Budgie training help?

[Kay]

We recently adopted a budgie today, it had a previous owner that the RSPCA could not locate so they gave it to us.
We found the budge under the paw of our dog in our backyard and took it to a RSPCA emergency room, today we picked it up and its now living in a cage with our 2 Cockatiels and they are getting on just fine.

I wish to train the budgie to get to know us and not freak out if we grab the water & food dish out of the cage, I also wish to teach it other things aswell.

Anyone know any good tricks to train it? and how to train it?

[tielfan]

Birds are usually frightened when they first go to a new home and it'll take some time for your budgie to settle down and get used to the new surroundings. Start out by doing your best to not spook the bird - keep your movements slow and your voice gentle when you're near, and don't stare directly at him because that's what predators do! Let the budgie observe you handling your cockatiels and interacting positively with them.

Food bribery is a good way to inspire confidence. Hang some millet spray in the cage so the budgie can find out how delicious it is if it doesn't know already. After the budgie has settled down enough to not freak out when you're near, don't hang any more millet spray in the cage - instead, hold a long piece in your hand and encourage the budgie to take a nibble. Your cockatiels can help set a good example here! As the budgie becomes more confident you can adjust your grip so the bird comes closer and closer to your hand, and eventually ON your hand.

FYI with new birds it's always best to quarantine them from your other birds for at least 30 days in case they have an illness that hasn't shown itself yet. At this point your cockatiels have been thoroughly exposed to anything the budgie might be carrying, so keep a close eye on all your birds for any signs of illness.