Budgie
asb asked: "I found a budgie i have it's food, cage, toys, treats etc. but I would like to learn more about them. Please help me?"
A1: lindsay_jo_294 replied: "go to your local pet store and pick up a book all about parakeet's. In their they'll thell you proper diet, lifespan, games to play, origin etc.
The bird should be on a pelleted diet. I recommend Zupreem Avian Maintenance for parakeets. Also fresh fruits and vegi's on a daily basis.
Super foods:
Yams
Squash
Spinach
Mustard Greens
Collard Greens
No No's:
Alcohol
Smoke of any kind
sugar
salt
Teflon coated pans (birds should be in another room when cooking with these. The fumes are highly toxic)"
The bird should be on a pelleted diet. I recommend Zupreem Avian Maintenance for parakeets. Also fresh fruits and vegi's on a daily basis.
Super foods:
Yams
Squash
Spinach
Mustard Greens
Collard Greens
No No's:
Alcohol
Smoke of any kind
sugar
salt
Teflon coated pans (birds should be in another room when cooking with these. The fumes are highly toxic)"
A2: John P replied: "I agree with lindsay.
A couple additions I would make are:
NO chocolate, coffee or avocado. They are poisonous to these birds and all of the parrot family.
No air fresheners, scented candles room deodorizers, or perfumes. These also can be toxic. Not all are toxic, but is it worth the risk to find out??
Books are a great idea.
You might also consider joining a Yahoo group for bird lovers. If you E-mail me I can suggest a very good group with a large library, and lots of helpful loving bird owners who will answer any questions!
Good luck!"
A couple additions I would make are:
NO chocolate, coffee or avocado. They are poisonous to these birds and all of the parrot family.
No air fresheners, scented candles room deodorizers, or perfumes. These also can be toxic. Not all are toxic, but is it worth the risk to find out??
Books are a great idea.
You might also consider joining a Yahoo group for bird lovers. If you E-mail me I can suggest a very good group with a large library, and lots of helpful loving bird owners who will answer any questions!
Good luck!"
A3: DaveSFV replied: "Go down to the pet store and purchase a $5 pamphlet on parakeets."
A4: darcie w replied: "When i first got my birds(and before that) i went on the internet for ours you just search for "budgies" and it will come up with heaps i really enjoyed making toys for them and i found this site-
"
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A5: becky b replied: "Hi there, I have a budgie that is around 4 years old. I have joined a couple of internet groups and am still learning alot from them. One of the groups is "Feeding feathers" where you can find out what the ideal diet is. They DO NOT recommend pellets for budgies. I feed mine budgie seed mix and veggys. A bird on an all seed (or pellet) diet has a much shorter life expectancy. Another group I belong to, and is more casual is "Budgie Place", you can ask anything that concerns you on there. I also found a site (You don't have to join this one). This is full of information on a variety of topics. I would start there, learn as much as you can, then join a group. They need a cuttle bone in their cage (mine has a mineral block surrounding it), and they need plenty of exercise. (out of cage time). Mine talks like crazy and has become an important part of our family, I'm sure you will fall in love with yours too! Hope this helped, good luck!"
A6: Cockatiel Expert replied: "Available At All Times:
* Half seed, half pellet mixed together
* Egg and Biscuit Dry Mix (with a very tiny bit of hand rearing formula mixed in)
* Cuttlefish bone
Breakfast:
Cooked brown rice, Cooked pasta, Cereal (Just Right, VitaBrits or Cheerios), Apple, with any of the following that I have at the time:
* Green peas
* Carrot
* Banana
* Grapes
* Broccoli
* Cucumber
* Green Beans
* Canned apricot or pears
* Spinach (only a little bit)
* Orange (only a little bit)
* Tomato
* Pineapple (only a little bit)
* Corn
* Dandelion Leaves
* Grass
* Lettuce (only a tiny bit.. mostly there just to encourage them to eat all the other veges mixed with it)
Dinner (about 5:00pm):
Dog biscuits (little bit), Grated Cheese (little bit), a little bit of a vegetable with any of the following I have at the time:
* Eggs (including shell)
* Cooked Meat (red, poultry, or fish)
* Whole wheat toast
Food Dos
Mangoes- Peeled & diced
Blueberries
Cranberries
Sweet Potatoes
Corn-on-the-Cob
Carrots
Peas
Pomegranates
Sprouts
Broccoli
Kale
Bananas
Cooked Pasta
Cooked Beans
Cooked Eggs
WELLCOOKED Meat
Donts
Chocolate
Avocado
Rhubarb
Pickels
Prossed Meat
Fried Foods
Milk or Milk Products
Mayo
Onions
Garlic
Uncooked Meat or Fish
When To See a Vet
1] If your birds toenails are very overgrown and curling
under. This could be a sign of mites, foot deiese or nutritional disorder.
2] If your birds beak is widely overgrown and is curling
in on its self, or is strange looking and bumpy.
3] If your bird is over grooming.
4] If there are bald patches where feathers where
before.
5] If molting last more than a month or two.
6] If there is a big color change
Hope this helps and email with any questions,
Cockatiel Expert"
* Half seed, half pellet mixed together
* Egg and Biscuit Dry Mix (with a very tiny bit of hand rearing formula mixed in)
* Cuttlefish bone
Breakfast:
Cooked brown rice, Cooked pasta, Cereal (Just Right, VitaBrits or Cheerios), Apple, with any of the following that I have at the time:
* Green peas
* Carrot
* Banana
* Grapes
* Broccoli
* Cucumber
* Green Beans
* Canned apricot or pears
* Spinach (only a little bit)
* Orange (only a little bit)
* Tomato
* Pineapple (only a little bit)
* Corn
* Dandelion Leaves
* Grass
* Lettuce (only a tiny bit.. mostly there just to encourage them to eat all the other veges mixed with it)
Dinner (about 5:00pm):
Dog biscuits (little bit), Grated Cheese (little bit), a little bit of a vegetable with any of the following I have at the time:
* Eggs (including shell)
* Cooked Meat (red, poultry, or fish)
* Whole wheat toast
Food Dos
Mangoes- Peeled & diced
Blueberries
Cranberries
Sweet Potatoes
Corn-on-the-Cob
Carrots
Peas
Pomegranates
Sprouts
Broccoli
Kale
Bananas
Cooked Pasta
Cooked Beans
Cooked Eggs
WELLCOOKED Meat
Donts
Chocolate
Avocado
Rhubarb
Pickels
Prossed Meat
Fried Foods
Milk or Milk Products
Mayo
Onions
Garlic
Uncooked Meat or Fish
When To See a Vet
1] If your birds toenails are very overgrown and curling
under. This could be a sign of mites, foot deiese or nutritional disorder.
2] If your birds beak is widely overgrown and is curling
in on its self, or is strange looking and bumpy.
3] If your bird is over grooming.
4] If there are bald patches where feathers where
before.
5] If molting last more than a month or two.
6] If there is a big color change
Hope this helps and email with any questions,
Cockatiel Expert"
sweetestbudgie asked: "I have a budgie that's just over 6 weeks old. A few days before I got him I went to Pets World to get some budgie pellets but they didn't have any in stock to I bought budgie starter. He eats seed, honey stick and dandilian thistles. I've tryed to give him budgie starter, apple and grape. I put a piece of corn in his cage but I don't know if he ate it. Help! I'm going to put him on a pellet diet when he's older."
A1: Kimmie replied: "An all pellet diet is nutrient over-kill. Seriously, it can kill small birds.
Stick to a seed based diet and add lots of veggies, fruits, grains, nuts, pastas, figs, whole grain birdie bread (google for a recipe).
Introduce new foods one by one rather than lots of different stuff at one time.
Good Luck"
Stick to a seed based diet and add lots of veggies, fruits, grains, nuts, pastas, figs, whole grain birdie bread (google for a recipe).
Introduce new foods one by one rather than lots of different stuff at one time.
Good Luck"
A2: humor4fms replied: "Try using Roudybush pellets. They are made out of crushed apple. I have been sucessful for the last 10+ years using this pelleted diet and never had a problem with any bird switching over to it, or weaning any bird over to them.
A pelleted diet is not over rated and birds do not eat a seed diet in the wild. No millet or sun flowers, peanuts or what ever crap that comes in the seed mix that anyone sells grows in australia or africa. In this case we are talking about parakeets and their main diet in the wild are insects.
The more variety of foods you feed off your table(including meats) the more vitamins, minerals, and proteins the birds gets, and the longer your bird will live. Now perhaps you don't want your bird to live long, or maybe you do, but i would want my bird to live longer then 4-6 years which is what you get when you feed a seed diet.
Good Luck!"
A pelleted diet is not over rated and birds do not eat a seed diet in the wild. No millet or sun flowers, peanuts or what ever crap that comes in the seed mix that anyone sells grows in australia or africa. In this case we are talking about parakeets and their main diet in the wild are insects.
The more variety of foods you feed off your table(including meats) the more vitamins, minerals, and proteins the birds gets, and the longer your bird will live. Now perhaps you don't want your bird to live long, or maybe you do, but i would want my bird to live longer then 4-6 years which is what you get when you feed a seed diet.
Good Luck!"
gabrieleavan asked: "Budgie got loose outdoors yesterday and we hear him chattering in the tree. Anyone know a way to get him back?"
A1: tigger_odie replied: "I don't know for sure. But maybe you can offer him his favorite treat. Or if he normally comes to your call then sit outside and call him. I don't know, I am just guessing. I wish I could be of more help. I do wish you the best of luck though."
A2: muffett1 replied: "put his food outside in the back yard maybe his cage too
hopefully he will come back when he gets hungry
good luck"
hopefully he will come back when he gets hungry
good luck"
A3: bill g replied: "borrow someone else's budgie to help entice him /her home asap . good luck"
A4: ERvetRN replied: "Put his cage outside as it is in the house with food, toys, water, and such. Leave it open. Do early morning checks and checks during sunset. That is when the bird community is most active. One of our birds was gone for 2 weeks and we did this, he was in his cage sleeping one morning! Good luck!"
A5: Tammy replied: "My bird vet suggested once to tie his cage up in the tree he is hiding in. Then, use a heavy string to hold the cage door open and it needs to be long enough that you can be out of site but still see it. Put some favorite food or treats in the cage, like millet spray, a big stalk of it and water. Then wait until he goes in and lower the door or pull it closed. You may need a second person to help watch from a different place. He is probably getting hungry about now, so it might just work. Don't give up, this takes patience and time.
Good luck!"
Good luck!"
A6: chrispkreme333 replied: "put cage outside...recognition helps"
A7: waywarder replied: "If you can still hear him chattering get a hose and wet him as his wings will become heavy so that when he comes to fly off he wont be able to as freely, the bird becomes vulnerable, so at this point grab a towel and throw it on top of him to trap him"
A8: kerga replied: "i am really sorry i have to say this to you but
that happen me the best thing to do is to give up because he wont come back"
that happen me the best thing to do is to give up because he wont come back"
Phoenixâ„¢ asked: "So after waiting for 13 months, I'm into breeding my budgies. I've seen them mate for every other day for the past 3 weeks. But the female budgie hasn't laid an egg yet. I already have cuttlebone and I feed them leafy vegetables. Can you please tell me some behavioral or physical signs of a female budgie that is laying eggs? Please...I'm already losing hope of breeding them."
A1: fpa06mr replied: "round white objects appear behind the budgie"
A2: horse1lady replied: "When a bird is preparing to lay an egg:
-They will look for some sort of area to "nest" in. You should get a nesting box and fill it with some sort of shredding. Hamster sheddings is very good
-Allow the birds to see the nesting box, and if they like it and feel its a safe nesting place, the female will make a nest in the box, it will probably just be in a corner
-A bird will be at the bottom of the cage or in the nesting box when preparing to lay an egg, not sitting on a perch and letting the egg drop to the ground
This is what my cockatiel did when she was laying infertile eggs. Im not sure if its the exact same as a budgie would do, but I hope I was some sort of help :)"
-They will look for some sort of area to "nest" in. You should get a nesting box and fill it with some sort of shredding. Hamster sheddings is very good
-Allow the birds to see the nesting box, and if they like it and feel its a safe nesting place, the female will make a nest in the box, it will probably just be in a corner
-A bird will be at the bottom of the cage or in the nesting box when preparing to lay an egg, not sitting on a perch and letting the egg drop to the ground
This is what my cockatiel did when she was laying infertile eggs. Im not sure if its the exact same as a budgie would do, but I hope I was some sort of help :)"
Kelly S asked: "The budgie is aprox 1 week old and im worried it may drown due to feeding as this has happend before.Any tips too please."
A1: bubblez replied: "i have heard that cold food increases the chance of food getting into the lung.the food should be 104 to 108 degrees.anything more than that and the baby will have crop burn.and anything less than that will cause food into the lungs.also when u see the crop and its bulging STOP as over feeding ur budgie can kill it."
A2: debi with a "v" replied: "Hold the bird with your left hand so that it is facing your right. Using the syringe, you need to place it directly into its beak from this angle (don't take your hand around... you need to feed from the right side of the bird, the lungs and the crop have two separate "throats" and drowning happens when you get the "wires" crossed.
Also, you need to make sure you watch it's crop -- this is kind of like our stomaches; when we eat a lot, you see it get full. Baby birds like to just keep eating and eating, so you need to pay attention to this to know when to stop. Don't let it get too full because it can and has killed birds before, I've seen it happen more than once.
Just make sure you put your finger up to it, and use a small syringe since it is a small bird."
Also, you need to make sure you watch it's crop -- this is kind of like our stomaches; when we eat a lot, you see it get full. Baby birds like to just keep eating and eating, so you need to pay attention to this to know when to stop. Don't let it get too full because it can and has killed birds before, I've seen it happen more than once.
Just make sure you put your finger up to it, and use a small syringe since it is a small bird."
zepfonamore asked: "I got a new girl budgie and we have two boy budgies. She is about 6 months old and i want to know how old does she have to be to lay an egg?"
A1: dkrifdjosxiefg replied: "Just wondering: Is it too hard to type "budgie mature" into Google?
If you bothered, you'd learn "Budgies become sexually mature at 3 or 4 months old. But the ideal breeding age is 12 months."
Take some personal responsibility and find out things on your own. Yahoo Answers won't be around every time you have some trivial dilemma."
If you bothered, you'd learn "Budgies become sexually mature at 3 or 4 months old. But the ideal breeding age is 12 months."
Take some personal responsibility and find out things on your own. Yahoo Answers won't be around every time you have some trivial dilemma."
A2: Flashy Stunna Boy replied: "your mom lays one every 2 years, thats the answer"
A3: snoepje replied: "Just wanted to say that this is what I thought "Yahoo Answers" was here for, to ask questions and get answers. I use this site to hear from people with personal experience in conjunction with google and books. Everyone has that right and it's wrong for people to jump to conclusions about someone just asking a simple question."
A4: melissa h replied: "i agree with the man at the top with the age thing and i also agree that if she keeps having babies she will die if not properly supplemented she could get egg bound buggies are notorious for being chronic egg layers so higher quality food and nice humid environment but for a small breed one year of age should be good just remember sweetie that all that is really stress full and she wont be a pet once you breed her"
A5: soul eater replied: "they have to be a year to start breeding. but you should first get a nest box, a cuttle bone, a mineral block,iodine salt spool, a soft wood chew. You also need at least two different natural wood perches. And you need to add newspaper at the bottom of the grate."
A6: Travon H replied: "Its best too start breeding at the age of 12 months
The reasons are, If your female starts to breed to early it could cause her to become very sick. With the male if he breeds with a sexualy mature female the babys will be deformed or un fertile.
Your birds shouldnt breed iff you only have 3. Mine didnt start breeding until i had 11!
so dont worry about it you can put them in the same cage together. But dont put a nesting box in there;)"
The reasons are, If your female starts to breed to early it could cause her to become very sick. With the male if he breeds with a sexualy mature female the babys will be deformed or un fertile.
Your birds shouldnt breed iff you only have 3. Mine didnt start breeding until i had 11!
so dont worry about it you can put them in the same cage together. But dont put a nesting box in there;)"
sandradee_xx asked: "We went to costa rica for a week, nd w left our two budgies alone or the time, with somebody cheaking in very two days to see whats been going on, and when we returned, my one budgie had a white ring around his eye, and seems to be a little blind. What could ae happened and is there way to treat it?"
A1: Alex replied: "Its Perfectly fine. Younger birds have the lines down the forehead of the bird, and the eye is entirely black (except for albinos). As the bird matures the lines receed on the forehead, and a white ring forms around the 'pupil' of the eye.
Its just a growth stage. no need to worry. sorry for the scare!"
Its just a growth stage. no need to worry. sorry for the scare!"
A2: keri ager replied: "YOU NEED TO TAKE IT TO A Veterinarian
imediantly before it spreads to your other birds. Your birds have eyemites. they suck
blood from your bird."
imediantly before it spreads to your other birds. Your birds have eyemites. they suck
blood from your bird."
A3: Tom E replied: "If the budgie is about 3 months old that white ring will form around it's eye. Mine has just got it and if you look at any other older bird it will have a white ring around it's eye."
Colleen J asked: "My budgie is a 1 year old male and he can say over 150 different things.He does understand the meaning of his words becuase he puts attitude and vibe into them.Is this ordinary or do I have a genius?"
A1: susie replied: "iv just been onto a site that had about 20 different birds and there phrases they said,
one of the birds was called betty and she started talking about 6 months, her teacher was another bird, the other bird talks about how betty spoke bird language first, he is also upset that she gets all his cheese, its so funny, iv got 2 one year old males that dont talk, i visited this site for tips!"
one of the birds was called betty and she started talking about 6 months, her teacher was another bird, the other bird talks about how betty spoke bird language first, he is also upset that she gets all his cheese, its so funny, iv got 2 one year old males that dont talk, i visited this site for tips!"
A2: nerwen replied: "The time it take depends on each bird and the time the owners spend with them training them to talk. bout around the 6 months is about the normal time for a budgie to start. They don't understand the meaning of the words, simply mimicking you and the way you say it."
Tash asked: "I have 3 budgies currently. 2 of them really like each other which means the other one is left out. I want to get another budgie so they can be friends. I don't necessarily want a mate for him. Is it ok to get a lutino because they're pretty cool. I am also wondering should I get like a young one?"
A1: Miss Kayla replied: "yea i agree they are cool and get a young one so it gets used to you and the other 2 birds"
A2: Alex R replied: "get a young multicoloured budgie !! Sooo cute <3 x Good luck :D"
A3: Someone on Earth replied: "Yah you should get a young one cause it would stick to you like you. Well wht i mean is that it is going to be tamed easily. However, getting a normal budgie would be better. The Blue,black and white ones are friendlier. Their colours are mainly blue."
A4: Ironsun replied: "Hi,
Either visit a pet shop or a breeder, look at the colours they have and choose the one you like. It's best to choose a young bird too."
Either visit a pet shop or a breeder, look at the colours they have and choose the one you like. It's best to choose a young bird too."
A5: Richard E replied: "Get the colour that you like. You can take the bird home once he is eating by himself. Teach him to eat from your hand, this will help to tame him. Should you have no dogs or cats, cut the tips of one of the wing feathers. He wont be able to fly away. Get a tape recorder, put repeated short messages on the recorder such as "I love you darling etc. Only one ot rtwo messages.Fill the tape with your messages and play it for him hen you go out. He will soon be talking."
A6: cuteandinnocent4 replied: "get a young one! there's white"
A7: Kat replied: "Get a young one but from a good source. We had a blue and white young one from from a good breader, and although he wouldn't eat from your hand he was very tame. We didn't have him clipped but we have a large livingroom with no dangerous places for him to hide and no cats/dogs ect so he flew around during the day. keep talking to him, my budgie (called Bugde) said LOADS of things, I never knew they could say so much. he was also very playful and affectionate. Where your new budgie will be with other birds he might not talk that much as he will mimick the other birds, my sister as 5 birds but no matter how much shes tried they dont speak."
hanzlol12 asked: "My male budgie rubs himself on the cage constantly. At first I thought he had worms but read that it is unlikely for budgies to have worms. Is something wrong or is he just being kinky as he is with a female budgie also."
A1: ms_melaniac replied: "Birds will do this. Female as well as male. Its perfectly natural and a far cry from kinky. Its just nature."
A2: Dave Womach replied: "Male birds are known to masterbate and that is what your bird is going. My brother's cockatiel gets this way when he sees another bird (female) and it's hard to stop him as he will use anything in sight.
Here is some info on it;"
Here is some info on it;"
cardy279 asked: "When we have to go somewhere, we try tp put our budgie in his cage. No matter what we try he won't go in. We have tried coaxing him in with his treat but he is to smart. How should I get him in without hurting him?
He is 8 months old"
He is 8 months old"
A1: Allygator replied: "I have the same problem...."
A2: owner of a green budgie replied: "That shouldn't be the case as budgies(and birds in general) know that their cage is a safe place. Well anyway how long have you had him? i will edit this question as soon as you add details on how long you have had him.
EDIT: o well maybe if you get a cage with a larger door maybe that would help"
EDIT: o well maybe if you get a cage with a larger door maybe that would help"
A3: Donald L replied: "When you put him in, do not do it every time for long periods. Put him in while you are home for 5-10 minutes. Do this when you are i the room, as well as when leaving the room. This will teach him it is not a bad thing to be put in there.
Are his wing clipped? If not, do so! If they are, just catch him and softly talk to him while you put him in. Don;t let him see the cage as a punishment or cell!"
Are his wing clipped? If not, do so! If they are, just catch him and softly talk to him while you put him in. Don;t let him see the cage as a punishment or cell!"
A4: Aamina replied: "that is kind of strange. all i have to do to get my budgies in their cage is to turn the lights off - then they know it's bed time and they must go to bed.
at 8 months old he should be old enough to understand it is home .. unless if you've always let him out. maybe once you get him in keep him in there for a few weeks so that he can understand that is his home - that is where he should sleep and that is where his food is. maybe he just doesn't understand that it's his home? once he figures that out he should just go inside when he wants to sleep or is tired or whatever... that's what mine do.
answer mine - it's about budgies too:.;_ylv=3?qid=20081122161326AAjL1hC"
at 8 months old he should be old enough to understand it is home .. unless if you've always let him out. maybe once you get him in keep him in there for a few weeks so that he can understand that is his home - that is where he should sleep and that is where his food is. maybe he just doesn't understand that it's his home? once he figures that out he should just go inside when he wants to sleep or is tired or whatever... that's what mine do.
answer mine - it's about budgies too:.;_ylv=3?qid=20081122161326AAjL1hC"
Katie D asked: "A month or two ago, we bought a 7 week old hand - reared budgie from a pet shop. He is a very lovable and inquisitive bird. I was wondering though, can i train him to stay on my shoulder outdoors and in public places? He loves to stay on my shoulder and sometimes won't go back to his cage and I've seen it done before. Any ideas anyone?"
A1: 5 star replied: "he will fly away outside and may never come back as the noises outside will frighten him."
A2: ren p replied: "its cool but is it worth the risk?, once it flys of you will never see it again, its not like a dog"
A3: stumble123stick replied: "go to your bird shop and have his wings clipped so he cant fly distances. I did it to mine. he can go about ten feet but not much farther."
A4: replied: "i do not think you can unless you can put a harness on him. i see a man in my neighborhood that walks his dog with a big parrot on his shoulder and of course he has a harness on him. hope this helps. watch out for other birds and animals when you go outside."
A5: Yogi T replied: "Your bird can still fly if its wings are clipped. When frightened they will fly much further than you think.They can get caught up in a gust of wind and they are gone. A friend of mine lost his bird who was recall trained ,when some kids threw a frisbee in his direction. It has now been gone for several weeks.If you must take your bird out in public you risk a very great chance of losing such a small bird. You could use one of those back packs especially designed for carrying birds or one of those soft sided small animal carriers.
"
"
A6: *~*~* Princess *~*~* replied: "It's really not safe if you want him to stay with you, even if he didn't fly budgies are so light that a gust of wind may carry him away."
A7: mytielz replied: "You can use a flight suit or a harness. You really need to start getting the bird used to wearing one at an early age, like your budgie. I have flightsuits for my cockatiels and we go for walks. Look here:
You can also buy similar ones on ebay."
You can also buy similar ones on ebay."
sgipo2 asked: "He is a male budgie, about 3-4months old.
He allows me to take him out of his cage, but only after biting my finger hard, numerous times. When he sits on my shoulder he usually bites my ear and cheek as well."
He allows me to take him out of his cage, but only after biting my finger hard, numerous times. When he sits on my shoulder he usually bites my ear and cheek as well."
A1: waitingtoexist replied: "pick up a good book like guide to a well behaved parrot.
i wouldn't put your bird on your shoulder, especially if he has ever bit you on your ears or cheek. not a good idea."
i wouldn't put your bird on your shoulder, especially if he has ever bit you on your ears or cheek. not a good idea."
A2: Phalanx replied: "My bird has the same problem. The way i take my budgie out is by swiping my pointer finger out under his claws, tripping him onto my hand. Then I grab him tail feathers with my thumb and middle, ring, and pinky fingers. this usually works taking the birds out.
As for lowering the aggressiveness, try teaching it tricks, such as "ladder", where you have him on your hand, then puttin gyour other finger from your other hand up to his breast. Again and again and again. This will give him something else to think about. That's the only thing I can think of.
When you put him on your shoulder, are you wearing any shiney stuff, like jewlry or hair gel? That might make him want to bite."
As for lowering the aggressiveness, try teaching it tricks, such as "ladder", where you have him on your hand, then puttin gyour other finger from your other hand up to his breast. Again and again and again. This will give him something else to think about. That's the only thing I can think of.
When you put him on your shoulder, are you wearing any shiney stuff, like jewlry or hair gel? That might make him want to bite."
A3: Gina F replied: "Chop off his head :)
Really though, consider wearing some leather gloves, and don't let him sit on his should until he learns to behave. Try using some special treats while he is perching on your fingers. That way he will eventually associate you with a good feeling."
Really though, consider wearing some leather gloves, and don't let him sit on his should until he learns to behave. Try using some special treats while he is perching on your fingers. That way he will eventually associate you with a good feeling."
marlu asked: "My sister lives in a unit and has an aviary outside with a budgie.Its a young one and makes a raucous noise first thing in the morning. He does respond to other bird calls around him?Would having a mate help or would that make it worse?"
A1: Melon-Collie replied: "I'm sure the budgie would love to have a mate in the cage with him, but it's unlikely to help with the noise.
I have budgie and cockatiel aviaries in my yard, as well as house birds and as soon as the sun comes up and wild birds start coming around the aviary birds go off, which in turn sets off my house birds. They can create quite a racket.
For my house birds I have found a dark cover (old sheet) over their cage keeps them pretty quiet until a respectable hour, and for my aviary birds I chuck in a handful of fruit and veg first thing in the morning and it distracts them from the wild birds.
If your sister's aviary isn't very big you may be able to rig up a dark cover, but the fruit and veg (or even grass) works a treat."
I have budgie and cockatiel aviaries in my yard, as well as house birds and as soon as the sun comes up and wild birds start coming around the aviary birds go off, which in turn sets off my house birds. They can create quite a racket.
For my house birds I have found a dark cover (old sheet) over their cage keeps them pretty quiet until a respectable hour, and for my aviary birds I chuck in a handful of fruit and veg first thing in the morning and it distracts them from the wild birds.
If your sister's aviary isn't very big you may be able to rig up a dark cover, but the fruit and veg (or even grass) works a treat."
A2: Cathy W replied: "first a second bird will only make twice as much noise,if you can bring him in at night in small cage and cover completely,then put it out a couple of hours after daylight,good luck"
A3: attackofthepugdog replied: "My friend used to have a budgie, and when he needed her to be quiet he would just put a blanket over the top of the cage, and she would think it was nighttime and just go to sleep. I would not suggest leaving the blanket on for too long though, otherwise there might be a lack of air."
A4: RowanSilverSkye replied: "This is normal behavior unless his needs,such as food or attention,aren't being met.He needs fresh veggies,sprouts,and grains,toys,foraging exercises."
csarasoon asked: "My budgie is deathly scared of new things.. like fruits and vegetables..new toys, treats.. etc. I need to kno if theres any quick ways to get her used to fruits and vegetablers. she is already theee, and i want her to have a healthy diet, instead of mostly seed mix."
A1: bydand2000 replied: "Tell her it's candy."
A2: Nicole W replied: "Take the seed away completely and only offer fruits/vegetables, eventually your budgie will get so hungry that she'll eat them but don't worry she'll never starve to death if there's food offered."
A3: joel c replied: "disguise the healthy food as minutiure mcdonalds double cheese burgers
force feed
take away all crap and leave only healthy stuff and sooner or later he will have to eat it"
force feed
take away all crap and leave only healthy stuff and sooner or later he will have to eat it"
A4: ashley b replied: "you can also buy the fruits that are on the stick..they are similar to mixed seed but it has fruits..just leave it in the cage with its regular food and if the budgie doesn't eat it after a week or two just take it out..dont force it to eat what it doesnt like!"
A5: FishieFin replied: "Each day, give her a little less seeds and a little more veggies/fruits. She will eventully get used to it. Make sure to get her a variety!
Don't just give her veggies/fruits and no seeds! If she doesn't eat them and prefers seeds, she COULD starve herself. Offering her both foods means she will always have atleast the seeds to eat if the veggies/fruits don't work.
I own my own piggie named Smore's. She loves veggies, but not fruits exept for grapes.
FishieFin ♥"
Don't just give her veggies/fruits and no seeds! If she doesn't eat them and prefers seeds, she COULD starve herself. Offering her both foods means she will always have atleast the seeds to eat if the veggies/fruits don't work.
I own my own piggie named Smore's. She loves veggies, but not fruits exept for grapes.
FishieFin ♥"
A6: ♥I Luv Justin Long♥ replied: "Well, if you only have one budgie, I suggest that you get another one for company because they boost confidence in each other. My 2 budgies are sister and brother, and they love oranges. When one tried it, the other did too. If you really don't want to have the trouble of getting another budgie, I would slowly start putting a little bit of fruit in their seeds, and add just a little bit more every day. Remember that you should throw out fruit that has been in her cage for 24 hours. She will eventually get used to it."
A7: need help fast please replied: "Only give them to her as a treat. My birds has the same problem. I gave it to mine every day and 1 day my birds started nibbling on the fruits/ veggies (my parakeets love apples/carrots). Also don't give green fruits/veggies like lettuce because too much or just a little will make your bird gt sick and have diarhhea. Just be patient and don't worry. DO NOT TAKE AWAY THEIR FOOD in know way do fruits and vegetables are a substitute for food. These are only treats, except heathy ones."
A8: John P replied: "Try offering the fruits and veggies in a different form.
Offer them cooked veggies, cooled to a lukewarm temperature. Canned green beans, corn, peas or carrots might be a real hit! Luke warm vegetable soup is a favorite for my some of my birds.
If cooked is not the answer, then try dried fruits and veggies. Its best if you can dry them yourself, so that you know there are no additives, but store bought dried foods can be ok, Just check for sulfur dioxide or sulfates, which are bad for your bird. The spice section of a store should have dried crushed hot peppers, Birds love them! Try raisins, dates, prunes or dried cherries or apricots.
be sure to cut these items up, since a bird usually will not try to eat a whole piece of dried fruit-Too tough. Just chop them up into little Birdie bites !! Then mix it with your regular food.
If you decide to dry your own, apples, pears, lettuce , carrots, tomatoes, and green peppers are really easy.
Good Luck !"
Offer them cooked veggies, cooled to a lukewarm temperature. Canned green beans, corn, peas or carrots might be a real hit! Luke warm vegetable soup is a favorite for my some of my birds.
If cooked is not the answer, then try dried fruits and veggies. Its best if you can dry them yourself, so that you know there are no additives, but store bought dried foods can be ok, Just check for sulfur dioxide or sulfates, which are bad for your bird. The spice section of a store should have dried crushed hot peppers, Birds love them! Try raisins, dates, prunes or dried cherries or apricots.
be sure to cut these items up, since a bird usually will not try to eat a whole piece of dried fruit-Too tough. Just chop them up into little Birdie bites !! Then mix it with your regular food.
If you decide to dry your own, apples, pears, lettuce , carrots, tomatoes, and green peppers are really easy.
Good Luck !"
A9: tnerb52 replied: "Repetition is the key.
Keep giving her the opportunity for the new foods.
Try dried fruits to start as you can place into seed mix (which is not very good for birds--try vitamin enriched pellets)
Hang bits of apple, raisins, pineapple (my birds fave), sweet corn on the cob, grapes, carrot................in the cage. A feeding ball works well and gives the bird a "task" to do to get to the food. Great to help with boredom.Only leave in cage for no more than 8 hours. Can cause sickness if they spoil.
Place fruit next to millet spray. I've NEVER seen a bird that could stay away from millet. Place some apple or grape juice on the millet to get the taste in their head.
Remember---nothing with sugar.
Put a little peanut butter on an apple slice. The PB is a favorite and they'll get a bit of apple also,"
Keep giving her the opportunity for the new foods.
Try dried fruits to start as you can place into seed mix (which is not very good for birds--try vitamin enriched pellets)
Hang bits of apple, raisins, pineapple (my birds fave), sweet corn on the cob, grapes, carrot................in the cage. A feeding ball works well and gives the bird a "task" to do to get to the food. Great to help with boredom.Only leave in cage for no more than 8 hours. Can cause sickness if they spoil.
Place fruit next to millet spray. I've NEVER seen a bird that could stay away from millet. Place some apple or grape juice on the millet to get the taste in their head.
Remember---nothing with sugar.
Put a little peanut butter on an apple slice. The PB is a favorite and they'll get a bit of apple also,"
A10: Renee N replied: "I had this problem. I finally got them to take fruits and veg by offering only a tiny bit. I started out with a full-sized baby carrot in the cage. Nothing. Then I cut it in long thin slices. Nothing. Then I offered it in coin-shaped slices. Nothing. Then I grated it and only offered a few tiny shreds. Finally! Success! I just added a larger amount of shreds per day. Then I started offering other veggies, which they take to better than any fruit. Sometimes I will split a few green beans open and leave them in the veg cup. Sometimes I will warm up a broccoli floret and leave it warm in the veg cup. It doesn't have to be a ton of veg to be supplemental. I also "do the dew". That is, I wet down a leaf of romaine lettuce for my budgies and leave it in the bottom of the cage so they can take a dew bath, then they turn the romaine into romaine lace. Remember to take out all veggies within 4 hours and sanitize the veg cup between feedings."
A11: Braindead Brainiac replied: "Don't.
Offer them, but the bird will make up it's own mind.
Birds eat what they need."
Offer them, but the bird will make up it's own mind.
Birds eat what they need."
Duh BEAN B asked: "Every time I put my hand in my budgie Milo's cage, he immediately rushes over to the side of his cage, holds on and refuses to sit on his perch. How on earth am I supposed to train him if he just clings to his cage?"
A1: ladycockatiel_on_myspace replied: "Parakeets always make up their minds to remain wild, if you want a hand tamed bugdgie I suggest finding a breeder who hand feeds them. Otherwise don't get your feelings hurt when yours never does tame up."
A2: birdluv replied: "Hand raised baby budgies are easier to tame
Pet store budgies will need more patience and time, possibly due to errors in correctly assessing their age group
Older budgies will need more patience and time.
Remember your hand is huge compared to a budgie so do expect your budgie to be scared at first. The majority of budgies love millet this is a wonderful motivator for training. I only use millet as a training treat in the beginning. You may find your budgie will not eat from your hand initially. If your budgie is really scared of your hand then you can offer the millet between the cage bars. Your budgie will feel safer and come up to the cage bars to eat the millet. Once your budgie feels comfortable eating the millet from your hand through the bars you can then open up the door and slowly offer it to your budgie. Keep your hand lower than the perch and hold a small piece of millet very still. At first he may not accept it, but, with patience, you will find that he will eat from your hand. Once he is comfortable eating from your hand and he is trusting of your hand you can gently press against his belly (right above his feet) and say the command “step-up†or “upâ€. Your budgie may hop off at first that is OK, try again and keep your training sessions no longer then 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day. This is meant to be a positive experience and we don’t want you or your budgie stressed out. When he feels comfortable on your hand and doesn’t hop off you can move your hand around very slowly at first, he may jump off again that is OK. These are all steps. Some budgies do get this right away, others are more timid, and that is OK. Remember be patient. Once your budgie is comfortable with you moving your hand around with him perched on it you can then proceed to the next step which is out of the cage time."
Pet store budgies will need more patience and time, possibly due to errors in correctly assessing their age group
Older budgies will need more patience and time.
Remember your hand is huge compared to a budgie so do expect your budgie to be scared at first. The majority of budgies love millet this is a wonderful motivator for training. I only use millet as a training treat in the beginning. You may find your budgie will not eat from your hand initially. If your budgie is really scared of your hand then you can offer the millet between the cage bars. Your budgie will feel safer and come up to the cage bars to eat the millet. Once your budgie feels comfortable eating the millet from your hand through the bars you can then open up the door and slowly offer it to your budgie. Keep your hand lower than the perch and hold a small piece of millet very still. At first he may not accept it, but, with patience, you will find that he will eat from your hand. Once he is comfortable eating from your hand and he is trusting of your hand you can gently press against his belly (right above his feet) and say the command “step-up†or “upâ€. Your budgie may hop off at first that is OK, try again and keep your training sessions no longer then 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day. This is meant to be a positive experience and we don’t want you or your budgie stressed out. When he feels comfortable on your hand and doesn’t hop off you can move your hand around very slowly at first, he may jump off again that is OK. These are all steps. Some budgies do get this right away, others are more timid, and that is OK. Remember be patient. Once your budgie is comfortable with you moving your hand around with him perched on it you can then proceed to the next step which is out of the cage time."
A3: MuzzledOyster replied: "Patience. You have to remember that birds are prey, and nature has conditioned these guys to fly first, think about it later.
You must ask yourself how long do you WANT to spend trying to get him on your finger. You ask how are you supposed to train him if he won't get on your finger; you ARE training him.
I had a girl I rescued that took 2 years before she ever got on my finger. And the only reason she got on my finger is because I never gave up.
Please reconsider your pet choice if my answer seems unsatisfactory, but your pet is a bird first, then a pet."
You must ask yourself how long do you WANT to spend trying to get him on your finger. You ask how are you supposed to train him if he won't get on your finger; you ARE training him.
I had a girl I rescued that took 2 years before she ever got on my finger. And the only reason she got on my finger is because I never gave up.
Please reconsider your pet choice if my answer seems unsatisfactory, but your pet is a bird first, then a pet."
A4: Dave Womach replied: "Your bird's cage is his safe zone. Right now you are not a positive thing in his life so you need to work on associating yourself positively with your bird.
For instance, if everytime you walk into the room you stick your hand in your bird's cage - it gets scared and fears for its life and this is a negative experience for your bird. So now when you come into the room, he's thinking "Oh no! The hand is going to come after me again!" and he associates you negatively. If, however, everytime you enter the room you give your bird some millet or his favorite treat, eventually he will look forward to you coming into the room because he will know you're just there to give him his favorite treat.
From there, you can then feed him through his cage bars, then open the cage and feed him from your hand, then get him to the opening of the cage and feed him and so on.
There are tons of ways to tame your bird. Another way is called the Power Pause demonstated here;
You can also target train your parakeet. Target training can be done with your bird inside his cage. It avoids your parakeet having to fear your hand and you fearing getting bit. Here are some videos and pictures as examples;
More info on training;"
For instance, if everytime you walk into the room you stick your hand in your bird's cage - it gets scared and fears for its life and this is a negative experience for your bird. So now when you come into the room, he's thinking "Oh no! The hand is going to come after me again!" and he associates you negatively. If, however, everytime you enter the room you give your bird some millet or his favorite treat, eventually he will look forward to you coming into the room because he will know you're just there to give him his favorite treat.
From there, you can then feed him through his cage bars, then open the cage and feed him from your hand, then get him to the opening of the cage and feed him and so on.
There are tons of ways to tame your bird. Another way is called the Power Pause demonstated here;
You can also target train your parakeet. Target training can be done with your bird inside his cage. It avoids your parakeet having to fear your hand and you fearing getting bit. Here are some videos and pictures as examples;
More info on training;"
Safia M asked: "My female budgie might have egss (im not sure) and i dont know if i should get a nesting box incase or not."
A1: Kaya replied: "For most birds you need nesting boxes. I would deffently recomend them for budgies. Sometimes if you don't provide them with one they will create there own in places that are not sutible or that you just don't want them making them in such as there food dish."
A2: Mary P replied: "If you only have a female, and not a male, don't bother with a nesting box, as the eggs are not fertile, and won't hatch."
A3: firthmuir replied: "a nest box usually brings on breeding, you might get an occasional egg with out one . if you do not have a pare of birds little point in a nest box,it takes a lot out of a bird to produce an egg and pointless if not going to be fertile"
A4: Pamela D(midget12_ replied: "Even if you do have a pair, it does not mean that they will breed. I have a male and female, and thought a couple of yrs ago she was ready to sit a nest, but she did not. most pairs do not breed, they just like each others company."
A5: bummi47 replied: "Hello.
Most birds need a nest, a home or hiding place, where they feel good.
Budgies too. If you have a couple, they need a nest, if not the hen will lay eggs on the ground. If it is a single bird, she still can lay eggs, which don't hatch. The nest still should be in a cage, you will see, how she is gona like it. Feed the birds good, try to have them by couples, if not you have to spend a lot of time,daily, the bird likes company, like you and me. My birds, I have over 500, get daily: cooked rice, shredded carrots, breadcrumbs from whole weat bread, fresh or defrosted pieces from corn. Bigger birds like passionfruit, papaya, dark grapes, guaven, orange sliced, and more. Important is, thatyou offer them a calcium stone and grit the whole year arround, vitamin drops at least 2 times a week, specially in breeding saison. If you ever will have bird babies, you will go crazy, just like me. I started 20 years ago.
Well good luck for you and your feathered friends."
Most birds need a nest, a home or hiding place, where they feel good.
Budgies too. If you have a couple, they need a nest, if not the hen will lay eggs on the ground. If it is a single bird, she still can lay eggs, which don't hatch. The nest still should be in a cage, you will see, how she is gona like it. Feed the birds good, try to have them by couples, if not you have to spend a lot of time,daily, the bird likes company, like you and me. My birds, I have over 500, get daily: cooked rice, shredded carrots, breadcrumbs from whole weat bread, fresh or defrosted pieces from corn. Bigger birds like passionfruit, papaya, dark grapes, guaven, orange sliced, and more. Important is, thatyou offer them a calcium stone and grit the whole year arround, vitamin drops at least 2 times a week, specially in breeding saison. If you ever will have bird babies, you will go crazy, just like me. I started 20 years ago.
Well good luck for you and your feathered friends."
A6: LAWRENCE P replied: "simple answer no"
A7: Stevo H replied: "only if u want eggs"
A8: Chiappone replied: "If you are planning on breeding and letting them raise chicks then yes (please be aware that this requires more than just tossing in a nest box and letting the birds lay to be successful).
If you don't, then no, it's not a required item for a bird."
If you don't, then no, it's not a required item for a bird."
The Questioner asked: "Do they need to be a certain type of budgie? All the budgies I've seen talk on Youtube were English budgies. Any pointers?"
A1: cameron c replied: "Try saying a phrase into a tape recorder many times and play while you are gone, you'll have to do this for a while, so be patient!"
A2: stulisa42 replied: "Consistency is the key for any breed of talking bird. For instance, if you want it to sing Old Mcdonald sing/say the entire phrase you want, everytime. ~o~ Old Mcdonald had a farm ei ei oh ~o~
If you start out teaching the first part (Old Mcdonald over and over) then you will have a near impossible time getting it to say the rest after it masters that part. It will master two words quicker, but have a hard time adding to it later on. This goes for any phrase/song you want to teach.
Also only work on one phrase/song/word at a time. Don't try to start another one before it learns the first.
Say the phrase every time you are around your bird, constantly. You walk through the room, say the phrase. Say it clearly and boldly when you are giving a treat, or feeding/watering, and it will associate that phrase with something it wants.
Tip... Don't give up. You may think it's doing no good, but then all of a sudden you'll walk into the room, and poof! There it is, saying the entire phrase/song/word you've been working on.
Tip 2... Lone birds will learn quicker than birds living with a buddie. One will concentrate on your,,, but two will concentrate more on each other."
If you start out teaching the first part (Old Mcdonald over and over) then you will have a near impossible time getting it to say the rest after it masters that part. It will master two words quicker, but have a hard time adding to it later on. This goes for any phrase/song you want to teach.
Also only work on one phrase/song/word at a time. Don't try to start another one before it learns the first.
Say the phrase every time you are around your bird, constantly. You walk through the room, say the phrase. Say it clearly and boldly when you are giving a treat, or feeding/watering, and it will associate that phrase with something it wants.
Tip... Don't give up. You may think it's doing no good, but then all of a sudden you'll walk into the room, and poof! There it is, saying the entire phrase/song/word you've been working on.
Tip 2... Lone birds will learn quicker than birds living with a buddie. One will concentrate on your,,, but two will concentrate more on each other."
Christensengal asked: "Ok i just cut my budgie's wings and i wanna know when they will grow back? Like how many days long will it take there wings to grow back. Plzz help!"
A1: owner of a green budgie replied: "It depends on the next molt. They molt 1-2 times a year. Mine is molting now so mine is growing its wing feathers back!!!!!"
A2: Alli replied: "Until the next molt. If they recently molted, about 6 months. If you don't know when they last molted, then uou'll just have to wait and see."
♥ TOON LINK ♥ asked: "Is there a way to communicate with him by body language or noises? Because it would be cool if I could interact with my budgie."
A1: JenV replied: "You could click with your tongue or get one of the dog-clickers and communicate with those kinds of noises. Or by whistling..."
A2: Mosquito Algebra Fountain Thrash replied: "Of course. When I had a budgie I learned to make certain gestures and body language, mostly by imitating her. For example, if I wanted her to settle down and sleep, I'd make quiet, almost whispered, clicking noises (I learned it from her) and close my eyes periodically, while in a sort of hunched body shape. She always responded by doing exactly the same, and soon enough, she drifted off to sleep. Or, another example, when she was flying around, I would hunch myself, and stretch out an arm, and say her name, and she always landed on my arm. I think you just have to spend lots of time with your budgie and learn the way it behaves. Use common sense to intemperate the meanings of it's language, and imitate it."
BT Boop asked: "I have a male & female budgie. The female looks pregnant, but is otherwise fine. She has had a noticeable swollen abdoman for almost 2 weeks. How long are budgies pregnant for before they lay eggs?
Thanks for replies. She still seems healthy, although her beak has gone darker. I can't get her into the vets unitl Wednesday, so fingers crossed."
Thanks for replies. She still seems healthy, although her beak has gone darker. I can't get her into the vets unitl Wednesday, so fingers crossed."
A1: fluppenhupp replied: "It depends if they can make a nest. Put some dry grass and strips from a paper shredder or anything that seems good nesting material into the cage. Keep them away from any disturbance - they need absolute calm now. They carry eggs for about 2 to 3 weeks max."
A2: wacky replied: "All Budgies are susceptible to tumors this is what could be wrong,they normaly lay 4-5days after copulation and only carry a fully developed egg for 2 days I suggest you take it to your local vet and have it checked out,hope things turn out o.k."
A3: Toni f replied: "It is imposable for birds to get pregnant, they lay an egg every other day."
~*â¤*~ Spontania *~â¤~* asked: "I'm working on hand taming my 2nd budgie, and it's going okay, but would it hurt any if I put her in a cage with my other budgie who is already finger tamed?
Is it possible that she might even learn something from him? Or would he be a distraction?"
Is it possible that she might even learn something from him? Or would he be a distraction?"
A1: Susan qzen replied: "Ive heard that they will bond to each other and not care for you much, but if you spend alot of time with them it may help.good luck. I just rescued a little green budgee and he is fun. I let him fly free all day in our screened lani. He eats from my hand but will not get on my finger yet."
A2: renman replied: "it could make it easier it depends on the bird as it just might not want to be tamed but also depends how old your 2nd budgie is i use to breed budgies and cockatiels i had about 30 budgies and 20 odd cockatiels so in my opinion thats how i use to do it by puting it in with a tamed budgie and usually worked"
A3: Hicktowngirl66 replied: "I have found that when there are two parakeets together, the one that is bonded with me seems to get "untamed" somewhat. I have had better experience when the birds are alone. They do get somewhat lonely when you are not spending time with them."
A4: Melon-Collie replied: "That's a tough one and I really think it will depend on how old the female is, and how she is taking to human companionship already.
I breed budgies and hand tame the babies before selling them. I have my "veteran" budgie, a sweet boy who I've had for several years who is included with all the training. He does help to keep them calm, and when the babies are out on the play gym with him they will watch him hop off and come over to me for treats and cuddles. This usually helps the babies get curious enough to come over as well. The babies will also share a cage with him for a few weeks to learn the ropes.
That said though I take the babies from the aviary as soon as they are out of the nest and eating, so they are very young and fairly quiet anyway, and have been handled for short periods of time from 10 days old.
If your 2nd budgie is already becoming tame and responding to human interacting in a positive way then it may be helpful.
If she is a bit of a wild one then there is a good chance that she will have more interest in bonding with the other bird than with you, and keeping her in a second cage until she is tame would be better to allow for good bird / human bonding.
Do also keep in mind that with a male and female together if they bond into a breeding pair (not all males and females will bond this way but there is a strong possibility) the female can become quite aggressive, and even a loving pet bird can become really mean to members of their human flock.
Even a female who has been friendly for years can decide she wants to breed and there is no room in her life for people."
I breed budgies and hand tame the babies before selling them. I have my "veteran" budgie, a sweet boy who I've had for several years who is included with all the training. He does help to keep them calm, and when the babies are out on the play gym with him they will watch him hop off and come over to me for treats and cuddles. This usually helps the babies get curious enough to come over as well. The babies will also share a cage with him for a few weeks to learn the ropes.
That said though I take the babies from the aviary as soon as they are out of the nest and eating, so they are very young and fairly quiet anyway, and have been handled for short periods of time from 10 days old.
If your 2nd budgie is already becoming tame and responding to human interacting in a positive way then it may be helpful.
If she is a bit of a wild one then there is a good chance that she will have more interest in bonding with the other bird than with you, and keeping her in a second cage until she is tame would be better to allow for good bird / human bonding.
Do also keep in mind that with a male and female together if they bond into a breeding pair (not all males and females will bond this way but there is a strong possibility) the female can become quite aggressive, and even a loving pet bird can become really mean to members of their human flock.
Even a female who has been friendly for years can decide she wants to breed and there is no room in her life for people."
The Questioner asked: "I keep several budgies and a pair of cockatiels in a small aviary. One of the male budgies keeps making advances toward the male cockatiel. I have even observed the budgie mounting the cockatiel on several occasions. Why does the budgie choose to fornicate the cockatiel of the same sex when there are several other females in nesting mode?"
A1: snow200098 replied: "he's trying to gain dominance. dogs do it too but it's not because they're gay or anything"
A2: Chris J replied: "Well then he's obviously gay. It's not just a Human thing you know..."
A3: lady_necromancer666 replied: "Maybe hes a sub. haha"
jag2618 asked: "I have a new budgie that hatched from the parents 1 and a half months ago i think, because it almost has all it feathers and flies.
how do i teach him to talk and fly around the house without him making a mess.
Is it true only male budgies can talk?
i do not know if mine is a male or female yet."
how do i teach him to talk and fly around the house without him making a mess.
Is it true only male budgies can talk?
i do not know if mine is a male or female yet."
A1: beast replied: "no..it is not true only males can talk..a female can talk just as good as a male...but males tend to be the ones who talk more often...Having the parents there is going to make it very hard to train him to talk..You need a lot of patience and need to repeat yourself alot..You need to reward him for every attempt he does...About the mess thing ..Idk...my birds just fly around my room.."
A2: mockingbird replied: "you can't -- if you let your bird fly around it will "make a mess"
i have a free-flying cockatiel and my dad has a free-flying african grey. we used to clip the grey's wings but stopped when he was biting his feathers. all the feathers grew back now.
1) it is easier to train a bird to do anything if you get the wings clipped by a pet store or vet, also easier to move the bird around
2) birds are territorial. if you clip it and put it on playstands and don't let it go anywhere else, or if you let if fly around, it will still find places it likes. put newspaper or even old crappy towels wherever the bird like to sit -- or s*it.
3) do NOT let it bite things like rubber or wires that can kill it. ifyour bird is free-flyiing, there is no way to stop a free-flying bird for taking a place has "his". you can only remove all poison for those areas the bird likes to sit on. having said this, doing so is not much of a problem once you remove the bad things from the area and replace them with bird toys.
birds like "high" places and perches, so it will only end up sittign on -- and s*itting on -- one or two bookshelves if you let the bird fly around. if you clip the bird's wings, you can carry the bird to specially constructed "play stands" you buy, which is what most ppl do, and what is recomended by experts these days.
clipping wings is supposed to be safer because it keeps the bird from flying into -- or out of -- a window or from landing on your frying pan. But i think clipped birds can fall and break their legs or injure themselves too, or get stepped on, so ... just keep the bird safe whatever you do, clipped wings or no.
i recoment clipping a bird's wings if you haven't had a bird before and if you are new to bird ownership in general, to make the bird easier to handle and keep it out of trouble, and let it grow out in a couple of years if you so choose."
i have a free-flying cockatiel and my dad has a free-flying african grey. we used to clip the grey's wings but stopped when he was biting his feathers. all the feathers grew back now.
1) it is easier to train a bird to do anything if you get the wings clipped by a pet store or vet, also easier to move the bird around
2) birds are territorial. if you clip it and put it on playstands and don't let it go anywhere else, or if you let if fly around, it will still find places it likes. put newspaper or even old crappy towels wherever the bird like to sit -- or s*it.
3) do NOT let it bite things like rubber or wires that can kill it. ifyour bird is free-flyiing, there is no way to stop a free-flying bird for taking a place has "his". you can only remove all poison for those areas the bird likes to sit on. having said this, doing so is not much of a problem once you remove the bad things from the area and replace them with bird toys.
birds like "high" places and perches, so it will only end up sittign on -- and s*itting on -- one or two bookshelves if you let the bird fly around. if you clip the bird's wings, you can carry the bird to specially constructed "play stands" you buy, which is what most ppl do, and what is recomended by experts these days.
clipping wings is supposed to be safer because it keeps the bird from flying into -- or out of -- a window or from landing on your frying pan. But i think clipped birds can fall and break their legs or injure themselves too, or get stepped on, so ... just keep the bird safe whatever you do, clipped wings or no.
i recoment clipping a bird's wings if you haven't had a bird before and if you are new to bird ownership in general, to make the bird easier to handle and keep it out of trouble, and let it grow out in a couple of years if you so choose."
Leanne asked: "i have a pet budgie but i can never tell if he is well or not. he is very tame and finger trained. but is also very old."
A1: dels replies replied: "Mine tweets and twitters"
A2: Martin G replied: "I love animals but I am sorry I can not help you.
Good luck......"
Good luck......"
A3: Diamond replied: "it will be active and cheep"
A4: Kristina Vu replied: "A bird that is happy will play with his toys, is active, and will show his contentment by vocalizing, fanning his facial feathers over his beak, stretching a wing out and lifting a leg, wagging his tail, shaking out his feathers then lifting his wings up, and other comfortable gestures. Generally, you can determine a happy bird in the same way you determine a happy person. The only difference is that birds can't smile!"
A5: Janiiie replied: "if he chats away. if he is not happy he will sit and not say anything. mine is 7 this year and he is a vicious little boy lol"
A6: parkinsonarthur replied: "if he lives in a big cage with a couple of fruit tree branches of differnet thinkness's to sit on and chew on.A few toys to play with,some treats every now and then such as a spray of millet some greensor a budgie seed bell,a good seed mix,clean drinking water and a cuttle fish bone.lots of time out of the cage to fly about,a bath every now and then and an owner who cares and spends lots of time with him.he will be very happy but he will be extra happy if he lives with another budgie as these birds love to have company of their own kind"
A7: lauren replied: "Generally if your bird is eating and drinking properly, plays with you as he has always done and tweets and chirps away when you talk to him then he's a happy budgie!
Hope this helps!"
Hope this helps!"
A8: maygirl290 replied: "It sings a lot and is active."
A9: Perry N replied: "fly all over the place"
A10: jonboy replied: "Tell him a joke,if he laughs then he is happy/"
A11: Scubaman replied: "By his body language of course!
If he sits all huddled up,occasionally preening his feathers, he is probably unhappy!
But if he runs up and down his perch, and jumps from on to other, chirps, and is active and eats regularly he is fine!
Give him lettuce and cucumber they love it!"
If he sits all huddled up,occasionally preening his feathers, he is probably unhappy!
But if he runs up and down his perch, and jumps from on to other, chirps, and is active and eats regularly he is fine!
Give him lettuce and cucumber they love it!"
A12: ROBIN HOOD replied: "When it plays with its toys and is generally quite loud"
Joe K asked: "People have told me to put in a room with just me and play with him, doesnt work. Some people said to put toys in his cage, doesnt work. I have seen my friends budgies and there so active its not even funny. is it because my budgie is a female? i heard males are more active.
I let her out everyday. I have had her for 3 months. How long does it take to build a strong trustful relationship?"
I let her out everyday. I have had her for 3 months. How long does it take to build a strong trustful relationship?"
A1: Poet G replied: "What is it you want her to do? And have you tried music, or letting her watch TV with you? As a last resort you may end up going to the pet store and buying her a friend."
A2: Nikki replied: "Depending on its age, she might just have not gotten enough attention. If you start out slow you should get her to somewhat trust you, hold her and talk to her nicely and praise her and make that little baby voice they like that for some strange reason, when she listens she will cock her head to the side slowly, but really start out by leaving her cage open with doors closed, fans off and windows closed, and talk to her or turn on music and bob up and down she'll find it amusing and join in."
A3: budgiemylove replied: "Give your parakeet toys that involve lots of chewing and toys that are interactive with the parakeet, like a bell. Also play with it a lot because it might feel lonely (don't just sit with it in a room, maybe train it a bit!)"
A4: myra107 replied: "If the cage is in a bed room or other area where you don't spend the most time in, this is where you should start! Budgies are flock creatures and love to be with other living things! (you are a living thing that spend smuch time around it!) Let the budgie know that you're not going to hurt it and try to take it out of its cage every day at the least! Once she is acusttom to your presence try to get her to fly to you or come to her name. The more you tame them, the more they will become active and playful!"
A5: ferrari replied: "Is it a she or a he?
I hope this helps.
Leaving toys won't help because they will simply ignore them and become more lonely.
Try a living room with a lot of people,soft music.
Also try watching TV with him, having him around you and your family members.If you have him hand trained, play with his foot and get him to jump.
Chase him around the room,without scaring him.
He could be a female, unless he puffs up and jumps back and forth.My male budgies are like that.My females will sit on their perch and grumble to themselves or spend their time around others just being grumpy and lonely-like.Also,if you want them to trust you, spend more time and don't press him to hard so he will look for you and chirp for you.Good luck
love+trust+kindness equal the happiness of you and your bird."
I hope this helps.
Leaving toys won't help because they will simply ignore them and become more lonely.
Try a living room with a lot of people,soft music.
Also try watching TV with him, having him around you and your family members.If you have him hand trained, play with his foot and get him to jump.
Chase him around the room,without scaring him.
He could be a female, unless he puffs up and jumps back and forth.My male budgies are like that.My females will sit on their perch and grumble to themselves or spend their time around others just being grumpy and lonely-like.Also,if you want them to trust you, spend more time and don't press him to hard so he will look for you and chirp for you.Good luck
love+trust+kindness equal the happiness of you and your bird."
A6: replied: "my sister got a female budgie ,she Handel her a lot and Wiesel to her ,she got her placed in the window she docent talk a lot but dose car horns and says car car when thy pass and she puts the radio on when goes out and if she creeps in the budgie is chatting to her self and she dose the door bell and drinks cold tea ,,any way when it comes to egg and baby time you will have a family ,and your mates will have A moaning old man budgie sorry if not much help Fred"
A7: Margastar replied: "My female budgie is as active and playful and bonded to me as any male budgie has been. They take a little longer that's all and they are not into talking as much, but mine mimics whistles and other birds. Mine plays with favorite toys and loves to explore, she chases me around the house because she wants to eat my sandwich, bathes in the water dish, plays with the telephone, likes to see what's in the cupboard, a real stickybeak. Don't give up, keep on interacting. Does she get to come out?"
Scarlotte D asked: "People have been talking about birds and I really dont know what a Mutation love bird and a budgie is???Im new
Oh sorry if I confused you. I was talking about the two seperate birds.
You know whats a budgie?
And whats a mutation love bird?"
Oh sorry if I confused you. I was talking about the two seperate birds.
You know whats a budgie?
And whats a mutation love bird?"
A1: socksrocks55 replied: "Mutation- Ummm... do u know if they are talking about a love bird and budgie mix? If so thats called hybrid. If not they might be talking about something changed like the color or something."
A2: Betsy B replied: "look up mutation in the dictionary"
A3: Pampered Parrots replied: "A budgie, or budgerigar is the proper name for what Americans call parakeet. It's the Aboriginal name for them, and it means, "Good to eat."
As for mutation... that comes from genetics. A "normal" peach-faced lovebird (or any other animal) is mainly green with a reddish-pink face. That is what they look like in the wild. All the other colors, like lutino, blue, creamino, orange, etc., are called mutations, because those colors are caused by recessive genes.
For more detailed information on lovebird genetics:
"
As for mutation... that comes from genetics. A "normal" peach-faced lovebird (or any other animal) is mainly green with a reddish-pink face. That is what they look like in the wild. All the other colors, like lutino, blue, creamino, orange, etc., are called mutations, because those colors are caused by recessive genes.
For more detailed information on lovebird genetics:
"
A4: rideadunmule replied: "I'm assuming when you say mutations you mean species.
Budgies are parakeets. There are alot of different species of parakeets. English parakeets and Princess of Whales are two that come to mind.
Lovebirds..... Peachfaced, Masked and Fisher.
In both there are tons of different colors."
Budgies are parakeets. There are alot of different species of parakeets. English parakeets and Princess of Whales are two that come to mind.
Lovebirds..... Peachfaced, Masked and Fisher.
In both there are tons of different colors."
A5: Chiappone replied: "A budgie, is a type of parakeet. In the US the terms are interchangeable. Here's a link to Budgies
A Mutation lovebird is really just about any lovebird. Mutation is the word used to describe a specific color. Like a Lutino mutation, Seagreen mutation, slate mutation... It's just the color. There are different species of lovebirds (Peachface, Masked, Fischers, Nyasa, Black cheeked, Madagascan, Abyssinian, Red Faced and Black collared), with Peachface, Masked and Fischers being the most commonly kept types. Within the different species there are different color mutations.
Here's a good link for basics on lovebirds"
A Mutation lovebird is really just about any lovebird. Mutation is the word used to describe a specific color. Like a Lutino mutation, Seagreen mutation, slate mutation... It's just the color. There are different species of lovebirds (Peachface, Masked, Fischers, Nyasa, Black cheeked, Madagascan, Abyssinian, Red Faced and Black collared), with Peachface, Masked and Fischers being the most commonly kept types. Within the different species there are different color mutations.
Here's a good link for basics on lovebirds"
donztd asked: "My budgie is 2yr old and is not hand tame. i would like to tame him so that i can handle him without being bitten."
A1: Odessa R replied: "..i have four budgies 2 green 2 blue , take your time , never approach from above the cage , they think your a predator ,talk to them as you open door on cage just put your arm in under your birds maybe with a treat in hand ....let them get used to you doing this do as often as you can, don't ignore them for days on end .everyday make time for them it took me 2 weeks of coaxing them now they come to me i can hold them without getting a pinch"
A2: AIRQ8 replied: "oh we have one at home... it is in love with my dad, because for some reason... I think they feel if their carer likes'em or not, and my dad spoil it LOL... my mom also can take it out of the cage and the bird is really fine with it.
They are playful & intelligent..... Some even learn to talk, or whistle some tunes.
Best way to tame it is to buy it as a baby, where it has been hand fed, preferably.... The younger it is, the better chances for it to become hand tamed.
I think male budgies are friendlier than the female ones. Too bad I cant tell how to determine the sex of it.
In your case, an older budgie, you have to earn its trust!!!! Like my mom and dad, who talk softly to it and move slowly when around it, they gained it trust because they didnt buy it as a baby... unlike me! I dont like them, they are so messy hee hee... but anyway.. back to you..... when you are talking to it and trying to tame it dont do anything that might scare it, let alone the fact that it wont trust you when you start and so afraid of your hands, it needs time. Dont ever bang on the cage.
When you put your hand in, it may create chaos, but always give it time. Try to leave your hand in still, for some time... it will go crazy I am sure, but with time it will get used to it. You may wanna put in some seeds in your hands for it to eat from.
After getting it used to ur hand being in the cage, try to make it trust being in or on your hands!! hee hee, that must be hard. When that happens, you can take him out of the cage slowly and gently... remember, all this may take a couple of weeks to work.
Make sure that you keep it always around the cage area, as this is its safe place, and it will eventually go back in for food and water.
Good luck with it! I hope I was helpful... though I dont really like'em.
There is a book I searched for you on amazon called "How to Care for & Tame Your Budgerigar" by Gil Solomon
Also check below,"
They are playful & intelligent..... Some even learn to talk, or whistle some tunes.
Best way to tame it is to buy it as a baby, where it has been hand fed, preferably.... The younger it is, the better chances for it to become hand tamed.
I think male budgies are friendlier than the female ones. Too bad I cant tell how to determine the sex of it.
In your case, an older budgie, you have to earn its trust!!!! Like my mom and dad, who talk softly to it and move slowly when around it, they gained it trust because they didnt buy it as a baby... unlike me! I dont like them, they are so messy hee hee... but anyway.. back to you..... when you are talking to it and trying to tame it dont do anything that might scare it, let alone the fact that it wont trust you when you start and so afraid of your hands, it needs time. Dont ever bang on the cage.
When you put your hand in, it may create chaos, but always give it time. Try to leave your hand in still, for some time... it will go crazy I am sure, but with time it will get used to it. You may wanna put in some seeds in your hands for it to eat from.
After getting it used to ur hand being in the cage, try to make it trust being in or on your hands!! hee hee, that must be hard. When that happens, you can take him out of the cage slowly and gently... remember, all this may take a couple of weeks to work.
Make sure that you keep it always around the cage area, as this is its safe place, and it will eventually go back in for food and water.
Good luck with it! I hope I was helpful... though I dont really like'em.
There is a book I searched for you on amazon called "How to Care for & Tame Your Budgerigar" by Gil Solomon
Also check below,"
A3: acekingsuited83 replied: "Patience is truly a virtue, just take your time, and handle them often!"
A4: aussie fallen angel replied: "Bite him back & if that doesn't work,use a hammer."
nickmcd42 asked: "We have a male budgie who is nearly one year old and he was looking a bit bored so we have bought another one to keep him company. We think that the new budgie is a male also, and we were just wondering when we should put him in the other cage with the other one? Will they fight? Thanks."
A1: Jeanne R replied: "In the past when I have introduced a new pet to an existing pet, I have put them in adjoining rooms with a door in between or in adjoining cages next to each other. That way they can get the "scent" of each other and get used to the fact that they are not the "only" bird or whatever in the house anymore. Depending on their reaction, I leave them together but separate for anywhere from a week to a month. Generally after that time they are so used to each other, that there are no problems when they are physically put together."
A2: Robin replied: "they should not fight first you should graduly introduce the birds together place the new bird in another cage if you have one and put them side by side if you dont you can place both birds together make sure though the birds have a quiet envorment for a while so they can get used to each other"
A3: rosemary151 replied: "In at least 30 days, because you have to quarantine the new one in a separate room so the older one doesn't catch any sickness the new one might have, and you should also get the new one a checkup by an avian vet. When you do introduce them, don't stick the new one in the older one's cage because he won't like a stranger just randomly popping into his home like that. It's better to put their cages near each other and let them have supervised playtime together, and if they like each other, get them a big cage. Multiple birds living together can be best friends, but they will still get cranky with each other if they don't have enough space."
A4: Dianna L replied: "First off, you need to quarantine your new Budgie for 30 days to be sure that it doesn't have anything that can be passed on to your older one, and the other way around. They will call to each other, and this is a good way for introduction.
After the 30 days, then you can bring them out to a nuetral territory for a face to face introduction. If you just put the new one into the cage with the older one, the older one may kill the newer one . Be prepared to buy a new cage, one that will allow housing for both of them, or if you have to cage them seperately.
Even if they get along on nuetral territory, remember that the old cage is the older Budgie's territory and may see the younger one as a threat to that territory.
I hope this helps.
Good luck."
After the 30 days, then you can bring them out to a nuetral territory for a face to face introduction. If you just put the new one into the cage with the older one, the older one may kill the newer one . Be prepared to buy a new cage, one that will allow housing for both of them, or if you have to cage them seperately.
Even if they get along on nuetral territory, remember that the old cage is the older Budgie's territory and may see the younger one as a threat to that territory.
I hope this helps.
Good luck."
budgiemylove asked: "My budgie has layed more than twenty eggs in a season! There is a male budgie with her. She just won't give up."
A1: GP replied: "Does she have a nesting box? If so - remove it. If not, you might need to remove the male for a few months to give her some rest (she will lay eggs whether they are mating or not trying to show off to him). That can really take a tole on her."
A2: snoopy replied: "well if you get sick of the egg laying just take the male bird away for a while. and keep all your eggs warm, as they will hatch and you could even sell the baby birds for a lot of money. but keep some too."
A3: sum4182girl replied: "Take out the nesting box and don't put anything in the cage it can make a nest out of. If there isn't a nest, usually it won't lay any eggs."
A4: Veneta T replied: "Take the oldest ones out that don't appear to be fertile (hold them up to a bright light and if you see a yolk in them, then they are probably not fertile because the older ones should be dark because the chicks would be taking the entire egg.)."
A5: Tanya N (thesingingbeaner) replied: "Talk to a vet, egg laying takes a serious toll on their little bodies and she really is trying to impress someone...it may not even be her mate...is there another man in the house a brother, father, husband, or a boyfriend who visits a lot?
My cockatiel would lay eggs to impress my husband, I just kept taking them away. The last one I left her with and when it didn't hatch she got the point and gave up.
Birds are amazing in that they can control their ovulation, they get pregnant when they want, and if they don't want to and are savvy enough they will reabsorb the egg and stop the process.
I would talk to your vet and make sure her diet is highly fortified so it doesn't harm her by stressing her body too much. But 20 a season does sound excessive to me."
My cockatiel would lay eggs to impress my husband, I just kept taking them away. The last one I left her with and when it didn't hatch she got the point and gave up.
Birds are amazing in that they can control their ovulation, they get pregnant when they want, and if they don't want to and are savvy enough they will reabsorb the egg and stop the process.
I would talk to your vet and make sure her diet is highly fortified so it doesn't harm her by stressing her body too much. But 20 a season does sound excessive to me."
A6: bob p replied: "cook them up"
A7: The First Dragon replied: "Separate her from the male, and remove nest box and any mirrors.
If this doesn't work, move her cage to a different room; this makes her feel not settled enough to raise a family.
If she is still laying eggs, start alternating her between cages; one cage in the day time, another cage at night. This should do it."
If this doesn't work, move her cage to a different room; this makes her feel not settled enough to raise a family.
If she is still laying eggs, start alternating her between cages; one cage in the day time, another cage at night. This should do it."