Worried about Lunchmeat

[loserduck86]

Hello folks! Sorry that it has been a while since I've logged in. I just wanted to give you guys an update on my progress with Lunchmeat and also get your opinions on some new concerns.

Progress: Lunchmeat is now eatting other food besides millet. What I did was get him out of his cage and take him to another room. I put a cluster of millet between my lips and held Lunchmeat up to watch. I pretended to eat it and said "mmmm, yummy!" I brought the bird closer and put the millet back between my lips. Lunchmeat started eatting it right there. I let him have a couple of bites, then i hid the millet. Then I broke off a piece of toast and started eatting it, making the same sounds. Lunchmeat then leaned in and started bitting off of the toast as well. I did the same for lettuce, an apple slice, and broccoli (yuck!, lol). Now, when I stick them in his cage he will nibble on them. YAY!

Concerns: I've had Lunchmeat for about a month now. I've been observing him whenever I can. I have noticed that he stays in the same place for most of the day. He climbs up to the top perch and stays in the corner. I can tell that he stays here the whole time because all of the droppings are in the same spot. He never plays with his toys, unless i put a peice of millet on them. He doesn't sing, let alone chirp, much at all. I've been going through the process trying to hand train him since my last post, but I'm not having much progress, although he does bite less. I guess he realizes it doesn't hurt me (even though I've held back quite a few tears! JK!). When I try to push my finger against his chest, he just stands there. If I push just a little harder, he allows himself to fall backwards. All of this is when he is in his cage. When I do manage to take him out and bring him to another room, he has no problem perching on my finger, but he still seems to lack the curiosity or playfulness that is characteristic of budgies. :ohno:

Do you guys have any feedback on how I can solve some of these problems. Do you think that perhaps Lunchmeat needs a friend (possibly named "Gouda") to help him be more playful? Thanks in advance for your time and patience

[Budgiekin]

I have found that not all budgies adjust well to being alone. I noticed this when I had Skyla as a single bird. She was like your Lunchmeat; not singing or playing, and just staying in the same spot in her cage all day. It wasn't until I was able to introduce Kiwi (after what seemed like an agonizingly long quarantine period), that she perked right up and became one of the most curious budgies I have ever seen. So having said that, I would certainly consider getting another budgie friend.

It is great that you are working with Lunchmeat outside of the cage as that is your best bet for bonding with the little sweety. Definitely keep that up. I too have experienced the resistance of a budgie in its cage who I am trying to get perched onto my finger. I usually leave them alone when they are being stubborn like that and try again later.

[A-n-M]

It seems like your Lunchmeat had some Lonesome issues :(. I would say he feels lonely, since he has no one else to bring out his spunkyness (sp?) and curiosity. It could also be that he's still adjusting to his new home, I got a Budgie around Halloween and he acts just like your Lunchmeat, but he is starting to come out of his shell. He might just want a little friend to keep him company.

[softie]

Budgies are very social birds and in the wild, flock to over 100 budgies all together.

While some budgies can depend on their owner for socialization pretty well, other budgies do need a partner like their own.

I'm glad to hear his progress :) Just a few baby steps at a time is perfect. I was happy to read that he is trying out varieties of foods, that's great ;)

My Shiloh is also like your Lunchmeat. In the cage, when I press my finger up against his chest, sometimes he just doesn't budge :P But outside of the cage, he hops on really quick. I think it's matter of safety issues for him. Inside his cage, he knows its safe. Outside, he needs all the help he can get.

[pal0m1n0]

You should reread your posts and titles thinking of Lunchmeat as a piece of lunchmeat instead of a budgie. :) Glad you are making progress with him. And I think brocolli is really good. Brussel sprouts even better. :) Maybe it is an age thing, I find the older I get the more I like vegetables. :)

[loserduck86]

You should reread your posts and titles thinking of Lunchmeat as a piece of lunchmeat instead of a budgie. :)

Actually, I did that on purpose to get peoples attention! I have decided that I am going to get another bird. I'm thinking of Gouda (which is my favorite type of cheese!). Can you think of any other creative name ideas that go with the theme of lunchmeat?

[softie]

Porky :P

lol I couldn't resist :)

[pal0m1n0]

Rye, Butter, Lettuce ?

[A-n-M]

Rye is a very nice name, I also like Poppy, Apple, Salami, Pork Chop, other than those I got nothing. :)

[thegownchick]

Esskay? Isn't that a sausage? Maybe research some brands of Australian luncheon meat.

KR Darling Downs is one, so you could call him KR.

Another little red sausage is a cheerio. Cheerio would be a good name for a budgie.

[Nancy]

I have had similar problems with my Sugar. It took her 2 months to come off her perch and to chirp. I have had her 4 mo. now and she will sit on other perches and she chirps a lot more. She plays with no toys and does not explore her cage. She will get on my finger in the cage and I've only gotten her out of her cage 4 times. It has been very slow progress but I can see we are making baby steps.
I have the same dilemma as you about getting her a friend. But, for lots of reasons I can't at this point and I really want her to bond with me. I think the key here is patience.
Sugar won't eat anything but her seed so I am going to try your idea about the vegetables.