[ColdWinterDream]

So I posted yesterday on my two beautiful females, Hedwig and Pig. Things seem to be going well but I have several questions that I can't find answers to.

Am I moving too fast? I spend the recommended time of 15-20 mins around 4 times a day talking to them. They seem to enjoy it as they close their eyes and are calm. When I step back, they become playful and chatty. Since they were calm, I moved a hand to the outside of the cage. They move a little ways away but then settle in and close their eyes and Hedwig will perch on one foot a lot. I did read to not put my hand in until they are curious and investigate it, so that's what I plan to do.

Are my kids making things better or worse? They are very conscious of the birds and always speak gently to them and never try to scare them (my son accidentally did today when he was putting a movie up). My kids are 8, 6, and 2 and are very patient with them knowing that it's best to wait to get to touch them. However, when they are home and I do my talking sessions, they want to be there too. Should I allow them to join in or is it better to just let me do it? Should I allow them near the cage to talk to the birds or just have them pretend the birds aren't there? They want to be a help and I can't find anything on this topic.

How do I know if my pets are scaring them? As I've mentioned before, I have 2 dogs and a cat. The dogs pay them no mind except for the day we got them when they started chirping. Now they ignore them completely. The cat is a little more interested, though each day pays them less attention. I know to be on guard with them and I feel my 4 legged babies are doing well with them. The birds don't seem to mind as well. They just keep on doing what they were doing so I'm hoping that's a good sign.

These are the only questions I have right now which I'm sure more are to come. When we are not in a talking sessions, the birds play and sing almost constantly. Hedwig gave us a good laugh today. She went to jump on a toy and missed and seemed to blame Pig. They both squacked for a few seconds before preening each other. Boy do these birds have personality!

 

[Therm]

From the way your birds are reacting to you, you should be able to gather yourself that they are comfortable with the level you're currently at.

Again, with the kids being there it depends on what you see from your birds. Do they appear to make things better or worse? You will have to make the decision based on how the birds respond when the kids are there and compare it to doing it alone.

Budgies will naturally be wary of predator animals. And a cat that is always interested in what they are doing is worrying to me. Yourself and the birds can never truly be at ease in the environment, as good as you are trying to make it for them.

Btw, when you have more questions you can't find the answers too, place them in this thread and please don't start another. Thanks

 

[ColdWinterDream]

The cat gets interested for maybe 5 seconds every several hours and each day it is less and less. Thank you for the advice with the kids. That actually helps quite a bit.

 

[Therm]

I'm going to close the thread at this time.

If you have any more questions about how you're doing with your budgies, just ask one of the staff and we can reopen this thread for you.

 

[ColdWinterDream]

So I've been trying to share a video of Hedwig. When I talk to her, she opens and closes her mouth. She doesn't do it any other time. From what I gather, she's "mimicking" me. I moved to putting a hand on their cage and it seemed to not bother either one. They don't necessarily want to be close to, but they preen and carry on all the same. So tonight, I felt it may be time to put my hand in the cage. I know it's only been a week but I was ready to stop if need be. Again, Pig wants to be nowhere near my hand, but carries on. Same with Hedwig, she seems more comfortable though. She'll eat, play, preen, and chirp like it wasn't there. However, even if I move my hand the slightest (I try not to but it's hard to stay still) she moves away. No freaking out, just doesn't want to be touched.

I just wanted to update y'all, but if you see anything I'm doing wrong, please let me know!

 

[FaeryBee]

Everything you are doing so far is just fine! :thumbsup:

Simply keep working at Hedwig and Pigwidgeon's pace.

 

[ColdWinterDream]

Thank you! It seems if I'd isolate them, Hedwig would be out of the cage in no time. Pig is a little slower at gaining trust so I'm trying to work at her pace. They each have so much personality and apparently like rock music. I was cleaning today and had on 12 stones and they excitedly chirped. No other genre got them excited. It's fun for me because I'm a rocker myself. Kid noises don't bother them at all and neither do loud noises made by anything in the house. All the other animals completely ignore them now. So all seems well.

Another question I have is about essential oils. My wife has been asking about alternatives for our house since candles are not allowed. She has a co-worker who makes natural candles out of soy and natural oils. My question is, if all the ingredients are 100% natural, is it safe for the bird?

 

[FaeryBee]

I personally would not recommend using any type candle with a flame in an environment with budgies.

Using the unscented flameless candles can easily give you the same ambiance

For air fresheners, I would recommend using natural plant/herbs. Fresh Rosemary, Basil, Lemon Balm, or Lavender can be put in small vases and places about the room. Dried Herbs can be safely used as a homemade potpourri as the herbs are also safe the budgies' consumption.

Heating Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves and/or all-spice in a small pot of water will give your home a lovely fragrance.
Using oranges, pricking them with a needle and inserting whole fresh cloves - then sitting those in strategic places are also great.

Some 100% essential oils are safe to use around your birds.
These include eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender.

 

[ColdWinterDream]

The candles aren't about the ambience, just the smell. Do you know where I can find a list of what is bird safe?

 

[FaeryBee]

This link regarding the Safe Use of Medical Grade Essential Oils should be helpful for you:

http://talkbudgies.com/articles-hol...e-use-medical-grade-essential-oils-birds.html

 

[ColdWinterDream]

New update!

Hedwig actually ate some millet that I was holding! Pig is still really weary of me so o try to focus on Hedwig. It's just difficult because when Pig gets upset, so does Hedwig.

Anyways, just wanted to share the good news!

 

[FaeryBee]

Congratulations -- you are making progress! :thumbsup:

 

[ColdWinterDream]

Thank you. She seems willing to work more. She was eating some millet I left for her last night so I got more out and would slowly pull it closer to see if she'd come. She did and then nibbled my finger. She stretched her head over my finger as moved the millet deeper into my hand. As soon as her chest hit my finger she backed off and we'd do it again. It seemed to be upsetting Pig, so I backed off. I'm really excited for the progress with her!

 

[ColdWinterDream]

Well during our noon session today, I was trying to coax Hedwig on my finger with some millet. I would let her have some and slowly pull it away. Pig got really interested and came up to the other side of my hand so I moved some for her to get. I allow them to eat it first to show that my hand gives them treats. Hedwig jumped down but Pig was still wanting some so I kept working with her. I ended up getting her on my finger several times! I'm shocked! I thought Hedwig would be the first, but nope, it was the leery Pigwidgeon.

Also, while working with Hedwig, she'd bite my finger as if to say to move it. I didn't move it and just let her and reset the exercise when she was done. Was that the right thing to do?

 

[FaeryBee]

:jumping: Yes, you're doing great!
Good for little Pig for deciding to be first in stepping up.
Your instinct in how to handle Hedwig's biting was spot-on.

 

[ColdWinterDream]

Good. I was not expecting the progress today, but I'm so excited for it. I tried to get a picture of Pig on my finger but she didn't stay long enough. I'll get on asap.

 

[ColdWinterDream]

So now Pig goes to my finger nearly every time! Hedwig did get up on it but has only a couple of times. I'm so happy for the progress!

 

[StarlingWings]

That's great that they both are learning to trust you; slowly but surely

 

[ColdWinterDream]

Look who came out for a picture today!



Pig will step up easily but isn't ready to get out of the cage. Tomorrow starts real bonding with Hedwig. I can't wait!

 

[ColdWinterDream]

New question.

How do I get the birds used to being out of their cage? Hedwig will come out if I have millet and Pig wants nothing to do with it. They'll both step up no problem now so I know it's time to work on that.