Should I get these budgies?

[Mook]

I've been planning to get a parrot for aaaages now and I've been on several waiting lists for a blue headed pionus for over a year but still not got one. I've been lurking on here and a couple of other parrot websites, reading up on parrot care and "babysitting" a friend's parrot since then.

A friend of a friend is now looking to re-home 2 budgies and I'm tempted to get them. Part of the reason I want to adopt them is because I feel really sorry for them - the owner has a cat in the house and is re-homing them because she's worried that the cat will attack them. The owner got them in November and thinks they were a few weeks old at the time. They have never been handled or let out of their cage since then. They have also never been seen by a vet so I'm not sure whether they are in good health or not.

Before I arrange to see them (because I'm sure I'll fall in love with them and end up bringing them home if I do) I want to know whether it could ever be possible to tame these budgies so that I can handle them and play with them? They're about 6 months old and haven't been handled so far. I'm willing to give them a lot of time and accept that I'll get bitten if that's what it's going to take. I'm not expecting them to learn to do tricks or anything, but it would be nice to be able to pick them up and let them out of their cage. Also what health problems should I be expecting - they've been eating 100% seed until now and I don't think the cage is big enough for proper flying. Are they likely to die of the shock of moving house? Is there anything else I should know about adopting neglected budgies?

 

[moochyesh]

Its not impossible to tame a young budgie, In fact i wouldn't even say it would be that hard. You will get bit, you will need a lot of patience and you will need to pay close attention to the body language. Work with them slowly and let them settle into the new house and cage for a few days before you attempt anything. Talking to them and being sweet will help.

I have met 20 year old parrots who have been on 100% seed their whole life, its a slow health issue so you wont have to many issues on them because of the diet with them only being 6 months old. Just try to SLOWLY switch them over to a good pellet, do not just take all seeds away and offer only pellets. Parakeets can be kinda picky but also pass away from starvation pretty quick. When i was switching i made a seed and pellet mix, i started with 10 percent pellets for 2 weeks then 20 and so on. It took me a while but i did it gradually to keep stress down.

Its very rewarding taking in a rescue or a PLP (Previously loved pet) and hand taming them and forming that connection. Just remember the connection doesn't come overnight.

 

[MonicaMc]

Budgies can be easy to tame. I worked with 5 adult budgies, all flighted, and was able to get them to fly out of their cage to my hand to eat in the mornings.


[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUx81WHTUwk"]1 Bird in hand Leads to Many - YouTube[/ame]



[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlSm4uFZzVU"]More Budgies!!!! - YouTube[/ame]



Since they are young, they should be relatively healthy, barring any infections. Getting them onto a healthier diet may be tricky, but not impossible. They will still require seed in their diet, but other foods such as pellets, grains, healthy legumes, vegetables, some fruits and the rare cooked eggs would be beneficial as well.


If they were going to die of shock, they would have done so already! If they are pet store budgies, then they have already been moved from the breeding facility to the pet store, then to their current home. They should be fine.


I don't recommend mirrors, but toys that make noise and shreddable toys can go a long way! As well as incorporating natural perches and cotton perches! They may even require a larger cage.

 

[RavensGryf]

Hi , Young Budgies should be FAIRLY easy to tame, but each one is different in personality... I got both of ours (males) at the same time, and one became tame pretty readily and has a more calm demeanor, while the other is still hyper and flighty and is still mostly hesitant to step up even after a year and a half of having them.

If you have the time to put into working with wild Budgies, they do get tame much easier than other "parrots". Try taking each by themselves into a room which is unfamiliar to the bird as you work with them through positive reinforcement (for example getting close to you gets a treat and praise, then touching your hand gets a treat and praise, then stepping up... etc). Keep your training sessions short each time. 5-10 mins.

About Budgie health - Just be aware that Budgies are not always genetically hardy. They are commonly overbred, inbred, etc. with no regard to genetic strength, so it is unfortunately common for Budgies to die prematurely of tumors or other systemic ailments.
Unfortunately, my Pix has symptoms that led the avian vet to believe his several problems are systemic. His endocrine system is not running optimally and is leading to various symptomatic ailments. He eats a healthy diet, and we have started him on natural remedies per vet's instructions in hopes of building his immune system and giving him the longest life possible. Budgies are also too tiny to draw a significant amount of blood to do the types of tests that are often needed to get a more definitive answer of exactly what is going on within the body. So far, Twigs seems fine. After these Budgies finally pass at some point, I don't think I'm going to get any more because of this reason. You might get a genetically "good" strong one, but they commonly aren't. Just something to think about... BUT if you want to have them and feel you can provide them a happy new life, then go for it! I'd give them a vet check, and just like the parrots, I even got virus testing for my Budgies. The testing is expensive in comparison to the bird itself, but worth it especially if you are planning on getting more birds in the future.

 

[jenphilly]

Be warned that while they are tiny... they are noisey little buggers... I have a single budgie... and swear Cam is the loudest bird in the house - and we have a sun AND two cockatoos... he just goes on and on and on, and while a too call is louder, its very seldom, I keep wondering how Cam doesn't go hoarse he chatters on for such long periods of time

Cam is semi tame... he is sweet, but does not like to be handled. If you are going to let your budgies out, I'd clip the wings for initial training and time together. The little farts can fly like a hummingbird!! Cam loves coming out, but I've accepted he's not a hang with you budgie, I had hoped he would be and worked some, but he is who he is. He does not bite really, so its a good compromise!!

If the pair needs a good home and you are okay that they may be pretty birds, but not super interactive, then give them a good home. Even the tiny guys deserve love and a chance at a happy life!!

 

[RavensGryf]

Oh, and Jen's post reminded me of something... I second that they are VERY noisy!!! I don't know about females, but the males can be obnoxious and surprisingly loud in volume too.

 

[getwozzy]

Oh, and Jen's post reminded me of something... I second that they are VERY noisy!!! I don't know about females, but the males can be obnoxious and surprisingly loud in volume too.

I'd like to confirm that females are just as noisy and obnoxious as the males LOL.

Quigley is female, and I believe lemon and cloud are males- despite their size, they can be quite loud at times lol especially if they're bickering!

They are fun to have around and very entertaining to watch, and if you spend time with them every day gaining their trust and working with them they will probably surprise you!

 

[cassiepengo]

yup i would say definitely get them. budgies are super adorable. they can be tamed at almost any age other than their hormonal age maybe. you can call them noisy but i think my house feels so empty and quiet after bamboo died. you'll get used to it, and i really like birds chirping i would say 6 months is still young, and thats great. im more than sure they will be easy to tame. budgie bites dont really hurt so dont worry. they aren't bitey birds. they are more of the prey birds.
from what ive seen, budgies are very adjusting and they will start loving their new home in no time 100% seed might not be very good but its gonna be okay till they start eating new stuff. nothing much about budgies you need to know. im so excited for you!! please get them please. i need to tell you that bamboo( my budgie) learned step up on his second day and i took him out (not even a harness!) in 4 months. it depends on every bird but budgies are generally very friendly hope you'll get them