Taming/Bonding with my budgie

[JustJol]

Hello there,
So I am really trying to get my bird to bond with me, I don't really want him to be able to do any tricks or anything, just be a kind bird to me and potentially let me pet/scratch him. I let my bird out everyday in my room for around 4-6 hours so he gets plenty of flight time to stretch his wings. He is already quite comfortable around me and will step up easily if I am slow and always keeps his head feathers puffed up when I pick him up and even preens on my finger. I know it will be a long process, but I would love to have him as a loving companion.
P.S. I have another budgie that is a girl (the one i'm talking about is a boy) and they live separate, but i let them see each other and hang out from time to time.
Thanks in advance!
~JustJol

 

[FlyBirdiesFly]

Most budgies don't really like to be petted and scratched, but of course there are exceptions. You're off to a great start! It's wonderful that he readily steps up and feels comfortable around you. Don't expect to be able to touch your budgie all over, because they are not usually cuddly birds. Mine just prefers to do her own thing, but will fly to me on her own. She does not like to be touched at all.

 

[JustJol]

thank you for the information!
I am just hoping for the day that my bird feels as comfortable around me as your birds do around you!

 

[reeb]

Hello!

I am a fairly experienced budgie owner so I can try to give some advice!

It's really great that he already trusts you, that's a good start. When I got my two hand-reared budgies, the female was super affectionate and sweet, and the male was trusting but not as keen to bond with me and spend time with me.

Every day, I would ask him to step up, and then I would either keep him on my finger and talk to him or put him on my shoulder. The first few times he would fly away from me, but over a few weeks he began to enjoy spending time with me. Now, he is as affectionate (if not more) than my female, always flying onto my shoulder or my head and eagerly coming towards me, and grooming me constantly.

I agree with FlyBirdiesFly that budgies aren't too fond of being scratched and petted, and would much prefer grooming you and tweeting at you. It's just their nature, although there are exceptions!

I hope this helps in some way!

 

[JustJol]

thank you this really helps!
my bird sometimes flies around my head and hovers in front of my head but has never attempted to actually land on me, he also won't sit on my shoulder but I won't give up !
Thank You!
~JustJol