Training Your Budgie to Step Up

"Step up" is one of the first commands every budgie owner should teach. This guide walks you through the steps to successfully train your bird.

Teaching your budgie to step up onto your finger is one of the easiest and most useful tricks you can train — and it helps build trust between you and your bird. “Step up” is a gentle way to move your budgie, take them out of the cage, or begin more advanced training later on.

Here’s a simple guide to help you train your budgie to step up confidently and safely.

🕊️ Why Teach “Step Up”?

• It’s the first step to bonding with your budgie

• Makes cleaning, travel, and handling much easier

• Builds your budgie’s confidence and trust in you

• Creates a stronger, more interactive relationship

⏱️ When to Start

Start once your budgie is:

• Comfortable in their new home (after about 1–2 weeks)

• Eating, chirping, and moving around normally

• Not scared when your hand is near the cage

🪶 What You’ll Need

• A quiet, calm space with no distractions

• A little millet or seed as a treat

• Time and patience — keep sessions short and positive!

🧠 Step-by-Step: How to Train “Step Up”

1. Start with Hand Taming

• Gently place your hand in the cage for a few minutes a day

• Let your budgie get used to it without touching them

• Offer a treat from your hand to build trust

2. Introduce Your Finger or Perch

• Slowly move your finger toward their lower chest

• Lightly press just above their legs — this signals them to “step up”

• Say “Step up” in a soft, friendly voice

3. Reward Immediately

• When your budgie steps onto your finger, praise them and offer a treat

• If they only lift one foot or hesitate, that’s okay — try again gently

4. Practice Daily

• Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes)

• Always end on a positive note

• Don’t force it — go at your budgie’s pace

💡 Extra Tips

• Try training outside the cage once your budgie is tame

• Use a perch instead of your finger at first if they’re nervous

• Stay calm and still — fast movements will scare them

• Never punish your budgie — always reward progress, even small steps

🧡 Final Tip

“Step up” isn’t just a trick — it’s a bonding tool. With time, patience, and gentle practice, your budgie will learn to trust you, making every interaction easier and more fun.