budgie taming

Question
QUESTION: Hey Leah,
I bought two budgies around two weeks ago. When I bought them, there was no spray millet in the cage, so I don't think that they know what it is. When I offer one to them, they would look at it and fly away. I don't know another way to tame budgies besides using spray millet, so can you please give me some advice on how to let them know spray millet is food? And please also some advice on how to tame them please? Thanks.

ANSWER: Some birds just don't like millet.  They may know what it is, but some birds won't eat it.  You can try taking some of it and mixing it in with their food so that they get a taste for it.  Then they may begin eating the spray millet.

Bribery isn't the only way to get budgies tamed.  The method that I generally recommend takes about a month of training.
Week 1- put your hand in the cage and let them get used to it.  Don't get too discouraged if they shy away from it at first.  This is normal, and they usually get used to your hand before too long.
Week 2- Slowly move your hand closer to the birds.  They may fly away or start squawking.  If they do this, slowly move your hand back, and try again once they settle back down.
Week 3- try to touch them.  Try around their bellies or wings.  They generally are more comfortable if you start by touching them where they can still see your hand.
Week 4- gently stroke their bellies near their feet, or the tops of their toes if they'll let you.  If you do this, they will instinctively hop on.
Week 5- try to move them out of the cage.  Move slowly so that they won't get spooked, and be prepared in case they fly off.  You don't want anything to happen to them.

A few things to keep in mind:
*The younger you start, the easier it will be to tame them.
*Not all birds learn at the same rate.  The times I've given you are approximate.  Some birds learn within this time frame, others take longer.  It depends on the bird and its age.
*To avoid accidents, try taming them in an area without hazards such as windows, open toilets, pets, or radiators.  The last thing you want is for them to get hurt.
*It's often easier to tame them if their wings are clipped.  They're less likely to escape because they can't fly very well, and they are more dependent and will stick near you for security.

I hope this helps you with your dilemma!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: First of all, thanks for your answers to my questions. One of my budgies is more scared of me than the other, so I think that this is affecting the training of the other bird. I can stroke the bird that is less afraid on the belly and the feet most of the time (when the other won't freak out), but she won't step up. I read on some websites that I should slightly push on their lower torso to make it step up. Is this a good idea or not? Thanks!

Answer
Sometimes one budgie is easier to tame than another.  It's usually easier to tame one at a time anyway, so I would focus on the one that you're making progress with.  Once you have her tamed, it might be easier to get the other tamed because they can sometimes learn by watching each other.

Some people say that you should push them slightly, but this usually isn't necessary, especially once they become tamer.  With some birds, this just startles them.  Usually if you just stroke their lower bellies, they hop on.  If she's being stubborn, then try pushing gently.  She may not  at first, but just get her used to your hand and being touched.  Eventually she should get comfortable enough to hop on.