How to Get a Budgie to Fly to You

If he sits out of reach, call him down.
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Few things are cuter than a little bird that flies to you on cue. Once you have bonded with your budgie, he may want to fly to you on his own. When teaching him to fly over when called, however, the key trick is bribery.

Step 1

Place your finger next to your budgie and say your cue word, such as “come” or his name. Choose a short, clear word that doesn’t sound too much like any others. Alternatively, make a noise such as a short whistle instead of using a cue word. If he doesn’t step up immediately, press your finger gently against his chest and use your cue again.

Step 2

Give him a small treat (such as a sunflower seed) and praise him.

Step 3

Repeat this process until he jumps onto your finger as soon as you cue him with a word or whistle. Reinforce your training with small treats and praise.

Step 4

Hold your finger an increasing distance from the budgie each time you ask him to jump on your finger. Cue him and give him a treat as soon as he obeys.

Step 5

Continue practicing this until the distance between you is so great that he needs to fly to you in order to come over.

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