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How to tame my older budgie that's terrified of people and handling?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | 2 years and 2 months old

Hello, I have two budgies, Neptune and Pluto. Pluto, our female budgie is very skittish and is terrified of people. He will eat from our hands, but as far as handling goes he does not like to be held and is very scared when a hand is close to him. She is two years old. When she comes out of the cage she is very scared and flies around in panic. Is there any way we can help coax her out of this fear? Maybe even tame her, although she is a bit old? If yes, what are the steps we can take? thank you

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on February 19th, 2020

Thanks for reaching out about Pluto and including photos. You are correct in that it is difficult to tame older birds. Providing as much of a fear-free environment as possible: dim lighting, slow motions, limited noises, and try to gain trust. A book titled A Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot might be of assistance (or other bird behavior texts). Continue to offer treats and de-sensitize. Good luck.

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