Tosca's Training-Journal

[Madame-Morose]

So far I have started by simply getting her used to the daily noice in the flat and a daily routine. Since its day 4 since i brought her home I have slowly started with calmly leaving my hand in the cage for 10-15 min while watching telly. I have also made an effort to be near the cage without staring directly at the bird as to socialize her and get her used to my voice and company.

[Linaeth]

Looks like you're off to a good start! How's she reacting to your hand being in the cage? One thing you may want to try is looking at her and blinking lots. It lets here know you don't want to eat her, since predators don't blink when watching potential prey. And budgies looooove the telly. :D

[Madame-Morose]

Having spent the day reading budgie articles here and a bit of private research im inclined to think that she came from a local bird-mill originaly. She is incredibly nervous but still curious. She has never really socialized at all with either humans or birds. So she is sort of figuring out basic bird stuff. She loves the telly lol. And looking at my fish. I placed her so she can see them without getting too damp and drafty.

[FaeryBee]

That sounds great!! I'm sure she is going to love having you as her new forever "momma"!!

[Madame-Morose]

Soo I have figured out that she is a yellow faced blue sort with cinnamon wings. Im getting there lol! She is sort of pastel coloured. Today has been really good! She has eaten 3 times. And is not flapping about so much when i open the cage. And is happy to preen herself in close proximity to my hand. I change the sanded sheet daily. I know its a bit extreme but she was ill when i got her and i want to prevent any further illnes by keeping her and her cage clean, safe and healthy.

[Linaeth]

Sounds like she's coming along nicely. :) Always a good sign when they get out of that "statue" phase and let us see them move around. I'm sure you guys will be best buddies. And she sounds pretty, too! Feel free to show us a picture or two...or ten, lol. I especially like how she likes to watch the fish. Careful, she might socialize with him and start acting like a fish! :eek: Kidding, kidding. Just one tip, though: sand sheets can cause foot sores; they're very harsh on a bird's delicate little feet. If you're concerned about keeping her nails groomed, a grooming perch made of cement or coated in seashells or pumice is much nicer. They can be gotten at most pet stores. August has a bamboo and pumice one that he absolutely looooves. Good for you for being so fastidious with the cleaning, though. Keep us posted on her health. It's so sad she was ill. They do tend to be a bit down from the stress of moving to a new home, however; that may have been it. Are her droppings looking normal now? Sounds like she's eating like a feathered little piggy, which is good. :D

[Madame-Morose]

Thanks for the great advice! I'm gonna change the perchers. Today was ok she sat on my hand for a few seconds. She comes down to eat when Im close to the cage and I take it as a good sign.

[Erika]

I think coming down to the cage bottom is a great sign :) shows she is relaxed around you. She sounds so pretty, with her pastel colours :loveeyes: I would love to see pics some time too!
Re:sand sheets, I am confused as to why these are still sold... People do trust pet stores to not sell something which is harmfull to their pet :( it is frustrating that products like this are still for sale!
Sorry off topic :P

I think you're doing a fantastic job with Tosca, keep up the good work :)

[Madame-Morose]

I have put her cage in a new place. She is still in the same room but in a position were she can see the whole room. Her old spot was a bit dark and too low. Wow it made such a change she is nice and alert and sits more confidently on the perch. I bought a sturdy stand for her broad enough to accomodate a bigger cage and act as her own play area. She had no problem with me lifting or handling her cage and she seems less stressed in her new place. I think it will be easier to start more serious dedicated training from now

[Erika]

Fantastic, i am glad she is responding :hug: im sure you two will be best of frineds soon :) keep us updated how you go with her :)

[Madame-Morose]

Two steps forward and one step back. She is growing and looking healthy but when I open her cage so she can fly in the room she stays in it. She is also more active when Im not in the room.

[Erika]

She is still new, take it at her pace (as you have been doing), all budgies are different and it may take her a little time to come around :)
She has never been out in a house before, i expect. What you can try is, leaving the doors open of an evening, and leaving some millet near the door :) and put some perches on the outside (the type you can attach on one end only) so she can step out on something familiar :)

[Madame-Morose]

I tried that and today she finally came out of her cage. She is a lot more social out of it. She had no problem landing on my shoulder and seem to enjoy sitting very close to me. The training continues.

[Erika]

Excellent :D
She actually seems to be progressing pretty quickly, considering her rough start in life - good on you for doing so well with her!!! :D

[PickySquakerz]

wow! she is really progressing REALLY quickly!! good job!