For bird lovers, parakeets (or budgies) are great pets! These birds are intelligent, adorable, and quite easy to train and care for. Although a parakeet is naturally afraid of humans, it can overcome that fear and show love and affection if you are willing to take the time and train it diligently.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Observing Body Language
Step 1. Notice if the parakeet wants to cuddle with you
This behavior can be a real sign that he likes you and wants to build a relationship with you. If you see a bird nuzzling its head into your hands, climbing on its body, pecking its hands to clean its dirt, and rubbing its body against your neck, this is a sign that it likes you and feels safe around you.
Step 2. Pay attention to the bird's wings
We always think of bird wings as instruments for flight, but many birds, including parakeets, use wings as body language to express feelings. If you see your parakeet flapping its wings, as if it wants to fly on the spot, that's a good sign for your relationship with it. Parakeets flap their wings to express the joy of being around humans.
Step 3. Look at the tail of the bird
Like wings, the movement of a parakeet's tail can also express joy. When a bird wags its tail (as dogs do), it usually means the bird is happy to see you. However, this behavior can also be a sign that he wants to have a bowel movement. If your parakeet moves its tail up and down, this behavior is usually a sign of excitement and can be taken as a sign that it likes you.
Step 4. Observe the bird's posture
You can tell how your parakeet feels when you're around by watching how it moves. Try to pay attention to posture and other body language such as the movement of the wings and tail so you can get a better idea of the comfort level of the birds near you.
- Birds with a relaxed and not stiff posture usually indicate that they are happy and comfortable around their owners.
- Birds that "bow" their heads or crouch with their heads "pointing" at someone, are usually comfortable with that person and may signal to ask for a scratch or a stroke.
- If a bird exhibits a rigid posture with feathers standing up and restless behavior, as well as a left and right movement, it means that it feels uncomfortable, displeased, or distrustful of humans around it. If you see this kind of behavior, it's a good idea to leave the bird alone. Maybe the bird isn't ready to accept your presence or doesn't like what you're doing. Find out what you did wrong and try to avoid those triggers.
Method 2 of 4: Watching for Positive Signs
Step 1. Observe the bird's eye
In contrast to the pupil of the human eye, which dilates and contracts in response to light or darkness, the size of a parakeet's pupil can change as a physical reaction to mood and its environment. When a bird's pupils dilate (flash) and constrict (pinning), it usually indicates excitement or pleasure, but the behavior can also express fear or anxiety.
If your parakeet's pupils dilate and contract when he sees you, it could be an indication that he likes your presence and appreciates your company
Step 2. Observe if the bird is hanging upside down
Perching upside down with the head down is common for birds. This behavior is usually done when the bird feels happy and safe because this position tends to make it vulnerable. If you see a bird hanging upside down when you're around it, it may be a sign that it likes and trusts you.
Step 3. Watch the bird's beak and head movement
Parakeets use their beaks to express a variety of purposes, from physical tasks to conveying messages. If your bird does any of the following activities, it's usually a sign that he's happy and comfortable around you.
- If a bird swings its beak left and right in the same way a human grinds its teeth, it's a sign that the parakeet is happy.
- If the bird touches with its beak, but does not bite, it means that the parakeet is playing with its friend. If the bird touches you with its beak, without intending to bite, it may be a way of showing affection.
- If a bird vomits food in front of or "on" a person's body, it can be a sign of great affection, especially if the parakeet is also exhibiting pupillary changes (shrinking) and nodding its head just before regurgitating it.
Method 3 of 4: Listening to Parakeet Sounds
Step 1. Listen to the chirping, singing, or whistling of birds
These three vocalizations are common cues that the parakeet is in a happy mood. If his voice is very loud, especially when you approach him, it means he likes you.
Step 2. Listen to see if the parakeet is snapping its beak or making a purring sound
The sound produced when a bird snaps its beak and purrs is not necessarily loud. Some birds make soft and calm sounds. As loud or quiet as a bird's beak and snoring sounds, it usually indicates that he is excited and wants to interact or play with you.
Step 3. Pay attention to the sound of the tongue clicking
One of the ways that parakeets express their desire to be picked up or petted is by clicking their tongue. If you hear your parakeet click his tongue, it's a sign that he likes you and wants more interaction.
Method 4 of 4: Encouraging Parakeets to Like You
Step 1. Make sure you meet the physical needs of the bird
You will endanger the bird's health if you forget to feed or drink it. In addition, over time this neglect will affect the bird's happiness and trust in you. So, make sure you provide him with enough clean water to drink and give him the right food.
- Make sure you provide a variety of foods, such as seeds, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, nutritious pellets and fruit (occasionally).
- DO NOT give birds chocolate, avocado, salty food, garlic, onions, or human food.
Step 2. Create a comfortable environment for the parakeet
Birds think of the cage as their home. Make the cage as comfortable as possible to help him feel more secure at home so he can develop feelings of affection for you.
Provide a cage large enough. Make sure you don't put it in direct sunlight and keep it out of reach of other pets. Also, choose a location away from loud or scary sounds, such as TV and radio
Step 3. Give the toy to the parakeet
Parakeets love to play. Providing fun and challenging toys will make the bird feel happy and satisfied.
- Provide toys that allow birds to climb. Also, choose toys that are colorful and make sounds.
- Place the swing in a cage and make sure you also provide plenty of perch space
- Choose toys that are safe to chew. It's a good idea to look for toys with wooden or beaded components that are solid, hard, and can be bitten and chewed safely.
Step 4. Encourage your parakeet to trust you
Show him that you are harmless and friendly. Talk to him often and use a soft, soothing voice. You should also give him the opportunity to eat and play outside of the cage and encourage him to interact with you. Over time, your bird will feel safe and comfortable around you and will show affection in return.
Tips
- Sometimes, you can get a bird to like you just by watching it quietly.
- Never do anything that will make your parakeet feel scared or nervous. This action will not make the bird like or trust you.
- To make your parakeet like you more, give him lots of food gifts. If you feed him for his good behavior, he will do it more often.
- Never try to catch a bird by force by hand! Just place your hand in the cage, near the door, and let the parakeet get used to your presence.
- The best way to get your parakeet to like you is to fulfill all its needs!
