New budgies: normal loud behavior, hand-taming, and settling in?

Give Buddy some time! It takes awhile for birds to get used to new surroundings. Make sure he has many perches, toys, and fresh food and water available, and try to leave him alone for a few days to adjust to his new environment.

Wait until they don't flutter about when you sit near the cage. Then place a hand I n the cage for ever increasing periods of time. They will fly away from you and screech when you place your hand in the cage. This is normal. Once they begin to settle down and accept your presence in the cage, place a small treat in your hand. Do this each time. They will eventually settle down and may approach your hand or finger for a treat. Be patient and be consistent. It may take weeks.

It is best to offer a balanced diet of seed/pellets at all times for birds so they can eat as much as they need. Providing enrichment such as toys or playpens where your birds can be active, stretch, exercise, etc can help keep them at a healthy weight, as well as limiting extras such as too many treats in between meals. As for hand taming, that can start at any time. You'll want to be patient and work up gradually, by first getting them used to you being near, then being handled or petted, and then finally being held or stepping up. If they have a favorite snack, you can offer it at this time to encourage bonding.

I would give your new birds a few days to settle into their new place before having your child start interacting with them to avoid any extra stress. Once they're settled in, you can have your child start to interact simply by staying near the cage and watching them, or offering a special treat such as a fruit or veggie they may enjoy. Once they are calm around your child, you can then get the budgies used to handling by offering them a treat prior to petting or holding them. Once they are used to being held, you can have your child pet them while you hold them. Depending on your child's age, it is best that you are there to monitor and handle the birds to avoid anyone getting accidentally hurt or injured. If you notice your birds are becoming stressed out or flighty, it is best to take a break and let them relax and settle down, as well as move to the previous step they were comfortable with before trying again.

It may take a little longer than you thought to get him used to you. Some budgies, if they weren't hand tamed before you got them as little babies, they may always be a little skittish. Try putting his favorite snacks and foods on your hand and holding very still and see if comes over to nibble at that. Keep talking to him and singing to him softly all day so he gets used to you. Try sitting right next to him without moving as well.

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.

Your budgie is probably just stressed and trying to get used to his new environment. Try offering him a special treat, like a seed or a piece of fruit to entice him to eat. Even if he is not eating his food be sure to put fresh food in the cage each day. He may also only be eating when no one is watching him. He will likely start eating once he gets used to his new surroundings. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.