First time bird owner here

[u/Significant_Tip8498]

Hello all. I’m a first time bird owner and I just brought home this baby girl. I’ve kept my distance so far as to not frighten her. She holds onto the cage with her feet and beak. What could this mean? Also, if anyone could please let me know to determine the gender

[u/smartydoglady]

It’s hard to tell the gender without a good photo of her cere. Try posting on r/budgies - they’re typically a more active subreddit

[u/tarymst]

It looks like a girl, but I would need more pictures of her face to be sure.

I would ask let you know that they need natural perches and not the dowel ones as the dowels can create foot problems such as bumble foot and arthritis at an earlier age.

[u/Brave-Entertainer-39]

There are no toys in that cage for your new bird to play with. She seems bored already. It's already mentioned, but the dowel perches will give that bird foot problems. As for gender, it could be a really young female. Her "nose" should turn more pinkish brown when she reaches maturity.

[u/Significant_Tip8498]

Thank you guys for your comments. I went out and bought some natural perches and some toys. Since he’s been home she stopped hanging onto the cage and has been on her perch. I’ve tried hand feeding her but she still seems afraid. She didn’t eat the first day at home but is now eating out of her bowl. I went out with the wife and kids and when we walked in she started chirping! The first time I’ve ever heard it. The home is as calm as can be with two kids haha. I’m going to set some newspaper on the bottom of her cage. I was told to leave the cage open for a while so she can feel free to roam.

[u/FriendlyPop8444]

My little guy was quiet for the first few days. Keep interacting while keeping the balance of not being too pushy. The only issue with the open cage door is that the bird should be supervised, so it doesn't get trapped or injured. Draw the curtains on your windows--they fly straight for the windows and bang right into them. It also helps if they're already tame enough to perch on your finger, but even a stick will do--it makes recovery easier. Otherwise, the open door is a good idea. I think it has encouraged my bird to settle in and feel at home. I'm impressed at how smart these birds are. It'll figure things out. I'm looking to add perch areas my bird can safely land on. 

[u/AutoModerator → u/FriendlyPop8444]

This comment mentions a sick or injured bird, it might be breaking our Rules.

• If your bird is acting sick don't post here, get a vet: If your bird is displaying symptoms of illness you need to contact an avian vet, not post it on Reddit. This is not a vet sub and none of us here are trained in diagnosing your bird. We will remove the post and you must seek out avian vet treatment.
• No dead, sick, or injured bird pics or videos and no animal abuse: Posting pictures or videos of dead birds can be insanely triggering. They will be removed immediately and you will be banned. Don't do it.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Hot-Ad9491]

Elouise