Budgerigars need handling in the first six to 12 weeks, if they are to be truly tame. Readers who want a tame budgerigar should buy a bird still with bars on the face (these are lost later). It is said that cock birds tame better than females.
Though a budgie which has not been handled early will slowly become tamer, it will take a great deal of patience. Until the bird is tamer you can hold your hand, with a piece of treat food, very still inside the cage every day. Do not withdraw your hand if it bites. Reward non-biting with food. But never handle birds with gloves - you might easily crush it to death.
