How to hand train a shy budgie that won't let me in its cage?

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.

Patience is best when getting your budgie used to handling. If he has a favorite treat you can offer it every time you approach the cage or every time he sits up on your finger. Once he is comfortable there, you can begin to then offer treats after you pet him, to teach him that this is a rewarding behavior. It can take some time, and if your budgie is too stressed simply take a break and let him calm down a bit before trying again.

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.

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.

The best thing you can do is to keep offering them. If they won't take it from your hand, start by just placing the treats in a cup in your budgie's cage so that they can try it out on their own terms. If they enjoy the food, you can offer it to them every time you come by, but without giving it by hand. Once they are comfortable eating with you just observing and staying near, you can then work up to offering it by hand and then interacting with them more closely. If they become stressed out, or don't want to try the item, give them some time to relax and settle down before trying again.

It will take time. Allow him to keep eating from your hand. Use treats to coax him onto your hand and when you pet him, do not come in from above. This can be a threatening motion for birds. Approach at or below eye level and move slowly. The female will require a bit more work in getting acclimated to your hand. You can do the same though. Use treats and rewards. Keep your hand near her, but don't try to touch her, for ever increasing periods of time. Provide additional food and water bowls to prevent resource protection.

Keep at it! Some birds may always be slightly scared, or take a lot more time to get used to it. In some cases, it may be that this is the most your bird enjoys. Some birds may also be fearful while in the cage, but more open to handling outside of it, so if Pebbles has a playstand or something he enjoys outside of his cage you can work with handling there as well.