My budgie only stays with millet. How to train him to stay on my hand?

The best way to work with birds is to move slow and also reward with treats. Typically I pick a treat that Meenakshi will love and only have you give it to him. I would start putting it in his cage and slowly move to hand feeding. Than you can place the treat up your arm and as he becomes more comfortable he will stand on your hand. I hope that helps

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.

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.

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.

You are doing fine. Do not rush him or force him to step up. Use other high value treats. This can include grapes, scrambled egg, a bit of a peanut or sunflower seeds. Move slowly and talk softly around him. Be patient. Eventually, he will step up on your finger. When he does, praise and reward him. When he is doing it regularly, you can slowly remove him from the cage. Be sure all windows and doors are closed, fans are off and nobody is cooking.

Gradually introduce a pelleted diet such as Exact or Pretty Bird. You can soak it in warm water to make a mush or paste. When you have them out, pretend to show an interest in the new food as this may also pique their curiosity. Decrease the amount of millet offered and have other foods available at all times.

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.