Last Updated on by Mitch Rezman
Dear Catherine,
Omar and Milo are not playing with those wonderful toys.
I’m thinking that the breeder that turns the young budgies over to the animal shelter had probably never exposed them to toys before and they don’t know how to play.
I’m determined to get this going! I will try rotating the toys or placing them in different positions. It’s also possible that my two just don’t like toys. Omar is now 4 and Milo is some months old. If you have any other thoughts please feel free to share. Thank you.
All best,
Leslie G
Dear Leslie
The toys represent the leaves on your bird’s tree. A bird will nibble off some leaves, they will snuggle up next to some, and hide behind others. Without the leaves/toys, the birds may not feel comfortable and safe.
It is not always easy to determine if our birds are happy in their cages in our homes. They don’t have much choice. And unless they are actively thrashing around trying to escape, we don’t really know what is on their minds.
We can only try and determine what they need and we can provide for their comfort.
The bird’s cage should be against a wall or have a solid back which can be a towel or piece of cardboard. This helps them realize that nothing can sneak up behind them.
The bird’s cage should have some vision-blocking items on the sides and even in the front as these also help them feel safer and better able to relax.
Perches, there should be one nice sleeping perch placed high and in the rear close to the left or right side, depending on the cage placement. If the cage is in a corner, the sleeping perch is best mounted closer to the corner).
Then other perches can be placed in gradually lower areas (like steps) with the lowest at about mid-cage. Unless you have an ill or infirm bird they don’t need ladders or perches all the way to the bottom.
That they are not actively chewing up or yanking on the toys, is okay. I have had numerous toys in our budgie cage and they may sit for weeks, then all of a sudden they realize there is a weak spot or the dangly thing is fun and it is decimated in a day.
Budgies really do like a swing, a simple perch with a wire frame is fine. However, if the bird is clipped, it may not be able to get on it unless it is near the side of the cage.
A fearful bird may be afraid of the swing motion in the beginning, so trying one side of the swing to the cage can be helpful to allow the bird to give it a try. Then once it does embrace it, cut the string.
Do you have a light above the cage? A good light will also cause the birds to be more active and try things out rather than sit in a dim area and nap.
Find Full Spectrum Lighting for Pet Birds @ Windy City Parrot Here
Food can be a very good motivator to try things. A piece of millet spray tied to a new toy or new perch arrangement will also tempt a fearful bird.
Also, I have found that the ages of the budgies do determine their interest in toys and playing. Our older budgies spend more time just sitting, observing, and chattering vs the younger ones that will be more inclined to climb on a new toy or nibble some loose fibers.
Currently, Omar is older and a male who is now interested in the young female. This might be a little intimidating for the young hen so be sure to offer her several places to sit that are not right in front of Omar.
Reach out should you require further information
Written by Catherine Tobsing
Approved by Mitch Rezman
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