Hi, I came across this forum by chance while looking for tips on hand training. just want to say what a great forum this is and the pages of advice are great.

I bought my Budgie Nicky 3 days ago, I bought him from a pet shop and he's 7 weeks old, (I call him he but the color on his beak hasn't developed yet so they don't know what sex he is) .... (I will upload a pic later when I find my camera) ... anyway I had him home on the first day got him settled in and I spent four hours talking to him and putting my hand near his cage and he didn't seem spooked atall, so by the end of the first day I just thought I'd give it a go putting my finger to him and with a bit of encouragement he stepped on. and I was so chuffed with him I am carrying on putting my hand in his cage and asking him to get on which he does and he gets of as he pleases....

He accidently got out today (I had shut the doors and windows whenever I put my hand in his cage so he was safe in the 1 room) But he flew through the open door but I thougt he would be a nightmare to get back in but he let me pick him up (after 5 mins of flying) and put him in the 2nd time he got out while I had my hand in there he flew for 5 mins and then he went back in his cage while on my finger.... so I think he will be a very fast learner

Anyway would be nice to hear other peoples stories and maybe get some tips while I am here.

(I have probably rattled on a bit but I am so proud of what hes done in just 3 days lol)

My name in sarah I am 30 and live in Bournemouth UK nice to meet you all

Hi Sarah & welcome.

I've been to Bournemouth a couple of times ~ very pleasant indeed!

I hope that you will continiue to enjoy the site & the forum

Hi Sarah, Welcome aboard!
Wow, sounds like little Nicky is doing great! That's pretty awesome he steps up in and OUT of his cage already! Some are still lil birdy statues at this stage of the game..you SHOULD be proud
Is s/he your first? If so, i think you're going to find him so much more fun than you ever imagined.
Congrats!

Sarah - welcome to the forum. WOW you are doing great with Nicky. Keep up the good work. You have a very young bird so it will be easy to continue down your road to a wonderful bond and friendship.

Like all babies - then todlers - he will probably show some backsliding at some point. It will have nothing to do with what you are doing. It will be him figuring out that he has a choice and might just try doing what he wants. Of course at that point he doesn't even know for sure what he wants so he will just try some things. Just keep up with your training and everything will come back to normal.

By then you will be his flock mate and he will want to please you. Congratulations. We would love pictures.

WANNA SWAP BIRDS ...HEREEEEE NICKY NICKY COME MEET BONKERS...

hehe thanks for the warm welcome, he is my first yes, I did have a bird a few years ago but he died a few weeks after buying him sadly, I decided a few weeks ago to get another one and I am glad I did, he is lovely and so alert.

I have one question thou, I bought him a mirror and a few toys is it best to take them out everytime I try training him ?

nice to meet you all

Hey Sarah - I would take the mirror out completely. You can leave the toys in. The problem with the mirror is that he may decide that he likes the bird in the mirror better than you and not want to bond with you. I have one that actually has a flock and still is her own best friend. Since you only have one you want him to bond with you; the mirror should go.

ok cheers for the advice I'll keep it out then thankyou.

next time, i would not write were you live and how old you are. internet safety freak

Id also remove mirror as he will want to bond with that image in it meaning himself instead of you lol..no mirror means he will focus more on whats going on around him ...training...and you. I think a mirror only serves a purpose when kids are in school parents at work and keet is left totally alone most of the time..then i think it has its place..i live alone so i never use any type of reflective toy as i want him to give me his full attention during this training and getting to know you time..good to have ya aboard..and nice meeting you