My bird prefers other birds. Can I still bond with it again?

Thanks for your question about the birds in your household. You are correct in being concerned about bonding with your bird if there is another in the house - sometimes it is more common for the birds to bond with one another than with the humans present in the household. This can be especially true with more shy species, like budgies. I would recommend using positive reinforcement for both of the birds to continue the bonding process that you have started. You can find treats that the birds like and reward them for allowing you to come near them, having them step on your fingers, etc. I would say that your sister should also be doing the same, as that will get them used to multiple people handling and interacting with them. I hope this gives you a place to start, and congratulations on your new family members!

The best thing to do is just spend time with your birds as much as you can. You can offer a treat every time you come by, or talk soothingly and quietly when you are around them to help them get used to you again. If you can't always be there paying attention to them, making sure they have other enrichment such as extra toys, a playpen, treats, etc can help with boredom.

Birds can form bonds with each other, especially if they live together or interact often. If you have to separate them, you may notice that both birds are a little depressed after, especially if they were very close/friendly in their time together. Adding in some extra toys and giving a bit more personal attention to the birds may help them cope with the loss of their friend during the transition.

Time, patience, and lots of treats. If you notice Curio has a favorite food, you can start by offering that favorite food only when you're interacting with him. IE, when you pet him, approach his cage, let him out, etc. This can help him to associate you with something fun/good and also make him more curious every time you come by to spend time with him. The same can also be done with toys he likes to play with. Sitting near them when he's out of the cage playing, and feeding a treat every time he comes close or shows interest in you can help teach him that you are safe to interact with and play around. If at any time Curiou becomes nervous or scared, stopping the activity and letting him calm down is best. From there, you can go back to the previous way he was OK with (IE just giving a treat from your hand but not petting) and work again from there.

It may be a simple preference. Some pets, birds included, have their favorites. You can try to gain her trust gradually, but be prepared for rejection. Start by simply sitting by the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Progress to placing you hand in the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Make no attempt to touch or hold her. End each session with a small reward or treat. Be patient and be consistent. If it makes you feel better, I have a parrot close to 30 years old that I have cared for since she was a chick. She will bite me any chance she gets. It's not just you.

Thanks for reaching out and including photos. The difficulty is winning the trust of these small birds. Try offering treats by hand and then encouraging them to step up to gain the reward. Even using a small diameter perch to step up and then remove them from the cage. Many birds are cage protective and personalities with mellow once out of the cage. Keep all movements slow, noises quiet, and lights low. A book titled " A Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot" has some useful information. Good luck.

Two weeks is still a very short time for a bird to be with a new owner, and it can take months sometimes before a bird will start to bond with you. I would keep trying to be patient with Pearla, and give her more time to settle in and get used to you. If she has a favorite treat, you can offer it each time you come by to visit to help her get used to you, and if she becomes scared or stressed, take a break and try again later. Don't try to force the interaction until she is ready. If your other bird is getting used to you more quickly, it may also help Pearla with getting used to you if she sees the other bird trusts you too.