, you will probably want to teach them to be friends with you. The first step is to train it or make it sit comfortably on the index. Once he has learned to stand on his hand, you can carry him around and play with him outside the cage. To carry out this task, you will need to create a comfortable environment for him and then gradually train him to gain confidence with your hand.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Creating a Comfortable Environment
Step 1. Get him a fairly large cage
The first time you bring your budgie home from the pet store, it will probably be delivered to you in a transport container. You will need it to get home, but you certainly won't have to use it as permanent accommodation. Your little bird needs enough space to live and avoid getting bored. In practice, this means that he will need to have several places to perch on so that he can observe you during your daily routine.
- When you move him to his new cage, be sure to open it and bring the container closer to the entrance. Do not reach into the transport box and do not try to force the bird out. It is best if it comes out spontaneously.
- Patience is the key to getting the parakeet inside the cage. If you shake or turn the container upside down, it will get even more frightened and begin to recoil towards the bottom of the box.
Step 2. Place your new friend in a bright room
For his health it is essential that he is in a welcoming environment. Don't put it in a dark and too quiet room. If you place him in an airy area where you can interact with him, he will feel much more comfortable. Make sure the cage is placed on a flat surface in a place where there is a fair amount of people, but not excessively busy.
Step 3. Talk to him
Before you even begin to train your dog to lean on your hand, it's best to use your voice. Try not to raise it too much, keep a normal tone. Talk to your little bird about anything you want, just to be sure you are communicating with him. He will hear your voice and try to understand where it comes from. You will only be able to begin training when he no longer jumps at seeing you out of the cage and hearing you speak.
This is also the first step in training him to articulate a few words. Choose the ones he will have to repeat
Step 4. Provide sufficient quantities of food and water
You should change them every day. Birds can be very food demanding, just like people. In fact, if they can sense that something has gone wrong, they refuse to touch it.
- Food: Make sure you put at least one tablespoon of seeds in the food bowl every day. The parrot feeds on seeds, but leaves the skins and scraps in the bowl or next to it as it eats. Many novice people confuse these leftovers with newly inserted seeds and do not feed their budgies regularly. Therefore, change your food every day to avoid this problem.
- Water: Fill the water bowl every day. That of the tap will be fine. Don't add vitamins or medications if you can do without them. Some budgies refuse to drink the water if it tastes altered.
Step 5. Set up a shallow pool for it to get wet
The depth should not exceed 2.5-5 cm. This way your little bird can dive. There is no need for your intervention when she wants to take a bath. The water changes every couple of days. If it feels comfortable getting out of the cage, you can purchase a bird pool that hooks onto the bars.
Step 6. Change the paper lining inside the cage as well
There are several products on the market designed to coat the bottom of the cage, but in reality most of them can pose a danger to parrots. Cedar shavings contain toxins that risk compromising the bird's digestive system. Pine nuts can be swallowed and cause digestive problems. Cat litter absorbs moisture and, if ingested, can cause serious problems. Therefore, you just need to use paper products: you can buy the sheets sold specifically to line the parrot cages or simply use odorless paper napkins or unprinted newspaper sheets.
Inspect the cage daily to see if there is too much fecal residue present. The upholstery should be replaced every couple of days
Step 7. Get him fun games
You will find parrot toys of all shapes, sizes, colors, textures and smells on the market. Many also produce sounds. The more choice you give your bird, the happier it will be as it needs stimulation to live peacefully. Don't let him get bored. If he feels satisfied, over time you will have less difficulty training him to lean on your hand.
Part 2 of 2: Get Him to Become Familiar with the Hand
Step 1. Put your hand in the cage several times a day
Repeat this several times. Make sure you insert it slowly and so you don't scare him. Don't shake it unnecessarily, don't shake the cage, and don't bump into your bird. Your goal is to teach him to trust that your hand is not a threat.
During this maneuver, many budgies begin fluttering around or croaking. However, if you stay calm, your little friend will understand that nothing bad is going on
Step 2. Give him a reward
Once he gets used to the presence of your hand inside the cage, a delicious treat will entice him to inspect it. Your hand, in fact, should represent a safe and also advantageous appendage for its space. The perfect treats are those of wheat or seeds. The portions need to be large enough for your little bird to be able to recognize them, but not too large so that he can't grab them when his hand is closed.
Step 3. Equip the cage with a roost
You find them in various sizes. Many resemble wooden sticks, while others are made of metal. They all vary in size. You should choose one that extends from your hand about 10-13cm. The goal is to make the budgie use it to perch near your fingers which, later on, will replace the support of the perch.
Step 4. Give the budgie a light tap on the chest
By doing so, you will suggest that he get on the perch. Be careful not to hit it too hard, or it will negatively associate the perch with your hand (or its presence).
Step 5. Say "Up, up, up" followed by his name
For example, if your budgie is called Pedro, try saying "up, up, up, Pedro" while giving him a little push on the chest. This will add an auditory cue that will stimulate him to learn. Eventually, you will be able to make your little bird jump on your finger with one of two signals.
Step 6. Praise him several times when he climbs to the perch
Basically, you could gently pat him on the back of his head or give him other rewards. In this sense, budgies are like dogs and cats: they need rewards that encourage them to learn various maneuvers. Some prefer not to be stroked. If your bird falls into this category, just offer him some rewards. Make sure you choose something delicious consisting of seeds, vegetables and grains. Each parrot is different and therefore has different tastes. Experiment to find out what yours prefers.
Step 7. Move your finger closer to the end of the roost
Place the latter and your finger next to the paws. When it begins to rise on your hand, leaving the roost, you can completely get rid of this tool.
Make sure you keep your finger straight, as if it were a direct extension of the roost. The parrot must feel safe and stable at all times, otherwise it will avoid climbing out of caution or fear
Step 8. Get the budgie out of the cage while it is perched on your finger
Remember that he has spent a lot of time inside, so he will be understandably scared. It is likely that this will take a few days to complete.
Keep the doors and windows closed so it can't fly away
Step 9. Have friends and family teach your budgie to step onto the hand using this same method
It's the only way your little friend will feel comfortable among the people who make up his or her family.
Step 10. Allow him to lean on other areas of the body
You should only give him the opportunity to explore other parts of the body after he has become comfortable with being on the finger. It may rest on your head, knee, shoulder, or arm. Train him to land anywhere, without being in a hurry, so that he gains confidence.
