why does my budgie ruffle her feathers?!

[londonparis18]

my budgie ruffles her feathers, i have noticed....it looks as if she is taking a really deep breath and then shaking it off...what is this?

Thanks,


Sarah & Britney xx

[guest1717171]

if she is just doing it occasionally it is totally normal
all my birds do it...its just a little content thing they do to get settled

[jenniferag]

my conure does that all the time...every 5 mins or so....

it usually means they are either aligning their feathers to be more comfortable or they are relaxed....

but if it's accompanied by drooping wings, tiredness, or an overall sick looking bird it means they are sick

[yvette]

My tiels do that when they are relaxed and content, usually on the play gym by the window!

[svolk]

My budgies are constantly adjusting feathers and preening - it's a normal thing. Especially after they fly flor a bit they like to ruffle and make sure their feathers are all in proper place. It sounds like Britney is relaxed - which means she's starting to settle in your home :)

[londonparis18]

oh well if thats what it means then im really glad
because i have been starting to think she won't ever like me! i still don't want to put my hand in her cage and she doesn't really like my hand being near her much either!

i just want her to be happy even if she won't ever be tame :)

Thanks for your help!

Sarah & Britney xx

[guest1717171]

im sure you'll be able to tame her. just put your hand inside her cage and let it sit for like 10 minutes. She will eventually get to where she doesnt care about it and then you can move forward a bit.

we have a parakeet who is not tame and we never have tried to make him like us. he will tolerate a hand in the cage but thats it. he is as happy as could be regardless. hes quite entertaining to watch...

[svolk]

Originally Posted by londonparis18

oh well if thats what it means then im really glad
because i have been starting to think she won't ever like me! i still don't want to put my hand in her cage and she doesn't really like my hand being near her much either!

i just want her to be happy even if she won't ever be tame :)

Thanks for your help!

Sarah & Britney xx

It took me several months to tame my English budgie, Winston. I never clipped his wings (I'm glad that I didn't) and although he's not as super-duper tame as Jerry is, he still loves being with us and interacting with us. He has odd quirks like he will rarely step up, yet he'll fly to me often. I've left it all up to him to come to me on his terms and I think that's the best approach. We have a very strong and unique trust and respect with each other now, and I do think that he and I have a strong relationship.