How to Teach Your Budgie to Be Friendly

Budgies, short for budgerigars, are part of the parrot family. They are small and personable birds that can be raised around children or other pets. The males are more likely to talk than the females, but their speech is very difficult to decipher. Purchasing these birds at a young age is the best way to guarantee a friendly bird, as young birds are easier to train. Older birds are trainable, however, with a well educated human who follows a steady daily routine.

Things You'll Need

Budgie
Cage
Gloves or towel

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any other budgies or mirrors from the cage. The bird wants to bond with another living creature, and if you want your bird to be friendly with you, it needs to bond with you. If there is another bird available, it will bond with that bird. If there is a mirror available, it will bond with its reflection, as it believes there is another bird in the cage.
- 2
  Handle your bird every day. If the bird bites, use a towel or glove until the bird is used to being handled. This step is essential as an unfriendly bird needs socialization to become friendly. Encourage the bird to hop onto your hand; if he doesn't, proceed to the next steps. If you grab the bird, he will view you as a predator and become more nervous.
- 3
  Talk to birds who are not ready to be handled. Open the door on a daily basis, place your hand next to the opening, and talk to him. The bird needs socialization with another living object; you are the best choice for this socialization if you wish to create a friendly bird. Continue this behavior on a daily basis until your bird feels comfortable with hopping onto your hand.
- 4
  Stroke the bird when he has gained enough confidence to sit with you. Gently run a finger down his head and back while you talk to him. Your voice needs to be light and soft; birds do not respond well to loud, sudden noises. Repeat these steps every day until your bird is confident with you and approaches you for attention.