If you just purchased your budgie, give them about 2 weeks to become settled in to their new environment. One of the things that they will do during this time is locate his food and water dishes in their cage. [2] X Research source Place the budgie in a busy room during their adjustment period, if possible. Although this may seem counter productive, having them in a busy room will actually let them get accustomed to seeing people as companions rather than threats. [3] X Research source However, be aware that budgies have sensitive hearing, so be careful that the room is not a stressful place. Although there is plenty to see, be careful it’s not a noisy room with the stereo on high, or a room where there are drafts because of people coming and going. It needs to be a pleasant environment, so as not to overwhelm the bird.

Have the cage next to you when you are doing relaxing activities such as watching TV and reading. You do not have to directly interact with your budgie when you have his cage close to you. It’s more important for the budgie to be comfortable in your presence.

Be mindful not to make eye contact with your budgie. Budgie’s eyes are located on the sides of their heads, which is common in prey animals. Because human’s eyes are positioned on the front of the head, looking directly at a budgie signals to him that you are a predator−you definitely don’t want him to see you this way!

You can place a towel over your hand if you are afraid that your budgie may bite you.

Practice doing this over at least 3-5 sessions. Move your hand closer to your budgie during each session. Eventually, they will become more comfortable with walking over to you and taking the treat from your hand. [7] X Research source [8] X Research source Having a treat in your hand each time that you reach into the cage to change your budgie’s food and water will encourage them to get more comfortable with your hand. [9] X Research source This step may take anywhere from several days to several weeks.

Slowly stick out your index finger so that it will act as a perch for your budgie to step on. [10] X Research source Drape a towel over your hand if you think that your budgie will bite you.

If your budgie seems too flustered and nervous, you may want to wait until later in the day or just try again on another day. [11] X Research source

If you are too forceful when you place your index finger on your budgie’s chest, they may get nervous and fly away from you. Your budgie may not understand this movement at first and may fly away. Just be patient with him and try again until he understands what you want them to do. [12] X Research source Gently saying ‘step up’ as a verbal cue as you push on your budgie’s chest may help them understand that they should step up onto your finger. [13] X Research source [14] X Expert Source Hayley HeartfieldBird Specialist Expert Interview. 23 June 2021. If your budgie is hesitant, you can use some millet to entice them to step onto your finger. [15] X Research source

Reward him with a treat as positive reinforcement for using your finger as a perch. Practice having your budgie use your finger as a perch several times a day, rewarding them each time.

Your budgie may be very reluctant to leave their cage, because that is their comfort zone. You can try enticing them out with treats, but do not rush them. [17] X Research source Creating a clear exit path out of their cage (no toys, food and water trays) will help you easily back your hand out of the cage more easily. [18] X Research source It is okay if your budgie flies away, or flies right back into their cage, when you get him out of the cage. If your budgie flies away, do not run and chase them. Chasing your budgie will feel like a predator/prey situation to them. Wait for them to sit down somewhere and then calmly walk over to them. Reach out your finger to get it to step up onto your finger. If your budgie flies back into their cage, let them relax for a while and then try again. Taking your budgie out of their cage and keeping them on your finger will probably take at least 1 week of daily practice, but it may take longer. Be patient and move at the pace of their comfort with being outside of their cage.

Whichever room you take your budgie to, it would be helpful to cover the mirrors and the windows, since they may serve as distractions. Also, make sure that the room is clean and free of dangers, such as fans or other pets. [19] X Research source Your budgie may fly off your finger because it’s a new environment. Once again, do not chase them if they do this. Offering your budgie a treat in the different room may help them be more comfortable in this new room. Aim to take your budgie to a different room for 15-20 minutes at a time, a few times a day. [20] X Research source

Your budgie may not be familiar with this verbal cue, so it may take a few tries before they understand that they should step up onto your other index finger. Give him a small treat each time he steps up.

Repetition is key to learning this trick. [25] X Expert Source Hayley HeartfieldBird Specialist Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.