Swings

[shevpat]

In pet stores I watch budgies on swings looking very happy and secure. I have had two cute budgies for about 4 months. I have tried all kinds of different swings in their cage, but they won't go near them. I hang millet on the swing and they try to get to it in every way except to step on the swing perch. Just wonder what experiences others have had with Budgies and swings.

[chibudge]

My budgie has barely been home a week, but as far as I can tell he views his swing as an enemy. He pokes, pushes, bites, swings, and tries to yank it off the ceiling. He does all this stretched out from the very end of his perch where he can just reach it.

[AngelWings]

That's strange.... maybe your budgies just aren't used to it yet? My budgies have always loved swings, so i don't know how to exactly help you :o how about just leaving it in there? if you keep changing the swings i don't think they'll like it... i know when i get a new toy for my budgies they stay away from it for a week or so and then they start to play with it :)

[christine11276]

I've had my 2 budgies for a day and 2 days and they both have been on their swing. They love it. They take turns on it and sleep. I think it just depends on the bird!

[softie]

Some people have said that budgies have two favorite things: Millet and swings. :)

But like how some budgies will not touch their millet spray, some will not touch their swings. It's most likely because they aren't familiar with them or overwhelmed, especially if they are adjusting to a new environment.

For starters, it's best to provide a very simple and clean swing, rather one that has all types of knick knacks hanging off it. The less distracting it is, the less threatening it looks. After a while, if you see that your budgie has warmed up to it, you can go ahead and get the more exciting swings. :)

[shevpat]

Thanks for the advice. I think I've made the mistake of changing the swings too often and they haven't been able to get used to one. Also, I decorated the last one, thinking it would be more appealing, but your advice suggests the opposite. I think swings are so cute, I don't want to give up on them.

[enicol6]

Do they have a perch to jump off of that will easily get them to the swing? I found that to be an issue with the few who were wary.

[starsie]

Mine LOVE swings! I think maybe you're trying too many, like other people said. I'd personally go for a wooden one and leave it there long enough for them to really take to it. I tried to take Snowy's swing out the other day to clean it and I almost had to fight it off him! He was trying to jump on it while I was taking it out the door.....lol. :rolleyes: And then gave me the saddest eyes and watched me so suspiciously while I cleaned it. :p

[ronsig]

Mine don't like swings either.:p I don't know why not. I tried several swings and I leave them at the same place all the time. I always wonder if they get seasick on them:p I head about birds being carsick....

Sigrid

[Speedy]

See that little fella up there in my avatar? - That's Mac :)

He is on his favourite swing in that photo...

I redid his cage one time when I first got him & didn't put it back in - I left it hanging off the outside of his cage....he clung to the side of the cage where it was hung & wouldn't get off until I put it back in & when I did he promptly jumped on & went to sleep :P

There are some of my flock that I see on the swings more than others, and some that I don't think really like the small ones....

As the others have said just give them time, if they step up you may also like to try to get them to step onto the swing - if they don't like it they will jump off :)