How to Bond With Budgies

Budgerigars, or budgies, are small parakeets that make enjoyable pets. They are about 7 or 8 inches tall and have small pointed wings and tails. Budgies have distinct plumage and are the most common pet bird in the world, as stated by the Animal Diversity Website. Bonding with this type of pet bird requires patience and persistence, but once you accomplish this task, the companionship of this feathered friend is well worth the effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Millet sprays
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand or sit next to the cage while reading a book, watching TV or doing another activity. This gets the bird used to your presence, and it soon realizes that you are not a threat. Speak softly to the budgie occasionally and while you are replenishing the food and water supply each day.

    • 2

      Speak calmly and in a soft tone of voice when interacting with your budgie. The bird may fear you at first because of your size. Showing patience while trying to tame the bird is an effective way to build trust. Dedicate 10 or 15 minutes a few times each day to taming the budgie.

    • 3

      Carry the cage into a small room, such as a bathroom, once the bird seems to accept your presence without fear. Shut the lid of the toilet and remove any items the bird may run into and topple over.

    • 4

      Place a thin washcloth around your hand and grasp the bird gently to remove it from the cage. Don't apply pressure to the chest area, as this prevents it from breathing.

    • 5

      Place the budgie back in its cage slowly and calmly if it bites you while you are trying to bond with it. Making a big deal out of the bite and quickly putting the bird back in its cage soon teaches it that if it wants to go back in the cage, all it has to do is bite you.

    • 6

      Sit down and place the bird on one of your knees while in the small room. If the budgie scurries off, pick it back up and place it on your knee again. It is best to wear pants when attempting this. The goal is to keep the bird on your knee for 10 minutes to acclimate it to you. Try this two or three times each day, and speak in a soft and soothing tone while praising the bird for its proper behavior.

    • 7

      Hold a piece of millet spray and offer it to the budgie once it starts to do well with sitting on your knee. Stroke the bird's chest gently with one finger if the bird allows it. Always move slowly until you build the bird's trust.

    • 8

      Point your index finger like a perch once the bird is sitting well on your knee and used to your touch. Press your finger gently in a downward motion on the budgie's chest. This causes the budgie to lose its balance and it likely will step up onto your finger. If it flies off, just try it again. If you fail repeatedly, lift the bird and place it on your finger. Always do this in the small room and while speaking soothingly to the budgie.

    • 9

      Remove the bird from the cage in a larger but safe room where it cannot hurt itself. Don't use a room that is busy with a lot of activity. Stroke its chest and have it perch on your finger or sit on your knee. Soon you will be able to do this anywhere in your home. Advance your training to include scratching the budgie's head gently and asking it to "step up" when you want it to perch on your finger. With slow movements, plenty of praise and a gentle speaking voice, over time you and your bird will share a close bond.