Tips for a newbie budgie owner?

[Mom2Bob]

You guys have any pointers for me? I'm a bit at a loss. :shrug:

Last night a guy came into the pet store I work at and dumped off 2 budgies. They were in a tiny box that was wrapped in a plastic bag. :mad: I'm amazed that the poor things didn't suffocate! When I immediately grabbed them up and started taking off the bag he got mad and said not to take it off because they'd fly away. I gave him a "screw you!" look and told him that they couldn't go anywhere because they were stuffed into a tiny box! Then I took the little box and walked off with them to put them into a spare cage and give them food and water.

Well, needless to say, they came home with me last night...:foot-tap:

They are REALLY scared of me and one ended up hurting himself because he flew around the cage like crazy after I put him inside and ended up twisting one of his feathers out and later he chewed it off and it was bleeding. :( I've heard that can be REALLY bad, so I put some styptic powder on the wound and he's doing fine now.

Anyways...I was hoping you guys might be able to help me figure out how to socialize them because I don't want them hurting themselves every time I have to reach into their cage for something. :(

[CocosMomma]

Oh my gosh, I can only imagine how much poise you must have used to not have at the man! Thank you for rescuing them.:wub:

The good news is that they have each other. First things first:

As long the wing is no longer bleeding, all is well and nothing more needs to be done. You did the right thing. It is normal for them to be skiddish, not to mention everything they have been through, poor things. I like to let new birds settle in for a couple of weeks before even attempting to 'work with them' in any way.

If you have not already done so, I would definitely go ahead and follow standard quarantine procedures for a minimum of 30 days. During this time, they will settle in, they will have each other, and you can begin by gradually getting them used to you servicing their cage. Move slowly and deliberately. Anytime they show signs of fear or concern, just back off and give them some space. Many budgies also respond well to music or nature sounds, and that might help them relax a bit.

After a time or relaxation, I would suggest you begin with millet training. Millet is one of your best opportunities to get them accustomed to being around you. And at first, you hold it at the far end so they can get it without being too close to your hand. They will begin to associate you and your hand with millet showing up, and the only time they will get the millet treat is when you dispense it. ;)

It will be up to each bird as to how much human interaction they choose to accept, and no doubt it will take time. Perhaps quite a bit of time. My tree caught budgie took 6 months before he would accept millet from my hand, even though he loves millet! I doubt yours will take that long, though. Building a relationship, especially a trusting relationship, will take time. No matter how tame they do or do not become, you have given them an opportunity to have a happy, relaxed life, the companionship of each other, and a home where they are SAFE. Thank you so much for taking them in.:beerchug:

(PS - would love to see pictures and hear about their names when you've decided!)

[Mom2Bob]

Thank you so much for the help! I put a sprig of millet in their cage last night and they didn't touch it until this morning when I turned some music on...then they started chirping away and picking at the millet, lol. So, apparently they fit into the category of budgies that like music. ;)

I snapped a quick pic of them with my phone and attached it.

[Mom2Bob]

Oh yeah, I haven't decided on names yet. I want to figure out their personalities first since I wont be able to tell them apart otherwise, lol. All I know of yet is that they're both girls. :P

[CocosMomma]

How adorable!!! They look like twins!:wub:

I agree they look like girls. :)

Do you see pink in the eyes? Reminds me of lutinos perhaps?

[Mom2Bob]

Yeah, they both have red eyes.

[CocosMomma]

I hope they are settling in nicely today!