Taming Budgies...

[daisym6]

My grandma's budgies are over at my house for 10 days, when ever I try to hold them they back away into their cage.
Is there a way to tame them pretty quick, I understand budgies usually like only one person, is there a way to quickly tame them so you can at least hold them?
They do, do this to everyone it's not just me.
I have a male and a female, or my grandma does the gender do anything. They are a lovely blue and green, male blue (Teekie) female green (Keetie)
I think they're 8 years old...

[Mamyalynne]

If they are not tamed to the hand by this age, it would be quite stressful to try and start.

[daisym6]

Ideas to at least try I dont give up on animals!

[daisym6]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ANSWER! I NEED MORE!

[Mamyalynne]

Sorry Daisy, am no expert apart from being a Budgie owner (or was it the other way round?) at 8 years old , I personally feel that if they have not been handled the stress would be too much for them.

I recommend you get a baby bird yourself and try from the start, it is so rewarding and such fun.

[wildwood]

10 days is nowhere near long enough to tame 8 year old budgies. It takes months to even get them to sit on your finger when they are that old. No bird like to be held unless they are very tame, it scares them.

The males are said to be easier to tame but this is not always the case. I suggest you follow mamy's advice and start with a baby budgie, they are easily tamed. Before you get any animal you need to ensure that there will be care for it when you go on holidays.

[woofgang]

why are you trying to hold them anyway?

[bensmum]

If they're 8 years old and aren't used to being handled then it will be very difficult to get to hold them now. Also having 2 together makes it harder and, as budgies can get stressed quite easily, I'd suggest not trying to handle them at all, just talk to them gently.

[Mosaic]

These birds won't take quickly or easily to any new behaviours.It takes long, unhurried repetition of reward and confidence-building to modify budgie behaviour. you haven't explained why you want to hold them. Holding a budgie isn't something they consent to easily at the best of times. Their normal way of interacting is to come to your hand, either a finger outstretched and presented sideways on to the bird so it is familiar as a perch, or the side of your hand in a similar manner.

it helps to gain their trust by talking gently and softly, avoiding loud noises or sudden movements, and allowing them the option of moving higher than you as this is a natural instinct for self-preservation if they are worried.

Hence if you introduce yourself by reaching into their cage they will become panic-stricken. Older budgies or ill budgies can die from shock, so don't do this please.

If you want them to have fun, get them a rolling toy or a bell. They will also enjoy joining in by making a noise when everyone else is ie during your favourite TV programme.

[lankeela]

When I worked in a pet shop we sold budgies that had not been handled. The shop owner would take them upstairs when they had been 'chosen' and clip their wings - result was instant - they just sat there and let you hold them. Returned to new owner who could immediately handle them.
Not saying I agreed with it but I was amazed at the instant result.

[woofgang]

definitely don't agree with it, the "biddability" was probably terror like when a dog "shuts down"

[woofgang]

lankeela, i saw your other post, hope things are ok?

[lankeela]

Fors and againsts http://www.ukbudgies.co.uk/clippedwings.html

Thanks woof, all sorted now and no further action being taken if thats the one you refer to! If its the other, clutch kn*ackered and need £650 sharpish!

[woofgang]

The first, glad about that, people who work in difficult circs need protection. Sorry to hear about the car, they are toilets to flush money down.
I wasn't talking about the actual clipping but the forced handling that clipping requires
sorry to take the thread OT

[woofgang]

this poster worries me, she seems young, thinks she is "good with animals" then posts some worrying wishes and ideas.....

[daisym6]

They can get held I just relized that when I was playing with them this morning! Male was esier to hold, though!

[daisym6]

Oh sorry yeah I should tell you WHY I want to hold them, I really don't JUST want to hold them there cage is some what small so they need some out time and to get them out of their cage is a different manner as they loved being out but HATE getting out yes it is confussing to me too! Woofgang I don't see how this is a "worring" idea to get them tamed.... but yes I'm YOUNG but not a kid.

[rowanwitch]

Its only 10 days I'd leave them in their cage and I would not even try to handle them... even if you can...it stresses them

[woofgang]

anyone who wonders what i mean should read this poster's other questions.

[chaptazbru]

Agree with you woofgang.