Need Some Advice

Hello everyone!
First off, how is everyone doing today? My question is relating to my little budgie friend named Glow Worm. I am trying to figure out where I am going wrong in my training. From what I have read online, he should be about one year old or so. He is a male, and he sings all the time to any music he hears, and even certain peoples voices. I am trying to hand tame him, but nothing seems to be working. I have had him for about 2 months, he was purchased at a pet store (I know its harder to tame a pet store bird.) We also recently moved, which probably hasn't helped matters. His favorite treat is millet, and since I don't have an actual clicker to try to tame/train him, I use my mouth to imitate one when he gets a treat. There has only been one day he let me give him scratches on his tummy. He will not step up, or if he does he will immediately jump back off before I even move my finger. I have done the tricks with having my hand by his cage for a few days, then in without touching him for a few days, and he was ok with it for awhile, but he just really doesn't want anything to do with me.

Where have I gone wrong, or what can I do to make things better. He is a cute little guy, and I want him to be less shy and scared.

Hi and welcome to you and Glow Worm! Love the name. It doesn't sound like you are doing anything wrong. Having Glow Worm on your finger and being able to scratch his tummy after having him for only two months is good progress with a budgie IMHO. Sitting near his cage and talking to him is a good way to build trust. Be patient and keep working with him and he will reward you with a lasting friendship. Good luck. Please keep us updated.

Thank you for replying! I can't really take credit for the name, my fiancee said it would be a good name lol! I will most definitely keep updated!

I don't know if you tried this but my budgie responds to training better away from his cage. I take him in the bathroom, give him 5-10 minutes to settle down and do some target training and stepping up.

If you're the only thing he recognizes in an unfamiliar environment he may react better to you.

I like your idea, the only thing is I can't get him out on command, and when he decides he does want to come out, I can't get near him. I will see what I can do though!

My budgie doesn't much like stepping up on my finger yet, but he is very good stepping up on a stick. At least i can get him back in the cage. But he's very young. My first budgie was an older pet store budgie that took a year to tame.

I guess they're all different. Good luck... And patience.

Thank you for your reply anadeg, I appreciate it!

It took me about four and a half months to get my shy/aggressive Cockatiel to trust me. Just be patient, it will happen.
Good luck!

Cocktails are very pretty birds. I was going to get one, however I've never owned a bird, and I figured a parakeet was a good starter bird to get me into the bird world so to say! Lol

nartwo said:

Cocktails are very pretty birds. I was going to get one, however I've never owned a bird, and I figured a parakeet was a good starter bird to get me into the bird world so to say! Lol

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My first parrot was a Parakeet, Joe. He was yellow with a tiny bit of green on his belly, tail feathers, and wings. He had the most amazing personality. Loved him so much. ^_^ I know you and Glow Worm will have a great relationship. Parakeets are lovely little creatures!

He is a good buddy. He may not be tame yet, but I love him being around. I have two cats as well. Glow worm actually seems to like the cats. He acts all happy and sings when they come in the room. Please keep in mind his cage is out of reach of the cats, and the cats get put in a different room when he comes out. But yeah, he is a good buddy!