You should be aware that the first few days for your budgie will be very stressful for it. Be sure to give it time to get used to its new home. Have the cage,dishes and toys all set up before you bring the bird home. Set the cage in its permanent location, preferably in a well-used area in your home such as a living room or family room. Give the bird a few hours to explore its new cage and surroundings before you take it out to play.
It is very important to return the bird to its cage every hour or so to allow it eat or drink. Do not hover over the bird while in its cage. It will be distracted by your presence and will not approch the food. Wait about 10-20 minutes before taking the bird out again. Try feeding some treats from your hand and let it get used to you. Do not however perch the bird on your shoulder or head, remember, your bird isn't completly potty-trained! Do not let the bird explore your mouth-the bird's immune system can not handle your germs or bacterias, and you can make it sick.
The stress of going to a new home can affect your bird's eating habits. If your bird stops eating or drinking, it can dehydrate or starve to death in 24 to 48 hours! So, be sure to watch your bird for the first few weeks to make sure it is eating and drinking. Monitor the level of food in the dish each day, and be sure that the bird isn't just throwing its food to the ground rather then actually eating it. If your bird will not eat or drink, take it to an avian veterinarian. You may need to return the bird temporarily to help gain its normal eating habits.
What to expect:
The first week or two, your bird might bite a lot or it may be very loud. You might think you bought a mean lil' brat. But you have to be patient with your bird's natural behaviour. Once it has ajusted to its new home, it will calm down a bit.
During the first few days, your bird's droppings might be runny or watery. This is a normal responce due to stress. If the condition doesn't go away in 3 to 4 days, call and avian vet. The amount of stress might have caused the bird to pick up an infection.
Give your bird a lot of attention and love. It will soon refer to you as its "mom" or "dad". Just be gentle and affectionate. Your bird will surprise you with its ability to learn and understand what you want from it, and with its ability to tell you what it wants.
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