New Budgie Owner

[NitroCola]

Hello all, first of I would like to say that this website has wonderfully organised resources that have helped me a lot. On the 29th of December, my parents surprised me and my little sister with budgies to take care of. So far, budgies have had a very positive impact on my life

. They help with my disorder (bipolar) and its helping me communicate with my sister and learn to solve issues together nicely. I still have a lot to learn about budgies, but my goal is to give them the happiest life possible.

Heres a video of my budgies, Neeko (Green) and Athena (Blue). They've been with us for about 5 days. Neeko doesn't like coming near me just yet, which is fine. Athena on the other hand will voluntarily perch onto my hand if I have millet to offer.

In this video me and my sister made a couple of newbie mistakes i'm aware off. I touched the bird too soon

, and my sister let them out of their cage when she was "cleaning" without a plan on how to get them back in. We ended up having to grab them to put them back in which was sad because I know your not supposed make budgies do something they don't wanna do. They are not hurt however, and we are still doing our best to make sure they are happy. I am also getting them a MUCH bigger cage I am saving up for so that they are happy. I might just find a job in the summer so I have more money to take care of them. I also have a buying plan to get my budgies things such as cuttlebone, minerals, pellet diet, etc.

 

[Fergus Mom]

Cute budgies! I like their names. They must have their wings clipped? The reason I guess that is, that is the only time mine got on the floor, when I first got Fergus, he fluttered down and landed on floor. It is good for you to be learning about them here and planning for their future. One thing I always say to new budgie owners is that the seed cup might look full, but it is empty hulls, so make sure to watch for that. They are so cute in the video - Neeko does not seem to mind you touching him, really.

 

[cassiesdad]

Welcome to you, Neeko, and Athena!

This is a great place to expand your knowledge...and always feel free to voice any concerns or ask any question you have...even if it sounds goofy or crazy...we're here to help...

 

[NitroCola]

Their wings were clipped from the place we bought them from it seems, but I plan on not clipping their wings in the future. They can hop up and flap about 1ft. In the future, I want them to be able to free fly (only indoors of course), but I have to bird proof my room and the home first.

 

[Fergus Mom]

Their wings were clipped from the place we bought them from it seems, but I plan on not clipping their wings in the future. They can hop up and flap about 1ft. In the future, I want them to be able to free fly (only indoors of course), but I have to bird proof my room and the home first.

Many pet stores it seems do still clip their wings. It took Fergus about 3 to 4 months to really be able to fly from what I recall.

My Lucy (RIP 2002) used to land on the ceiling fan in our old den. In fact, it was her favorite place to hang out. I am VERY glad mine don't do that here, as I would stress over all the droppings that might be there, and having to clean it. I began calling ceiling fans 'bird killers' when we first had Lucy, so in addition to rarely using them, I had a note on wall by the switch in old home asking 'Is the cage closed'? It is amazing what kind of dangers lurk for a pet in our homes isn't it? Glad you are aware of bird-proofing!

 

[cassiesdad]

Harley, our newest budgie, came to us with his wings clipped. Within a week, he was flying short distances, following Omega. Even though the cage is open 90% of the time, our budgies rarely come out...when they do, it's a party...

 

[iamwhoiam]

Congrats on getting your budgies. They are both very cute.

 

[Fuzzy]

Neeko and Athena are beautiful! Congrats!! So glad to hear you are going to let their wings grow out.

 

[Lady Jane]

One of
the first things to do is to make your room safe for flying but I guess they will not be able too. Flight feathers can take the better part of a year to re grow. In the meantime you can do things to keep them fit like climbing ladders, long tall ladders that go from floor to cage are good. If you have other predator pets be very careful about opening the cage. The other important issue is to line up an avian vet ahead of time and talk to your parents about the cost of vet visits and or emergency visits. Birds should go for a wellness visit after they are fairly comfortable in your home.
Millet will be your friend until they are used to you.

 

[NitroCola]

Thanks Lady Jane! I did talk to my parents about the vet. I wanted to start them off on a yearly checkup visit. For my area it would cost 200-300. So I plan to take the birds in the summer when I can get a job to afford a checkup. They agreed that if the birds fall ill before, they will take them.

 

[Lady Jane]

Sorry the price is that high. It cost me $60 for a check up plus anything specific. Vets seldom draw blood on a budgie. You sound like a good budgie Mom.

 

[fashionfobie]

Yay! Welcome to the group. Forums are a wonderful way to learn and meet other people with your passion. I am so glad you decided to get into a group so early. Well Done Neeko and Athena are in for a really enjoyable life with you.

 

[NitroCola]

Wow, I had no idea you can find care that cheap. It may try to do even more digging to find a better avian specialist/vet who can see budgies. Also thankyou very much fashionfobie!

 

[Memowe]

Welcome! Your budgies are adorable! I have to ask, did you name Neeko after League of Legends?

 

[NitroCola]

Yeah, I thought Neeko was such a cool name. I love league

 

[Memowe]

Yeah, I thought Neeko was such a cool name. I love league

So do I! Neeko is so much fun and such a great name for your budgie. I would love to get a budgie named Aurelion Smol (Aurelion and Nami are my favorites) but we are are planning on getting a cockatiel and naming it Quinn or Valor once we move!

 

[Cynthia & Percy]

welcome