Got a budgie

[Polliwog]

I have been searching weeks for the perfect little birdie, the "I got to have him" one. Today, I found him.

I went to a pet store to just look at supplies and there he was. I was skeptical at first that this just might not be a future boy, so I asked them to see him close up. Sure enough, purple cere with a little blue around the nostrils. WOW. The lady mentioned that he didn't even bite her when she captured him. After some pondering and once again staring at him. I asked another person to show me him close-up. Once again, I didn't see things. Blue on the nostrils. And guess what. Didn't bite at all again and was perching on the guys finger. I was sold. He perched on my finger (frightened of course) while the guy got a box for the birdie.

I had most of the supplies already collected. I think the only things I need to get more of are: more perches (cage bigger than I thought), cuttle bone, mineral block, and toys.

I have him in his caged covered right now. Poor little guy has had enough scary things for the day. I will try taking pictures of his set-up and him when he has had time to settle a bit.

Btw, how long does it take until he moves around the cage? He is stuck on the same spot I left him.

[WildWaldo7]

When I got my budgie he sat in the corner and would only come for food when I wasn't there. Then when he got used to me coming in and out and talking to him. I used to sit next to his cage and talk and read to him to get him used to my voice. Then he began to be all over the place he would do flips on the ceiling and such. Also whenever you wake him up in the morning leave the cover on the cage but just where the front is open then every day when you wake him up move it back a little more then eventually he will get used to it being off during the day. Everything has to be gradual and take time which i'm sure you knew. Anyways good luck and lets see 'em pictures!

[homebird]

Congrats on the new bird!

They can be shy at first but he sounded more upset at the boxing than people. Don't leave him in the dark too long - they see very poorly when it's dim. He would probably like to see you & know all is well. Just don't stare at him tons. Budgies are social #1 & so you are his flock. I remember taking the cage into rooms I was working - when Laker first came here - so he wasn't alone. They also like music - sometimes calming is best & then other times something livelier.

[Polliwog]

His cage is partially covered and the room dimly lit right now. I go and talk to him sweetly here and there, but mostly ignore him so he won't be scared with the crazy human in his face. My small dogs are also limited to their pens right now so as not to startle him.

He hadn't moved since I brought him home. But when I went out to get groceries, I came home to find him next to the food dish...HAHA Now he won't move from the food dish. Poor little guy. He is watching me though. That part of the cage isn't covered. He has perches higher in the cage if he wants to go out of sight.

I hope he settles though. I don't like seeing him scared.

[Allison4]

Congrats, on your new baby! He'll warm up to you in a few days. It does seem they don't move off their perch or eat when you're in the room with them, but when you leave the room, he will.
Turn on the TV, or play music, and soon he will be singing.

[Polliwog]

Would it be safe to assume that once he starts his cattering that he would be comfortable with his new surroundings? So that is the key I am looking/waiting for?

When I was at the pet shop, I sneezed. All the birds were chattering before that were dead quiet. LOL Was so funny.

[AndreaSctlnd]

Oh gosh yes...give it some time. I have been working with my baby for about 2 months...it really takes time.

[homebird]

I'd say so - they are fairly chatty. When we had 1 Budgie we would come home to a very quiet one. They don't like to be alone & can become fearful, even with the radio.

Allow for a normal dusk to happen - so your bird will get ready for roosting. They need about 10 12 hours of sleep. As soon as they see the morning light there will be activity. My Rio gets very vocal in the mornings but my other bird waits for me to get up before greeting the day - even tho he can see out of his cage better.

[Tinker]

My Lucki didn't make even a chirp for about a month after I got him, and I spent every moment nearly with him. Now I can't seem to shut him up! LOL!! Lucky I like budgie noises! Lucki likes it when I put music on with a fast beat - he actually can jump on his mineral perch and he jumps along it and gets really excited and chirpy.

[Polliwog]

Wow, a month before a chirp. I would love to hear the budgie chatter.

It seems my boy isn't as scared, but still very shy. I gave him some mash for breakfast which did interest him, but he didn't partake. He spent the night on a branch near the food dish. The morning he spent on his food dish. He seems to like to stay low in the cage in one small section. Near the food dish. I thought birds like to be high. Is this normal? That he feels safest near his lower food dish instead of the higher one?

I ate breakfast next to his cage and he seemed interested in what I had. He moved his little beak around and turned his head staring at me. He made one little sound I could have sworn I was imaging it. Like a small sound escaped his throat...haha

Going to go to the store today and buy a few more things for him. I also placed an order for some eucalyptus leaves, branch, and sticks for him. Can't wait for that to arrive.