New Budgie Advice?

Question

Hi there,

Yesterday was a sad day for me because i had to get one of my two budgie put down because he was in pain. So because the over one will be so lonely my dad went out and brought another budgie.

I have just put him in a seperate cage next to the other budgie he seems shocked.

When shall i put him in with the other budgie?

How and when shall i train him? (Please Help)

Because i want to get him very tame

Thanks

Answer 1

You should start training him right away.  Make sure to spend equal time with your other budgie though too.

You can try them in the same cage but keep the other cage around incase they don't get along.

Make sure when you do put them together, you are there to supervise for the day.

Nancy

Answer 2

I'm sorry your other bird died, but I'm glad your dad got you another one.

Birds are often a little freaked when they first arrive.  Give him some time to adjust.  A week wouldn't be too much.  Leave the two cages in a quiet room, and bother them only to add food and water.

After a week, you can put the birds together. Get to know him  gradually.  Start by just talking.  Don't forget how huge you seem to him.

When budgies are in pairs, they prefer each other to humans.  That's just nature.  So don't be disappointed if they never get super tame.  I'd be happy if they didn't flip out when I added food and water.

If you take super good care of your budgies, when you get much older, you might buy a larger bird.  A cockatiel, for example, can become very tame, and friendly to people.  Mine will ride my shoulder all day long.  But they are much more expensive, so you have to prove you are responsible, first.

Answer 3

Introducing a new family member does not have to be a traumatic experience for your existing bird. Following a few simple suggestions can make a profound impact on how the new individual, human or animal, is accepted by your pet bird.

1. Avoid nasty surprises. Prepare your bird for the new arrival by telling it that there is a new member of the family coming. Your bird might not understand exactly what is happening but will know that you are sharing some important information, just as you would with any other family member.

2. Allow your bird to participate in preparations for the newcomer. Talk to it when setting up new equipment, regardless of whether it is a new cage or a crib for a child. It's important that your bird clearly understands that the new addition will not usurp its position in the "flock."

3. Maintain normal conditions as much as possible. If your bird's cage needs to be moved to make room for the new addition, do so well in advance of the arrival date, so that it does not associate the newcomer with its being disrupted.

4. If possible, don't overwhelm your bird with several new experiences at the same time — even good ones. Sometimes, people purchase a new cage for their existing bird when they get another bird. Lower stress levels by doing so long enough in advance for the existing bird to grow comfortable with it.  If the old cage is being given to the newcomer, have it repainted and install new perches and toys so that it appears different to its original owner.

5. Be the liaison with all new relationships.  Always hold your existing bird the first time it actually sees the new arrival, even if it is a newborn child. For example, place the baby in a bassinet in another room then take your bird to see the newcomer. Adjust the baby's blanket while holding your bird. Let the bird know that it is your first baby. Talk to the baby about how important your bird is. Tell your bird that the baby is important, too, and that you need the bird's help taking care of it. If you do this, don't be surprised if the bird begins to squawk when the child is fussy or if there is a problem. Many of my clients have found that their birds behaved like little "nannies" after having this talk with them! Follow similar guidelines with animal adoptions.

6. Do not expect your bird to love everyone you love. Only expect it to be well-behaved when they are around. If the newcomer is a romantic interest, hold the bird the first time it sees your human friend. If your bird accepts going to strangers, ask it to step on the person's arm, praising it when he does. Take your bird back after stepping onto the other person's arm, and praise it again, offering a food treat and a cuddle or scratch, whichever it prefers. The newcomer can offer treats if your bird is amenable. Never force the bird to go to someone when it does not want to. Allow your bird to grow comfortable with the new person in its own time.

7. Maintain the bird's importance in the family. After the newcomer's arrival, the existing bird can easily be incorporated into activities by placing it on a portable perch or gym or, the back of a metal folding chair or step stool, so that it can be part of the experience without actually needing to be handled. It is not necessary to do this every time you are interacting with the newcomer, but frequently enough to teach your little friend some social manners. Start with very short sessions, and praise your bird profusely when it remains perched. After it becomes more comfortable, brief words of praise, offered intermittently, will keep it there. Food rewards can be offered for birds that are motivated by their stomachs.

8. Consider the safety of all of your loved ones. Be realistic about the limitations of both small children and your bird. In cases where your bird is curious and climbs down to see the newcomer, keep it caged when you cannot supervise it, or place it on a perch that it cannot climb off of. Whatever the situation, remember to praise it. Include it verbally and visually while you are visiting or interacting with the newcomer.

9. Use physical barriers where necessary. When a baby becomes a curious toddler and may invade the bird's cage, a baby fence or corral works very well when placed around the cage. They are readily available in most baby stores. If necessary, the fence may need to be used for several years until your child learns to respect the bird's territory and well-being. That is OK. After all, it is better to keep your family intact, whenever possible.

10. Be patient and compassionate. It often takes time to incorporate all the elements of a new relationship with the old.  With love, patience, compassion and consideration toward all family members, your new relationship can actually enhance everyone's lives, including that of your beloved pet bird

Training your bird at a young age is ideal when compared to re-training or correcting the bad habits of an older bird. Some pet owners can become sidetracked by the freshness of having a new bird and enjoying their cuteness while they’re still baby birds; however, you must remember that in order to set the stage for the future, it is important to socialize your bird, work on good communication, and establish trust at a young age.  Just as human babies need to learn to eat with a spoon and play well with others before they tackle long division, baby birds need to start with the basics. Spend time with your young bird developing trust and teaching the basics of good bird behavior. For example:

Body handling. If you help your baby bird become accustomed to being gently handled now, you will prevent many problems later. For example, gently playing with your bird’s feet and toes will help it tolerate toenail filing. Gently lift its wings, so a trip to the groomer doesn’t become a nightmare later on.

Toweling: Start using the towel as part of your play with your baby bird, gradually working into wrapping your bird up in the towel. When you or your vet need to wrap the bird in the towel for its own safety, the experience will be much less stressful.

Beaking: Baby birds use their beaks to explore, but now is the time to let your bird know that anything beyond gentle nibbles is unacceptable. Frown and tell your bird “No,” and leave it alone for a minute or two, so it associates biting with being put in “time-out.”

Harness: It can take some time before a bird accepts wearing a harness or flight suit, but things will go more smoothly if you start when the bird is young. Once you get your bird into the harness, take it outside, at least briefly, so it learns why the harness is worth the bother. It’s also a good time to try out the carrier. Take short car rides that don’t end at the vet each time, and your bird might look forward to them.

You will begin to notice better communication between you and your baby bird. Working with your bird frequently allows you to become familiar with the body language and preferences of the bird, making it easier to know what your pet wants and how to respond to its actions. By taking time to teach your bird new tricks, you are encouraging desired behavior. Your bird will begin to demonstrate the favorable behavior because it learns it receives your attention then, as opposed to misbehaving. The stimulation training provides your bird is also very important to cater to their intelligence and appease their curiosity