[Ella]

As most of you will know, I have a budgie called Bentley.

He was an adult when I got him, probably just moulted, as he was in a cage labeled 'baby budgies', and I knew he'd be hard to tame, but he's really not responding to my taming and training.

He will step onto my hand when out of the cage, but is very hard to catch in the cage. He can be very afraid of humans, but as long as you are some distance away or not bugging him, he will stay relaxed.

So basically, he's quite trained, will step onto my hand, occasionally my shoulder or my leg, but he's not bonding with me.

He much prefers to be on his own in his cage.

Ziggy could be affecting this a bit, but seeing as she's a conure, it shouldn't matter too much, should it?
I thought only parrots that were kind of related would bond. I'm not too sure on that one though, because they seem to be bonding a bit anyway, even though I limit their time.

If I cant get him to enjoy human contact, it may sound awful, but I may have to sell him to someone with an aviary or a couple of budgies. I don't want him living his life in the cage not being played with as much as he could be. I'd much rather some caring person could give him other friends.

I can't buy another, bigger cage, or anything. I just don't have the money right now.

But I adore him, and so does Ziggy, and we're just at plan A. Once we finish plan Z, he may have to go, although neither of us will like it.

Could anyone give me any tips on gaining his trust a little more, and maybe getting him to like me and hopefully bond with me.

P.S, he doesn't respond to treats (millet, greens or really anything) and he will allow me to be close by most of the time, but not interacting.

Thank you! :thumbsup:

 

[nanay]

Ella,

I wish I could give you some great advice, but I don't have experience with budgies. However, since he steps up for you, I believe you must be doing the right things. Maybe he is the kind who needs to be allowed to come out of his cage on his own terms, especially because of his handicaps. Maybe he feels more vulnerable so needs to have a space where he can retreat.

I know you will make the right decision for Bently and for yourself and for Ziggy, too.

Is there fear that other budgies would pick on him? It seems Ziggy is pretty gentle with him. If he has been picked on by other budgies at the pet store for some time, maybe he really enjoys the time alone sometimes. To bad he can't explain himself to you. I could be totally off base here.

Just keep doing what your heart tells you. You've done well by him so far. :thumbsup:

 

[Jenny]

Ella - honestly? He's bonding to Ziggy, conure or not, instead of you, it sounds like. You're just the vehicle who will take him from his cage to Ziggy right now. I would limit their time together, maybe house them out of sight of each other, until Bentley bonds a little more to you. Don't try and catch him in his cage - open it, and hold a favorite treat in your hand, and let him come to you. You'll win him over :thumbsup:

If you find he's not responding at all, it's not too unusual - some birds just aren't into people - it happens. Don't feel guilty finding him a new home with other birds, there's nothing wrong with it - you're doing what's best for him that way too. I just wouldn't give up yet either

 

[Ella]

Thank you.

I have been limiting Bentley and Ziggy's time together, and they seem a little less bonded to each other now.

Finding him a home is really a last resort. I believe that if he had maybe just one other budgie the other would be nice to him if I found the right home.

But I'm really working on him now, and he will step up and now (since yesterday) will sit on my shoulder a nibble my hair.

Thanks for the help you two.

 

[Jenny]

I'm glad to hear he's warming back up to you Ella :biggrin5: He seems like such a sweetie, just confused lol

 

[nanay]

Ella,
I'm glad he is responding.

I had to separate my two grasskeets because the baby no longer wanted to be with people. I could see the difference almost immediately upon separating them.

We always have to reassess what we are doing. If something isn't working, we try something else. You seem very good at this. Your birds are in good hands.

 

[Ella]

Thank you! I don't really mind anymore if Bentley isn't exactly bonded to me.

He is very happy, and thats all that I really want, although bonding would be nice.

Ziggy's my 'bonded parrot' and Bentley doesn't change that, so I'm fine with things.

I'll just keep working on it and hope I see progress!

Thanks,