Is it too late to bond with my 5-year-old budgie who avoids me?

Thanks for reaching out about Alloute. Even though the trust and training has regressed, it is not too late to re-start. Consulting with a veterinary behaviorist can be rewarding but also look for the book "A Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot". Keep all new movements slow and deliberate, environment should be peaceful. Off treats by hand, just start by placing treat NEAR her. Good luck.

It may take a little longer than you thought to get him used to you. Some budgies, if they weren't hand tamed before you got them as little babies, they may always be a little skittish. Try putting his favorite snacks and foods on your hand and holding very still and see if comes over to nibble at that. Keep talking to him and singing to him softly all day so he gets used to you. Try sitting right next to him without moving as well.

Time, patience, and lots of treats. If you notice Curio has a favorite food, you can start by offering that favorite food only when you're interacting with him. IE, when you pet him, approach his cage, let him out, etc. This can help him to associate you with something fun/good and also make him more curious every time you come by to spend time with him. The same can also be done with toys he likes to play with. Sitting near them when he's out of the cage playing, and feeding a treat every time he comes close or shows interest in you can help teach him that you are safe to interact with and play around. If at any time Curiou becomes nervous or scared, stopping the activity and letting him calm down is best. From there, you can go back to the previous way he was OK with (IE just giving a treat from your hand but not petting) and work again from there.

It may take time and patience. You can begin by simply sitting next to the cage for short periods of time initially and increasing it as they acclimate. They will flutter about and move to the far side of the cage at first. Eventually, they will settle down and accept your presence. Move slowly and speak softly around the cage. Once they have completely acclimated, you can progress to placing your hand in the cage. Make no attempt to touch or hold them. Again, they will flutter, panic and move to the far side of the cage. Leave your hand inside the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Use small treats as rewards after each session. Eventually, they will become curious and may hop onto your hand if you have treats. You can teach the 'step up' command by extending a finger and gently pressing it against the chest while saying "Perch" or "Step up". From this point, you can work with them to teach additional tricks or whistles.

Time and patience are key to helping your parakeets get used to you, and each individual bird may bond differently to you due to their individual personalities. If your birds have a favorite treat, you can also use that by giving it to them every time you visit their cage or interact. I'm also including an in-depth article on teaching your bird to step up which can help with the bonding process as well: https://www.petcoach.co/article/basic-bird-training-how-to-train-your-bird-to-step-up/

It is best to offer a balanced diet of seed/pellets at all times for birds so they can eat as much as they need. Providing enrichment such as toys or playpens where your birds can be active, stretch, exercise, etc can help keep them at a healthy weight, as well as limiting extras such as too many treats in between meals. As for hand taming, that can start at any time. You'll want to be patient and work up gradually, by first getting them used to you being near, then being handled or petted, and then finally being held or stepping up. If they have a favorite snack, you can offer it at this time to encourage bonding.

Patience is best when getting your budgie used to handling. If he has a favorite treat you can offer it every time you approach the cage or every time he sits up on your finger. Once he is comfortable there, you can begin to then offer treats after you pet him, to teach him that this is a rewarding behavior. It can take some time, and if your budgie is too stressed simply take a break and let him calm down a bit before trying again.