Hi, I was given a 6 week old budgie a few days ago. She lets me put my hand in the cage to stroke her, and doesn't seem to be scared of me. When i'm not in the room I hear her scrambling around, and then find her hiding underneath the newspaper at the bottom of the cage. She hasn't chirped once since I got her either, but she's eating and drinking fine.
Is this normal behaviour for a baby? I'm assuming she's hiding because she's scared.
Thanks
2006-09-24 02:08:04 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
Edit : Maybe her cage was slightly exposed, so I have covered it up on the back and sides. When I leave her alone, there are no children or pets in the room with her (except the hamster! lol). I chose the office as 'her' room because it's away from the hustle and bustle of the house, and it's also where I spend most of my time so she has company most of the day. I'll definitely get one of those houses, thanks for the suggestions. I've also hand-fed her, although I agree she is probably still scared of me. Aww. My last budgie died a month ago aged 4 (she drowned). I was heartbroken, and still am so I guess i'm a little bit anxious with a bird this young. Thanks for all your replies.
2006-09-24 04:20:25 · update #1
It's look for its mummys wings still. Pick her up and let her sit on your chest whilst wearing a cardi or loose top so she can get under the folds of fabric-she will feel safer and come to view you as her safe haven and trust you. I breed budgies so I know. This is a fact.
2006-09-24 05:49:17 · answer #1 · answered by Silly-Junos 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Six weeks might be too young for her to start nesting, but if she really is female, she can lay eggs even when there aren't any males around, which involves a lot of time at the bottom of the cage. Sometimes they actually do like to nestle under things, pet stores even carry little pouches for that sort of thing.
Also, just because she lets you stroke her doesn't mean she's not afraid. Sometimes being scared, the bird will just hold still.
If you're not around during the day, try to leave the radio on for her, especially talk radio or NPR so there's some background noise and people's voices. Too much quiet can cause anxiety, it usually means predators are about.
Finally, it can sometimes take a while for birds to warm up to new owners. You'll have to just get her used to your presence by spending a lot of time with her, or try put her food in your hand, and just holding it her cage and see if she'll eat it. Try not to chase her with it, but just keep your hand still. Also, get some toys for her cage if you don't have them, particularly mirrors.
2006-09-24 03:52:37 · answer #2 · answered by answersBeta2.1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the cage is out in the open with all of it's sides exposed there is a very good chance she is afraid. Try putting a "Happy Hut" or "Fuzzy Buddy" both available under those names at most petstores (including Petco and Petsmart) they provide a hiding spot and comfort for birds.
Also 6 weeks is really really young for a budgie, generally they are just starting to be weened between 6-8 weeks so just to be safe it's always a good idea to have your bird checked out by a vet when they are young to make sure they have a clean bill of health.
2006-09-24 02:14:48 · answer #3 · answered by Kmcquestion 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When the chick is still in the nest it is normal for it to hide under its siblings to keep its eyes from light, to keep warm, and for protection. This is a phase and most birds will grow out of it by the time thy are two to three months old. Holding her close to you will make her feel protected.
2006-09-24 11:28:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
she maybe scared...do you ever hand feed her???...get some millet she will love it...use it for her to come to you...she will get used to you and not be so scared...i have a cockateil and she loves to stay up at the top of the cage, we have her cage covered with a towel to keep the breeze from the fans and the cool air from the a/c off of her...she feels more secure that way...
2006-09-24 02:22:13 · answer #5 · answered by edandsarahmae02 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's sick the sight of you and wants to be free as bird in the jungle.
2006-09-25 20:05:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is normal.. he is still a little afraid of his new home and surroundings... It will pass in time.
2006-09-24 02:18:32 · answer #7 · answered by Jacque L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you leave the room someone else is probably scaring her for example (kids, dog, cat) etc
2006-09-24 02:13:55 · answer #8 · answered by dihannamtie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think your right it probaly is scared.
2006-09-24 02:12:45 · answer #9 · answered by sarah p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋