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How can I get my parakeet to perch on my finger and feel comfortable?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Parakeet | Female | 2 lbs

I am completely new to birds, but I recently received a female parakeet. She seems happy in her cage, and she eats and hops around. However, I can't get her to perch on my hand. She hasn't been out of her cage because of this. Sometimes she will go on my hand and eat millet, but if I try to move or get her on one finger, she immediately retreats to her perch. How can I get my parakeet to perch on my finger and feel comfortable around me?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Desrosiers

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 20th, 2020

Time and patience! It can take several months for a bird to start trusting enough to want to hop on you or interact more. It sounds like you're on the right track already with offering food from your hand. I would continue to do this, and gradually increase to petting Sky, and then handling her more/asking her to perch. If she becomes too nervous, letting her calm down and trying again later is best.
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