PLEASE HELP

Question
THANKS FOR THE HELP. I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION: THE FEMALE BIRD, WHO I'VE NAMED MARIAH, OPENS AND CLOSES HER MOUTH CONSTANTLY. IS THAT NORMAL?
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I JUST GOT 2 PARAKEETS FOR CHRISTMAS. I THINK THEY ARE ABOUT 1 OR 2 YEARS OLD. THEY BECOME TERRIFIED EVERYTIME I COME CLOSE TO THEIR CAGE AND RUN TO THE OTHER SIDE. IS THERE A WAY TO MAKE THESE BIRDS USED TO PEOPLE OR NOT AFRAID? I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THEM OUT THERE CAGE AND PLAY WITH THEM. IS THERE SOMETHING IN PARTICULAR THAT I SHOULDN'T DO THAT MIGHT MAKE THEM MORE AFRAID. PLEASE HELP.
-----Answer-----
Relax around them, be patient. Parakeets (Budgies) are very perceptive little birds and because they are easily predated (preyed upon), they need to be especially wary.

They've just moved from surroundings that were familiar to them and from a routine that was comfortable. They're terrified of this new place (your home) and the new predator that comes up to their cage every day (you and any other human).

I love that you want to take them out and play. This means you're going to be the BEST sort of owner there is! You've got at least another 12 years or so with these guys, so take your time. The relationship can be spectacular!

Take a look at our site and the way we've got cages set up.  While it's for our larger macaws, the information and the set up advice applies to ALL domesticated birds.

  Contact me through the site or here anytime with ANY questions. I'll support you through this all the way ok?

  http://www.geocities.com/animalrelief_info/  

Answer
The opening and closing of the mouth is often a crop adjustment they are making.  If it's done too much there could be a crop infection, impaction or other problem.

 For this one, I'd make a vet visit for sure because left untreated it could develop into something life threatening.

We make well-bird vet visits twice a year with our birds for a couple reasons. First, it's generally less expensive and less complicated to deal with health problems caught early. Second, it's important to keep birds known to the vet, their records updated and have someone you know you can call in the middle of the night, on a holiday or weekend and who will open their office for a bird emergency.

Always have a birdy box for medicals. Any container or even an envelope where you can tuck $5.00 a week or so that will serve as your emergency fund for bird care. You just have to remind yourself that money only goes IN and doesn't come out for any reason except bird treatments.

Finally, make sure the vet is an avian vet OR a vet with bird experience.  Not all vets know how to treat birds. Call your local pet stores to find out who treats their birds, your humane society and bird clubs.  
 You will really be glad you did this.

Good luck and God bless,