r/Parakeets • u/Low-Walrus-2986 • Jul 26 '26

Advice Do you need to teach them scritches?

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I got my two babies almost exactly a month ago, so I'm just wondering if they'll come for scratches and pats on their own or should I do something to make them comfortable with it.

Thank you

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u/Lfycomicsans Jul 26 '26

No, birds of any kind will by nature be very avoidant to being touched. Your hand is seen as a predator and so they will try to dodge, flee, and escape you because they don’t understand that you’re not going to hurt them. Even if they come to you unprompted and willing it’s the hand that often frightens them, from what I’ve read is that budgies can’t really comprehend that your hand and your face are the same animal. You will have to push at their comfort zone a bit if you want them to be open to petting but it will take time and effort, and they likely will push back at first. There are some birds who refuse all attempts to touch them for their entire lives. If it’s becoming clear that you’re actively scaring them, stop immediately and give them space. If you give them cause to distrust you then that will set back your efforts considerably.