My new budgie flies wildly in his cage. Is he scared or just playing?

It sounds like Rio is still getting use to his environment. I would recommend finding a treat he really likes. Than you can give that treat to him by hand to help build a bond/relationship. If he does not settle down soon I would get a slightly bigger cage.

It might be that John is just very excited/happy in that moment and is wanting to let everyone know. If he's otherwise acting healthy and normal I wouldn't be too worried. You can try offering a treat or placing a new toy in his cage to see if it helps keep him happy and interested in something to play with.

The squawking and knocking stuff over is normal, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. It's best to get bowls that can be fixed into position to prevent this. It generally takes them 2-3 weeks to start getting comfortable in a new environment. It's definitely good to interact with them and get close to get them (putting your arm in the cage is good) more familiar with you. Offering treats is always a good way to make friends. Eventually they will come up to your hand and may perch there, but don't be surprised if it takes a month or so. I hope that helps and all is well with your new Budgies.

Thanks for reaching out about Polie. Winning the trust of a bird requires time, to decrease stress. A book entitled "A Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot" is a good start. Trimming wings might decreased the flight potential when scared. Offering treats by hand can win trust. Good luck.

It may take time and patience. You can begin by simply sitting next to the cage for short periods of time initially and increasing it as they acclimate. They will flutter about and move to the far side of the cage at first. Eventually, they will settle down and accept your presence. Move slowly and speak softly around the cage. Once they have completely acclimated, you can progress to placing your hand in the cage. Make no attempt to touch or hold them. Again, they will flutter, panic and move to the far side of the cage. Leave your hand inside the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Use small treats as rewards after each session. Eventually, they will become curious and may hop onto your hand if you have treats. You can teach the 'step up' command by extending a finger and gently pressing it against the chest while saying "Perch" or "Step up". From this point, you can work with them to teach additional tricks or whistles.

He could just be bored or stretching. Giving him time outside of his cage to exercise, as well as providing plenty of enrichment such as toys, treats, time together, etc can help keep him in shape and reduce boredom.

He may simply be playing and having fun. If he is doing it all the time, he may be stressed or bored. Try rearranging the perches and switching old toys for new ones to freshen up his environment. Spend more time with him outside of the cage if possible. When he exhibits the behavior distract him with toys or treats then reward and praise him when he responds to you.