Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 11/4/2007

Question
hi, i got my budgie like two days ago and its about six weeks, it was hand reared but its not really all that happy about being with humans, its a bit nippy but its probably because five only bad it for such a short time.
my question is that currently me and my little brother are the ones that handle it and take it out and we do this a couple of times a day. i was just wondering would be ok for both of us to handle it or should i be its trainer for the first few weeks so it gets used to everyone.
and also how long do you think it will take because i can take it out of the cage it screams a bit but its ok when its out i hold it and stuff, its bites don't really hurt because its a baby but did i take it out too soon? i didn't really wait for it to be alone a few days because i figured if its hand raised it'll like humans but he is a bit nippy so just wanting some tips.
Thanks

Answer
Hi, Mishi,

If this baby was handfed, it should already be tame and used to humans; it shouldn't be nippy.  However, birds don't like to be held, especially if you grab them around their bodies.  Let the bird come and go using its own 2 legs...don't force it or the bird won't trust you.  Place your finger up to its lower chest and push up gently saying "up."  The bird should step up on your finger.  If you want this bird to be used to humans, you need to socialize it with as many humans as possible.  However, give the bird some time to settle down in its new environment in your home and get used to you first.  

I can't say how long it will take for this bird to get used to you and your brother...all birds are different and it also depends on how you treat this bird.  You want to gain trust with the bird, don't scare the bird or make it frightened or the bird will never trust you.  You also don't want the bird to bite you...this is a bad habit, so don't do things so the bird will bite. Allow the bird to come out of its cage on its own, etc.  This bird is still a very young bird and how you treat this bird will influence how the bird behaves when it gets older.

Chrys