Some pet store owners or breeders advise waiting two or even three weeks before the first free flight. That's nonsense. They say the birds need to get used to their new environment and get to know "their" room. But how is that supposed to work from the cage? It would be like moving to a new home and only looking out the window to get to know the area.
It's definitely reasonable to wait a few days before the first free flight so that the budgies can get used to the new sounds, people, and routines. However, they can only explore what is in the room when they are allowed to fly. Plus, their flight muscles need to be trained — and that can't happen in the cage.
After at most one week, the new arrivals will be comfortable enough in their surroundings to attempt their first flight. Before it can begin, the free-flight room needs to be bird-proofed, and the first outings should always be supervised.
It's best to choose a day when you have plenty of time, as it might take a while for the little ones to find their way back to the cage — or even want to, once they're out. Morning is an ideal time for this, as the feathered friends will have enough time to explore their larger world at their leisure.
However, be prepared for the possibility that the budgies might spend their first night outside the cage. Especially in the first few nights, the birds may panic and flutter around in the cage or the room. To prevent injuries, a night light should be installed.
There is a common misconception that the little fluff balls shouldn't be let out of the cage until they are tame. If that were the case, many budgies would never experience free flight, even after years, because not every budgie becomes tame. Moreover, the cage should always be a safe retreat for the budgies, where the human hand only enters for cleaning, feeding, and watering. Trying to tame them in the cage isn't a good idea. It's much better done in neutral territory — during free flight.
After their arrival, the budgies first need some rest. Therefore, taming should not begin before the first free flight.
###advertiser_one###This can happen. It's possible that the budgies will stubbornly ignore the open cage door for quite a while. You can give them a little nudge by securing the door horizontally with a clothespin and placing a small piece of millet in the entrance.
Initially, it may take some time for them to find the exit and actually use it.
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to free flight: Is there an interesting landing spot outside the cage? To most budgies (at least at first), a cabinet or chair doesn’t seem like a suitable landing spot.
A playground or budgie tree, set up in clear view, has convinced many hesitant budgies to take the leap into freedom.
Link: Build landing spots, playgrounds, and budgie trees yourself
Especially early in their free-flight career, finding their way back to the cage can be a big challenge for some budgies. Patience is key here. During the acclimatization period, the little ones learned where their food and water are. They haven’t forgotten that. If you don’t offer them any food outside the cage, hunger will eventually drive them back. A piece of millet attached to the cage door can also help them find the entrance.
At first, budgies often take a while to find their way back into the cage. For many birds, a perch attached to the outside of the cage can make it easier for them to climb back in.
If the little ones already trust you enough to let you carry them back by hand or perch-taxi, you can try this method. However, under no circumstances should you chase your budgies to get them back into the cage! This creates unnecessary stress, and they may associate free flight with this negative experience, making them reluctant to come out in the future.
As with anything new to the little chirpers: patience is key, and they will find their way on their own.