We spent almost an hour with the English budgie today and I think it went well!

I was a bit disappointed because the store was too busy when we got there, therefore they did not let us take him into a back room alone. All we did was spend time near his cage observing him and talking to him and seeing if he would interact with us at all. But we still had some success as far as I'm concerned.

He seemed energetic and not a perch potato - which is good because Jerry is energetic as well. The worker told me that he's usually pretty curious and nosy as to what's going on, which is also good. He is attached to a toy with a mirror (I don't like mirrors, but at least he plays with something) and being next to the mirror was obviously his comfort zone - and I respected that.

We tried to get him to eat millet from our hand but he wasn't comfortable with that. What he did let me do was gently play with his toy with my hand as he was playing with it - so my hand was nearly right up next to him and as long as I moved slowly he was ok. But he had to be in his comfort zone for my hand to be that close (Jerry also had a comfort zone of a certain spot on a certain perch when we were taming him as well).

He is obviously not tame so I did not attempt to touch him at all. If he was not in his comfort zone and my hand was hanging in his cage, he would flutter and cling to the cage but eventually he felt comfortable enough to hop on his perches and get back to his zone even with my hand hanging in there.

I don't think he will be hard to tame - he's already a few steps ahead compared to when Jerry was not tame, Jerry was much more freaked out and nervous about people and hands. And this was all in the bird room with lots of noise and distractions so I'm sure things would go even more smoothly in a quiet place when working with him.

I got a better look at his cage and overall conditions of all the birds and it's not great. I was in a rush when I first saw him and I didn't notice much about the surroundings. His cage is rusty and although he has two toys, they are in poor shape, the bell on one of his toys is rusty and they need a good cleaning. I've seen dirtier cages, but his cage wasn't exactly the cleanest.

Dave's thoughts - he thinks he's exactly like Jerry LOL. He thinks he looks like him and will act like him. He agrees that he looks energetic and not aggressive and easy to interact with. He's totally fine if I want him, he says the ultimate decision is up to me. He thinks that Jerry will be very happy with another budgie - and since this guy is so smitten with his mirror we think he'd be happy with a budgie buddy as well.

Soooooo.....I still need to think some more, and I'm going back to visit him again tomorrow. But I'm leaning towards getting him, maybe 70% so far. Dave says that he knows I want him so just go and buy him tomorrow lol. I'm not there yet, but quickly approaching lol. He did say though that maybe we should just buy a tame budgie from a breeder. It's a thought (as I think there's a bird fair in Toledo tomorrow). But at the same time I'd feel good about getting this guy out of his current conditions and he seems like a sweet guy.

I have a good feeling about him.

Without further ado, here he is (in crappy cage and all..)...

I thought he was an opaline mutation but I obviously realized today that he's not. And he has a white iris (Jerry's is brown), but I still think they look very similar):

He's very pretty Sarah. From what you describe I would definitely agree, it sounds very promising that you will be able to build trust and tame him. I hope you decide he's going to be coming home. We have 70%, do I hear 80%

He is BEAUTIFUL Sarah!! Really stunning. The name Hagrid fits him to a tee!! You aren't going to be able to sleep tonight I'm sure. Just go get him first thing in the morning for Heaven's sake! You know you want to! I want you too, and I'm sure HE wants you to! I bet once he's out of that hustle and bustle environment he'll settle down quite a bit. You might be surprised. And after seeing his cage...he REALLY needs you! Go get that baby!! If nothing else, go down there first thing tomorrow before the store gets too busy and see if he "speaks" to you and your heart. After he does, (because I'm SURE he will) BUY HIM!!!

Am I being too pushy? I just really think it's meant to be Sarah. You have never been to that store before, You didn't even know that it was there, your husband is perfectly fine with the idea of getting him, the vet said go for it, and he looks like a sweetheart that needs a fantastic home. What more proof do you need? !!!PEER PRESSURE!!!

Anyway....sweet dreams...That is IF you can sleep tonight...

Sarah, I think that little cutie is perfect for you!

He's gorgeous! Poor little guy needs some more toys though! I'm sure you'll buy him lots of new ones when you take him home!

He's beautiful Sarah! I have a feeling you'll be bringing him home soon...

If I do buy him today he would unfortunately not come home with me today. I discussed with the vet that I would make an appt. for his wellcheck and take him straight in to the vet's office.

I'm glad you guys think he's adorable too!!

Hi Sarah, that Keet is gorgeous, If you decide not to bring him home maybe you could give me the pet shops name and phone number, I will take that little one if they will ship him to me.
I can't find English Budgies here in Minnesota.
I can cover all cost to have that little one flown to me as we did our Blue Quaker.
Thanks for posting the picture's, you are right he/she is just wonderful.
I pray he/she does go home with you, you sound hesitant, and I understand your reasoning, I have been looking for a English just like the one you have pictured.
Thanks

Oh Sarah he is precious! I can't believe he let you play with his toy while he was! That is awesome and a great sign! I am so glad the meeting went well. He might calm down a little more if he were allowed to visit alone with you in the back of the store. He does look alot like Jerry though! I really hope everything works out for the best! But being 70% there sounds like he has you hooked, lol. Jerry is going to be thrilled if you bring him home!

So i had to check out the photos - as you know i miss a few threads now & again...

Is he a Violet? or is it the lighting? I think he'll look stunning beside Jerry. Being just different enough not to look like the big & little brothers. His black/white back is very handsome - like a man's dress coat.