My budgie was friendly, now scared and plucking feathers. Why?

Question

Hi Petco Pet Education Center, I bought the budgie last week. In day 3, he let me hold him and stayed on my shoulder nicely. But lately, after day 5, he get freaked out by my touch and flew around the cage and he did not want to get out of the cage anymore. He still eats, poop, and drink, but he started to make feather plucking. I still try to stay close to him, but it seems like he scared of me for some reasons. Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male

Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

What a shame this is happening, it seems like you were making progress at the start. The feather plucking suggests that he is now really stressed out. You need to move his cage somewhere really quiet so he can relax until he settles down a good bit. For a few days I would only go near the cage to feed him as it sounds like he has become really nervous. Hopefully he will calm down after a few days. Then start again but really slow. Put a radio on, sit near the cage and read a book. Just get him used to your voice and presence. After about a week of this you can try putting your hand in the cage for a few minutes at a time. Then put a treat in your hand. Let him come to you. You will need to be extremely patient. It's going to be extra difficult now because he already has got a scare.

My budgie was friendly, now scared and plucking feathers. Why?

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