In this article you’re going to learn how long it takes for a bird to adjust to a new home
If you’re a new bird parent and wondering the time it would take then you’re in the right place
Why?
Because you’re going to discover the following
- What to do when you bring your new bird home – Step by Step
- If you should let your birdie out of the cage
- How to know if your bird trusts you
Lots to cover!
Sound good?
Let’s get started
Just like everybody else, adjustment takes time.
Well, for me it certainly takes time!
I personally hate change
Similarly a pet bird whether it be a parrot or a budgie needs time to adjust
You can’t expect your birdie to feel comfortable straight away
Yes, all birds are different and some adapt really quickly
So it’s up to you to help your pet bird adjust to a new home
How do you do that?
We’re going to go through it
Your first responsibility is to tame birds.
Apart from that, each bird has its time frame.
Some birds get acclimated to their new home, but some take time.
Love and patience are the two things needed here
Your bird needs love and affection because they’re in a new environment so it’s normal for them to feel scared
This is where your love and affection comes in
It will make things easier for your bird
Patience – because it may take time so you have to understand it ain’t going to be a overnight fix!
What Do You Do When You Bring a New Bird Home?
First, before bringing a new bird at home, you should prepare everything that your bird may need.
It would help if you had a comfortable cage with you – which is big enough to let your new pet wander around a new home.
Make sure all of the necessities and amenities are inside that new cage.
Have a look at my article – Best Large Cage For Budgies
The best thing about these cages I recommend – they would be ideal for any bird as they are really big!
First Step: Make your bird relaxed in the new environment.
Some misconception arises when it comes to acclimating pets to their new surroundings.
Others think that putting them in secluded or quiet areas will make them feel more secure.
However, little do they know that letting them stay in that type of place will make things complicated and challenging for them to adjust to getting along with people.
On the other hand, if you place them in an area where they can interact well with others, they would quickly adapt to their surroundings
How will you know if the bird is already comfortable with you and the new place?
If you notice him frozen on the perch, most likely, your bird is feeling uneasy.
Don’t worry. It takes time before he gets used to the environment and trusts you as the owner.
Remember patience is key!
Second Step: Be calm when trying to get along with him.
Use your most soothing voice when talking to your pet bird
Your goal is to gain your bird’s trust.
He can trust you better if he feels you are a gentle and calm.
Yes, the way you communicate will tell him about you as a person and as an owner.
Talk to him every day in the same manner.
Yes, he might not understand everything you tell him, but he will know you are into making friends with him.
It’s not only about how you speak but also about how you act toward your bird.
Most birds are skitter when they feel sudden movements.
If you slowly move as you approach your bird, it will make him less nervous.
So try not to do any sudden movements
Be calm around your bird
Third Step: Let your bird familiarize yourself with your hands to be closer to him.
Hand taming is the first thing to do to get closer to birds.
However, in most cases, birds associate them with something traumatizing experience – especially if your bird has come from a pet store.
The reason why is people tend to try to hold them which can get them scared because the people are pretty all new faces to a bird
That’s why it is important to be careful when you’re hand taming
Just like what we’ve mentioned already, you need to show your calmest side in front of your bird.
Then, begin to place your hand near the cage where he can see it.
Once done, you can talk calmly, and try your best to make him feel relaxed.
Do this three to four times a day in a week
Through trial and error you’ll realize the perfect time to place your hand inside the cage.
Yes, again, do this calmly and slowly.
According to PetBudgie, it is best to avoid eye contact with your bird when doing it.
It will make them feel threatened.
Put your hand inside the cage every day when you feed your bird.
This routine will make him feel comfortable and warm with your presence and your hand being in the cage
But of course, do not expect this to happen overnight.
Just like what we’ve always said, it takes time.
Patience is key but trust me it’ll be worth it!
By the time you know it your bird will standing on your finger and then soon walk around with you whilst he’s on your shoulder
Fourth Step (The Last But Not Least): Feed your bird using your hand.
Now that you can place your hand inside the cage without worries, it’s time to level up.
Put a treat in your hand to move him to take the next step in your bird-owner relationship.
You can try various treats to entice him – millet spray, spinach, or anything that will move him closer to you.
Try doing this 3 – 5 times a day
Should I Let My New Bird Out of the Cage?
The short answer is no for now especially if your bird is new
If your bird is just getting familiar with the new surroundings, there is a high possibility that he will freak out once you free him out of the cage.
The first thing you need to do is to finger or hand tame your bird first before trying to let him roam around the room.
However, if your bird is already tamed, you can try to bond with him outside the cage.
Do make sure the doors and windows are closed
Soon, your bird will be flying about in the house!
How Do You Know if Your Bird Trusts You?
The thing I love about birds is that they are amazingly and intensely affectionate to their owners
They make such great companionship!
If you are closer to your bird, you can quickly tell that he depends on you so much.
Here are some of the few signs that your bird loves and trusts you.
- He is always excited to see you and try to go near you as much as possible.
You’ll know instantly that your bird is too excited if he tries to bob his head, come to his toy, and play around it.
These are the indications he wants you to go near him.
You will also see his feather shake.
When you are together for several times, you can quickly tell how he acts.
So, it is essential to be observant every time.
Have a read of my article
- Your bird mimics and sings to you.
Some birds are well-known for mimicking other people.
But if your bird loves you, he will not only mimic the words coming out from your mouth but also copies whatever you are doing.
How cool is that!
If you try to take a nap, you’ll notice he will also feel sleepy.
Another thing is that happy birds love to sing.
If your bird is happy and content, you’ll notice he will whistle a lot
- He gets clingy with you.
Most of the time, birds want to be petted by their owners, which means they trust them and love to be with them.
Therefore, seeing your pet like to snuggle or cuddle with you is a good indication of a happy bird-owner relationship.
Wrapping It Up
When you bring a bird home it is exciting times!
Remember though, your bird will take time to adjust so don’t worry if your birdie is not too interactive
It takes time
It’s a responsibility but you’ll love it
Birds are intelligent creatures, but they also want to feel the love of people surrounding them.
It’s important to show your bird love and affection
If you have a budgie or any bird you should check out my article