My budgie... What happened?

Question

Please read ALL of this before you answer my question. My budgie, (blue, boy) used to be like my best friend. He was tame too. But one day, my friend came over and we took my two birds out of my cage, I held one while she held the blue one (she has budgies too). We were walking downstairs to put them back in their cage, when by blue bird flew off my friends finger, and flew downstairs. I got so worried. I ran down there, picked him up, and noticed that he was bleeding! (His wing) I asked my parents to take him to a vet, but they said he's be okay. My friend suggested we bath him and see if it would his pain a little less. So we did, and it calmed him down a little bit. Then we hand fed him and put him back in the cage. Ever since then he has been VERY aggressive with everyone (even me) and doesn't want to be taken out of his cage. When we do take him out, he bites VERY hard. So we usually don't take him out. I'm worried about him. Please note that this happened about 6 months ago. Please tell me what to do, and whats wrong with him!

Answer 1

It could be that the injury your bird suffered is a head injury. My auntie has a cockateil that used to be like your budgie is now: friendly, happy and never aggressive, but one day, whilst he was out of his cage, he flew straight into a window, and he's never been the same since. Infact, before the accident, he could actually speak aswell, but since the accident, he hasn't spoken a word.

Answer 2

Your budge is probably traumatized or scared that the event might occur again. Your friend probably has nothing to do with the situation. Your bird got hurt while he was flying around and connects you with the event and doesn't want it to happen again.

You could start by showing him lots of love and attention. Soothe him by playing soft music and perhaps talking to him. Eventually, little by little, and day by day, take him out of his cage. The first thing you should do though is trim his wings. This will prevent him from flying around and he can't hurt himself. Then, hold him, let him ride on your shoulder, give him treats and baths regularly.

He should eventually calm down a bit and it will be easier to tame him once again. Until then, I suggest only letting him out of his cage in a closed room and look into getting his wings clipped.

If you have any other questions, please e-mail.

Answer 3

Birds are curious things without much room in their head. I had parakeets when I was young and they are similar. My guess is that he hurt his wing worse than you initially thought, perhaps a broken bone that has by now mended crooked. To him the experience may have taught him to associate pain with coming out of his cage. Instinct tells birds to avoid pain so he will do all he can not to come out of the cage. One thing you could do without spending any money is call a vet, preferably one that is familiar with birds, and ask if there is anything you can do. If they insist you bring the bird in call another vet. Phone consultations are free but they will sometimes not want to talk to you unless you come in cause they want money. I think if you tell them your age they are more likely to help without insisting you bring the bird in. Pamper your budgie, try to earn his trust again. Talk and chirp at him softly, get him used to your hand in his cage when you aren't trying to take him out. He needs to trust you not to take him out of the cage when you have your hand in there. Once he is comfortable with that, see if he will come out on his own. You can use bird treats, something you know he likes. Hope your budgie feels better soon.