Budgies are one of the most popular pet birds in the world. They are small, colorful, and very friendly. Many people choose to own a budgie because they are so easy to tame and train. Unfortunately, most are uncertain about the duration they can gain trust with a budgie. Fortunately, you will learn it here, including things you can do to help speed up the process, among others. So, how long does it take for a budgie to trust you?
It takes three days to four weeks for a budgie to trust you. Some people believe that budgies can’t be tamed quickly, while others say they take three and four weeks. It depends on the bird’s natural temperament and its previous experiences with humans – every individual has their personality.
7 Tips to Make Your Budgie Trust You Fast
7 Tips to Make Your Budgie Trust You Fast and Forever
- Make Your Budgie Acquainted to New Environment
Budgies are very adaptable birds, and they can get used to new environments quickly. When you bring your budgie home, put him in a room where he can fly around and explore.
Please don’t put your pet bird in a small cage or aquarium when you first bring him home. It may not get used to people around. Later, put the budgie in a cage and place such as a living room where everyone can see and understand that they are not a threat.
- Engage Your Budgie
When you first get your budgie, handle it every day. Talk to it in a gentle voice and offer treats. Gently pet the bird’s back and head. Budgies like calm people and will learn to trust you more quickly if you are soothing and consistent.
Budgies also like to perch on fingers, so offer your finger to the budgie and see if it will step on. If the budgie does not want to be held, don’t force it. Some budgies never like to be held, and that’s okay. Just let the bird come to you when it wants attention.
- Feed Your Budgie from Your Hand
One of the best ways to bond with your budgie is to feed it from your hand. Start by offering a few seeds or pellets from your fingers. If the budgie is scared, try holding your hand close to the cage so it can get used to your scent.
Once the budgie seems comfortable, try gently placing your hand in the cage and let the bird eat from your hand. This is a great way to show your budgie that you are not a threat and provide food for it. Remember always to offer fresh water in a clean dish.
- Encourage Your Budgie to Perch on Your Finger
Once your budgie perches on your finger, start moving around with the bird. Go outside and allow it to see new sights and sounds. Let it fly around if it wants to.
The more your budgie is allowed to explore, the more comfortable it is with you and other people. Remember that budgies are flock animals and like to be around others.
- Reduce Caging Unless Necessary
Budgies are social animals, and they need to interact with others. If possible, reduce the time your budgie is in a cage. Allow it to fly around and explore your home.
If you must leave your budgie in a cage, make sure it is large enough for the bird to move around. The cage should also have plenty of toys and perches for the budgie to play with.
- Offer Treats in Various Places
Budgies like to explore, and they will learn to trust you more if you offer treats in various places. Put treats on the floor, on a perch, in different rooms, or your hand. See if the bird will fly to get the treat.
This will help teach your budgie that you are not a threat and that it can trust you. Budgies that are comfortable with you will often come to you for food.
How Do You Tell If a Budgie Trusts You?
Four ways to tell if your budgie trust you:
- Desire to Cuddle
If your budgie comes to you for a cuddle, it shows that it trusts you. Budgies are flock animals and like to be close to the people they trust. Cuddling may include more climbing, perching on your finger, desire to be pet and grooming, etc. Thus, you can notice your budgie coming to you for a cuddle more often as it begins to trust you.
- Relaxed Posture
If your budgie is sitting or perched calmly and maintaining eye contact, it is a good sign that the bird trusts you. Budgies will often puff out their feathers and become tense when they do not trust someone. If your budgie is relaxed around you, it means that it trusts you.
- Flapping Wings Often
When a budgie is content and happy, it will often flap its wings. If your budgie is doing this around you, it is a good sign that it trusts you. Be sure to study your bird’s wing behaviors.
- Wagging and Flipping Tail
If you see your budgie wagging and flipping its tail, it is a good sign that the bird trusts you. This behavior is usually seen when the bird is content and happy.
How Do You Know If a Budgie Doesn’t Like You?
Four hints to look out for that can tell you that your budgie doesn’t like you:
- Panting and Trembling
If you notice your budgie is trembling or panting when you are around, it’s a good sign that they are feeling uncomfortable or scared in your presence. Be sure to give your budgie time and space to get used to you.
- Refuses to Eat
If your budgie is hesitant to eat the food you give them, it’s likely because they don’t trust you yet. Continue providing positive reinforcement and treats when they eat to associate good things with your presence.
- Liquid Poop
If your budgie is pooping liquid, it’s likely because they feel stressed or anxious. This can be due to several things, such as a new environment, changes in routine, or being handled by someone they don’t trust. Be patient and continue working on building a trusting relationship with your budgie.
- Broad Eyes
If your budgie’s eyes are wide open and they’re staring at you, it means they are afraid of you and call for alertness. This is another sign that they don’t trust you yet, so continue taking things slow and be sure to give them positive reinforcement when they do something good.