Perch Training and Outings

[Budgie_Birthday]

Hi guys. Ummm . . . Do you think it is way too early for me to start perch training and outings? Because Pickle and Blueberry seem to be ready, its just its only my second day so what do you think? :S

[~*Brittany*~]

When I got Bobby, I started hand training the very next day because he was comfortable with his surroundings and my hand. You might want to get advice from the more expierenced people here, but I personally dont see anything wrong with it. *shrugs*

[Budgie_Birthday]

Alright so I can let them out too? Or is it too early? Cuz Pickle doesn't like my hand, but Blueberry does. Soo . . . what? :)

[~*Brittany*~]

Are their wings clipped? I wouldnt let them out just yet if they dont trust your hand. *shrugs* Im still a newbie too. All I know is what happend with Bobby so you are going to have to go with whatever the others say.

I wouldnt let them out just yet though. Keep working with them by sticking your hand inside the cage. Once they calm down when its in there, you can try to hold millet and get them to eat it... or you can try to get them to step up.
Once they trust you, then maybe you can attempt to let them out?

[Budgie_Birthday]

Oh okay. My mom just called o ask how I was doing and how are the birds coming along and from what I told her she thinks I am being a great birdie keeper!! When do they start nibbling at their cuttlebone or mineral blocks? (or in my case mineral bananas :p )

[~*Brittany*~]

You know... i have never SEEN my birds use the cuttlebone or mineral block... but there are traces of them using it. so idk...

[Budgie_Birthday]

Oh I guess I should just wait. Look at my budgies' blog at http://aprilsurprise6767.tripod.com/mybudgiesblog/ (http://aprilsurprise6767.tripod.com/mybudgiesblog/) I just made it. No pics yet. But eventually . . . .

[Budgiekin]

You can start perch training them as soon as they look to be settled in a bit in their new environment. I would suggest starting them out with very short perch training sessions (say, no more than about 5-10 minutes long depending on how cooperative they are). You can do those two or three times a day and they should respond quite well to that "training schedule".

As far as the cuttle bone and mineral block goes, many budgies may never really take to them (meaning they just don't really ever show interest; they may nibble at it every few months). That is why it is important for you to incorporate other foods into their diet, like fresh vegetables. (Even if they don't start eating those veggies right away, keep offering them DAILY; don't give up too soon). You can even consider eating the veggies in front of them as they watch so they realize it is food.

In many ways, having more than one budgie can help with training, and with eating new foods. Often times, one budgie will show an interest in the new food and/or respond particularly well to perch training. If your other budgie sees all that taking place, he/she is much more likely to follow along. (That's "flock" behaviour for you!! Budgie see, budgie do!!) :p

[Budgie_Birthday]

Well, it is a good thing I have two budgies then isn't it! And as for the veggies, I just offered them some chopped up celery. No interest. Tomorow I will eat some carrots in front of them and then offer them some carrots. I am going to wait a few more days though becaus I want them to truly be able to call this home before I try and train them. Thanks for the advice. :)

[Amy]

Billy and Lily love their mineral block and cuttlebone!

I'd let them out today if you feel like it, just see how it goes.
Post us on how it goes!

[Budgie_Birthday]

I don't know . . . I don't think they are really used to my hand yet. How am I supposed to get them back in?

Update: My step-dad told me he heard my budgies chirping so he went to look. When he did, one of them was singing to himself/herself in front of one of their mirrors. :)

[~*Brittany*~]

To get them back in... hmm

well Im not sure about that one becaue bobby had this ball that he trusted that he would go into... so hmmm

Its not that hard if their wings are clipped... but idk hun.

Budgiekin or amy are sure to have advice so yea.

[Budgie_Birthday]

Their wings are clipped but they came that way so I will not clip them again. Any avice Budgiekin or Bea? You guys are filled to the brim with advice! :)


Update: My birds seem to like the song "I Can't Keep My Eyes Off of You"

[~*Brittany*~]

Aww thats adorable that your budgies like music. They get all chirpy and sing along huh?
Bobby does that too.
His favorite song so far is "What hurts the most" by Rascal flatts :D

[Budgie_Birthday]

:( There is nothing wrong with metal music but I don't want my budgies to have that as their fave music type. *sighs*

[~*Brittany*~]

Who sings that song???
Hey have you seen that like for the bird sounds???

[Budgiekin]

To get your little munchkin back in its cage, you can try a few things. One is to bring their cage closer to them so they can easily go in (should they choose to!). This may not work so well with younger budgies who aren't used to coming out of their cages, but over time, they will learn that their cage is like their safe haven.

Another thing you can try is getting your budgie to step-up onto a wooden ladder or stick. (Since you are doing step-up training I assume, this may be a better option than the first). If your budgie is just running away from you and won't step up, you can try cornering your little guy so he or she can't run too far away from you.

If that doesn't work, you can actually towel your budgie. Simply take a lightweight cloth about the size of a tea towel, and sort of drop it over your budgie while he or she is on the floor. Right after you have covered your sweetie with the towel, you can gently wrap the towel around his/her body, pick him/her up (still wrapped in the towel), then bring him/her over to the cage and then release your sweetie.

Let us know how it goes. Eventually, your sweethearts may learn to go in their cages at a certain time, especially if they have a regular schedule of out time. My budgies usually go into their cages at about 8:00 pm since they know that is the time they get their cages cleaned and I have trained them often enough at that particular time of day to go in their cages. Not every night is that smooth (I do often have to put them in their cages by having them step up onto my finger, and when they are really being uncooperative, on a ladder). They are really very clever little critters!! We don't give them enough credit. If someone calls you a "birdbrain", take is as a compliment.

[Amy]

Who sings that song???
Hey have you seen that like for the bird sounds???




Do you mean the link?:http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/packsViewSingle.php?id=704

[Budgie_Birthday]

Oh dear it is time for me to clean my budgies. Their is a piece of poop stuck on one of Blueberrys feathers. Silly girl! :)

[Amy]

I'm cleaning my budgies out tomorrow! By the way, we're OFF TOPIC!(Again!)