Budgie Biting, Budgerigar Biting

At some point all of us have put our hand in to our budgie’s cage only to have our finger bitten. Your budgie bites mostly when he feels afraid and probably sometimes when he just feels annoyed.

When you first bring a new budgie home you want to play with him. It’s only natural, you’re exited about having a new pet. But try to see it from your budgie’s point of view. You’ve just been moved from your home to a new place, with new people, new sounds and a new household routine. Pretty scary, huh?

As if that’s not bad enough, someone is sticking a giant hand into your house. I don’t know about you, but I’d be pretty inclined to stick my beak in and hope the hand goes away.

Even if you have had your budgie for a few months, just be patient. It can take time to adjust to a new environment. You’re building a relationship with your budgie that will last for years, so if you’re scaring them it’s time to back off a little.

Other reasons that budgies bite are to defend their territory and to protect their mate or potential mate. Budgies are as territorial as any animal. If a stranger just walked into your house and sat down in front of the TV, you would throw them out right?

Don’t try to punish your budgie for biting you as often that will just make things worse. If your budgie is scared of you and you punish them for it then they’re not going to like or trust you any better.

Focus on building a relationship with your budgie. Get them used to your presence and trust will come. Talk quietly to your budgie without any loud noise happening, like from the TV, that can scare them.

Use slow deliberate movements when you are approaching your budgie. And always approach them from the front, below the level of the head. Sudden movements and hands approaching from above are prime targets to get bitten.

If you properly socialize your bird then biting should no longer be an issue. But socializing a budgie is an ongoing process that takes time and effort. It doesn’t happen overnight.

Budgerigar Care Information
Learn the essentials of budgie care. Learn to look after your budgie and keep him happy. Budgie care doesn't take up too much time, but they do have some basic needs.

Budgies, Budgerigars Information
The Budgie-Care.com homepage. Find lots of information about budgies and budgerigar care.