Buzz
A budgie (or parakeet) is a wonderful companion for bird lovers. These long-tailed parrots are highly intelligent, playful, and relatively easy to train and care for. While budgies may initially be shy around humans, with time and proper training, they can overcome their fear and grow closer to you, showing affection and trust.
Steps
Observe body language to determine if your budgie likes you
Notice if the bird displays affectionate gestures toward you. Affection is a clear sign that your budgie likes you and wants to bond. If the bird gently nuzzles your hand, climbs onto you, preens, or rubs against your neck, it means your budgie feels happy and secure in your presence.
Observe the bird's wings. While wings are typically seen as tools for flight, many birds, including budgies, use them as a form of body language. If your budgie is flapping its wings while staying in place, it might be trying to hover, which is a positive sign in your relationship. Wing flapping is a way for budgies to express excitement around humans.
Pay attention to the bird's tail. Similar to wings, a budgie's tail can also reveal its emotions. Tail wagging (like a dog wagging its tail) often means the bird is happy to see you, though it can also be a self-soothing behavior. Moving the tail up and down is another way budgies show joy and may indicate that the bird likes you.
Watch the bird's posture. How your budgie positions itself around you can reveal its feelings. Posture, combined with body language like wing flapping and tail wagging, can help you understand how comfortable the bird is with you.
- A relaxed and flexible posture means the bird is happy and at ease with its owner.
- If the bird "bows" its head—tilting it toward you—it’s comfortable and might want a head scratch or some affection.
- If the bird tenses up, fluffs its feathers, and shifts side to side, it’s likely uncomfortable, uneasy, or distrustful. If your budgie shows these signs, it’s best not to disturb it. It may not feel entirely safe around you or may dislike your actions. Identify what’s causing discomfort and avoid repeating it.
Notice movements that indicate your budgie likes you
Observe the bird's eyes.
While human pupils dilate in the dark and contract in light, a budgie's pupils can change size in response to its mood and environment. Budgies may blink (pupil dilation) or widen their eyes (pupil contraction) to show excitement or joy, though these actions can also signal fear or stress.
- If your budgie blinks and rapidly changes pupil size when it sees you, it’s likely a sign of affection and appreciation for your presence.
Check if the bird is hanging upside down. Hanging upside down is a common behavior among birds. They often do this when they are happy and feel safe, as this position makes them vulnerable. If your bird hangs upside down in your presence, it’s a sign that it loves and trusts you.
Pay attention to movements of the beak and head. Budgies use their beaks for various purposes, from physical tasks to communication. If your bird is doing any of the following, it means it’s happy and comfortable around you.
- Grinding its beak, moving it side to side like humans grind their teeth, is a sign of contentment in budgies.
- Nibbling without biting is how budgies play with each other. If your bird gently nibbles on you without actually biting, it’s likely showing affection.
- Regurgitating in front of or "on" you is a way budgies express deep affection. This is especially true if the bird’s pupils dilate and it shakes its head just before regurgitating.
Listen for sounds that indicate your budgie likes you
Notice chirping, singing, or whistling. Budgies often produce these sounds to express contentment and happiness in your home. If the bird chirps loudly, especially when you enter the room, it’s a good sign that it really likes you.
Listen for hissing or purring sounds. Hissing and purring aren’t always loud; some birds make very soft noises. Whether it’s hissing or purring, the bird is showing contentment and wants to interact or play with you.
Pay attention to tongue-clicking behavior. A budgie may click its beak to express a desire to be held or petted. If your budgie clicks its beak around you, it’s often a sign that it likes you and wants to interact more with you.
Encourage your budgie to love you
Ensure the bird’s physical needs are met. Neglecting food or water can harm the bird’s health and may lead to a loss of trust and happiness. Always provide clean water and a balanced diet for your budgie.
- Make sure your bird has access to seeds, grains, beans, vegetables, pellet food, and seasonal fruits.
- DO NOT feed your budgie chocolate, avocado, salty foods, garlic, onions, or human junk food.
Help your budgie feel safe. The cage serves as a safe haven for your bird. A comfortable cage will make your budgie feel more secure in your home and may increase its affection toward you.
- Ensure the cage is spacious. Place it away from direct sunlight, out of reach of other pets, and far from loud or startling noises like TVs and radios.
Provide toys for your budgie. Budgies love entertainment, and offering fun, challenging toys will keep your bird happy and content.
- Include items for climbing, as well as colorful and noisy toys.
- Install a swing inside the cage and ensure there are plenty of perches.
- Offer safe chewing toys made of wood or durable, hard nuts that your budgie can gnaw on.
Encourage your budgie to trust you. This can be achieved by showing the bird that you are safe and friendly. Talk to your budgie often in a calm, gentle tone. Allow the bird to eat and play outside its cage, and encourage interaction. Over time, the bird will feel secure and comfortable around you, and it will come closer to show affection.
Tips
- To make your budgie love you more, reward it. Rewarding good behavior will encourage your budgie to behave well consistently.
- If your budgie misbehaves, leave it alone for a few minutes and avoid rewarding bad behavior.
- Sometimes, a loving gaze is enough to make your budgie like you.
- Never do anything to scare or stress your budgie. This will not build trust or affection.
- Avoid tapping on the cage when the budgie is nearby, as it may get frightened.
- Never chase your budgie with your hands! Instead, slowly place your hand near the cage door and let the bird get used to your presence.
- Speak softly to your budgie while gently petting its feathers. This will signal that you are safe to be around and strengthen your bond.
- The most effective way to make your budgie love you is to meet all its needs!
Warnings
- Do not force your budgie to do something it dislikes. Never force it out of its cage or pick it up if it resists.
