Terrified Budgies

midwestmagpie

New member
May 27, 2020
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Hi! I have two parakeets, Kiwi and Sky. They had a previous home where I believe they may not have been handled very gently. In short they are terrified of everything. I am to a point where I can put my hand in the cage and Sky might nibble some millet...working on it.

Anyway, my question is about taking them outside.

I have always taken my previous birds outside in their cage to get fresh air and enjoy warm weather, and they loved it. I always viewed it enrichment.

I feel like I should take Kiwi and Sky:yellow1::blue2: outside so they have the same opportunity, but here is my question: Seeing how scared they are of everything, would they be better off just staying inside where things are more familiar? I am not sure I will ever be able to tame them (which is OK) but just not sure with outside.

Thanks for any views on this! :confused:
 
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Thank you! Yes, i am not sure how old they are, but they are definitely adults. I have had them for 4 months. I have had two budgies previously, so have a tiny bit of experience.
 
Excellent, bumping the thread so our budgie knowledgeable members may notice!
 
You mean, taking them Outside, IN their cage right? While you supervise? (Or in some sort of very safe bird carrier, right?)

My budgies are pretty skittish but I did this a few times last year and they seemed to like it. Make sure there is some sort of cover in addition to the cage -- i.e. shade area, porch, or perhaps just a lightweight cloth (such as t-shirt even) over part of the cage. (1) so they can get out of direct sun if they wish and (2) they do not have to feel terrified of exposed to large expanse of open sky ie feeling of exposed to potential predators.

As long as you give them a feeling of safety, Keep them safe in a good cage, and stay with them to supervise, it will probably be a great thing for them. :)
 
ps Although it's certainly possible they might have been previously handled poorly, fact is that many budgies are just naturally quite skittish; that seems to be their default setting.
 
Welcome!

I don't know much about budgies, other than I love them, but here is a link that we often offer to those with budgie concerns. It's started by one of our "budgie whisperers'!

:)

I'm glad you're here.



http://www.parrotforums.com/budgies-parakeets/72068-taming-bonding-budgerigars-tips-beginners.html

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How long have you had these budgies?

If they are still relatively new to you, I would probably recommend waiting until they have had a longer settling in period. Give them time to mellow out and learn to trust you before surprising them with a major change. It is more important to provide security before you worry about offering extra stimulation/entertainment. Stress kills birds much faster than boredom.

If it has been months since you got them, I see nothing wrong with moving the cage outside for a little supervised sunshine time, even if the birds are high-strung. It might be a good idea to place the cage against a wall or other solid object, so the open space doesn't make them feel too exposed. And it also provides a little protection against wind chill.

I would keep a close eye on the birds and if they appear too stressed, you can always cut things short and try again later. If after several attempts, the birds do not appear to be relaxing enough to enjoy the experience, I would stop. It isn't worth it to force the issue, if the birds aren't enjoying the experience. But I don't see any harm in attempting it, as long as you are taking appropriate precautions and monitoring the birds' response.
 
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