Both my parrots are scared of everything that he's never seen.

Both my lovebird and GCC seem to have a fear of new things.
Everything that they see for the first time, if I bring it near them they may nibble the item for a little bit, then run away from it and even go to the point of forcing itself to flap its wings when it knows that its wings are clipped.
This has happened with many things, they only become used to things that they see on a daily basis (such as my spectacles).
I want to get them used to something where they'll be sleeping in the next time, and that is their cage covers.
I got these new ones and they are fully black.
I brought it near each one of them at 12pm in the afternoon and they look at the item, and as it gets closer, the further they move. If the item is moved faster, they either begin to forcefully fly or run faster.
It's like they aren't even giving themselves a chance to get used to the item.

How would I solve this and get them more used to most things in the future?
(This has happened with my vaccum cleaner, a non-moving blue-red fidget spinner, the cage cover).

Try introducing one thing new every day, if they are scared, then play with the 'thing' yourself and make happy noises or whatever, birds are so inquisitive they should come over and see what all the fuss is. If this works for you, repeat every day with a new 'thing' and try and make a game of it, maybe with treats if they dont get scared?. It may even be worth setting a routine, after breakfast or something so they get used to and expect a new thing to explore. Start small, a biro lid or something?

good luck

bigfellasdad said:

Try introducing one thing new every day, if they are scared, then play with the 'thing' yourself and make happy noises or whatever, birds are so inquisitive they should come over and see what all the fuss is. If this works for you, repeat every day with a new 'thing' and try and make a game of it, maybe with treats if they dont get scared?. It may even be worth setting a routine, after breakfast or something so they get used to and expect a new thing to explore. Start small, a biro lid or something?

good luck

Click to expand...

I'll try this out with them, thank you!

I would not force it either. Moving closer/faster just increases the fear.

Make it a pleasant experience. Bring the new thing out, but the moment you see them acting nervous stop and take a step back. Then distract them with something you know they love - a treat, a game, some scritches. Wait for them to relax. When they are relaxed you can sloooowly move the new thing closer. But again - stop, wait, and distract, if they start to lean away or show discomfort. You do not want to push it to the point where they are actively moving away or panicking.

This could take a matter of hours, but it could also take days. Especially the first few times you introduce new stuff this way - you might want to leave it in their view for a few days before slowly moving it closer.

This is what I have to do with my budgies. Gentle conditioning.. because they couldn't care less if *I* find the item fun to play with - it's obviously still here to murder them But it works.. got us all the way from "omg there is an empty syringe in this house I'm going to die!" to "ok.. maybe I'll put my beak on that syringe and see what happens.."

Try leaving whatever is new in the room well away from them and don't touch it. They will probably eye it with concern but just leave it there. It may take a week before they accept it. Then move it a little closer until they are comfortable again. You will not achieve confidence with any quick movements or rushing their acceptance. You will just scare them more.