We have only had budgies since the start of the year. The first one dropped dead after a month (and a huge vet bill). We got her/him from a breeder, and the breeder offered us another budgie about 3 weeks ago. It was very kind of her, particularly as she didn't charge us for Snudge. Anyway Snudge is about 9 weeks old and as soon as we walk in the room he starts begging to come out. As soon as we open the cage he either walks up my arm onto my shoulder or flys straight onto my shoulder and thats where he stays for a great deal of the time. He goes from one shoulder to the other and spends alot of time preening whilst there. He really only leaves if he sees a higher shoulder, then he flys across to it. When its time to go back in, he is easy to catch, But I usually need to catch him in my hand. I would prefer that he step up so I can put him back

 

My question is how do we train a bird like this? We haven't found a food yet that he loves enough to use as a training aid. We don't need to encourage him out of his cage by using millet, patience and step up. As soon as the door opens he is out (and not to escape) he seems to love people and much prefers sitting with people than on the top of his cage. Or do I need to train him further....? My son has vision of teaching him tricks, but I don't know how to go about doing that.

 

I would love any advice or do I stop worrying about training and just enjoy owning this gorgeous cheeky little budgie.

he sounds like he's doing wonderful already!

Perhaps if you'd prefer it at the point of where you control where he is, clip his wings so he has to step up onto you before he gets what he wants (your shoulder)... That may help with his hand tameness.... Also try tunnelling... (running you hands over the bird repeatedly whilst on your chest)

Check out the FAQ's for other tips and hints

sounds like a gorgeous bundle of fun

What you have is an awesome companion anyone would love to have we have so many people come on because their budgies are in a wild state. That is awesome he is doing so well and loves to be with you. I would try and teach him the step-up command that is important and in the FAQ section I wrote up and article about Taming your Budgie and talk about how to go about doing it. If you can find a motivator (not food) but how about you then you can teach him tricks. I taught Merlin to fly to me because he wants to be by me so I put him on the top of the cage and then put my finger about 6 inches from the cage and then say Come On Merlin or you can click with your tongue and when he flies to you then say good boy and then do it again. Repeating this daily and now he has learned his first trick "or command" make sense?