Have I messed up?

Ichael

New member
Sep 28, 2019
1
0
So I've had my bird for a little over a month and a half and got a bit frustrated that she wasn't showing any signs of improvement when it came to her fear of hands. I was able to get her to eat millet from my hands, but only when held in a very specific manor, and if my hand moved at all, she would bite it. This continued for a while until I remembered in a comic when someone held a stick to their parrot and got them comfortable with stepping up that way. So I got a tiny latter that I had yet to put in her cage and coaxed her onto it with some millet, I then slowly moved her over to the couch (which is only a few feet from her cage) and sat the latter down on my lap. She seemed a bit cautious, but she's fully flighted so I assumed she would return to her cage if she felt uncomfortable. After a few minutes she seemed to get comfortable. She would step up on my finger voluntarily, and she would even preen herself while on my hand. However, once I returned her to her cage she immediately returned to her former habits. So I'm wondering, have I messed up my relationship with my bird? Is she now more afraid of me than before? What can I do to get her to trust me?
 

GaleriaGila

Well-known member
Parrot of the Month šŸ†
May 14, 2016
15,038
8,732
Cleveland area
Parrots
The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
Welcome!

I love your energy and motivation!

Birds are usually verrrrrry slow to trust and bond. I think you're making GREAT progress.

Just a general note... whatever is okay with your bird and with you is okay. My little love is a real demon. He mostly does as he pleases, and that's okay with me.

Even so, you'll get the best training advice here possible, and I commend you to the folks here who have well-behaved birds!


May I share with you some basics that I usually offer to new bird owners?

Here's some reading on bonding for you.
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
General Parrot Information - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community
http://goodbirdinc.blogspot.com/2012...n-parrots.html


Most of us swear by our avian vets in the event of health concerns.
Certified Avian Vets
https://abvp.com/animal-owners/find-an-abvp-specialist/
If none are near you...
Avian Veterinarians
http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803
In my opinion, any of the vets listed here should be better than a regular vet.
International contacts, too.

What's the diet? That's critical for health. Too many are kept on seeds or other poor-nutrition things. They need veggies, legumes, grains... pellets are a good staple. Here's what I use.
http://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/
I feed Harrison's, supplemented by fresh healthy treats. My first, and later, my current avian vet recommended it. My bird loves the pellets now, but to get him converted, my avian vet suggested putting pellets out all day, and putting seeds (his old diet) out for two 15-minute periods a day. That would sustain him but leave him hungry enough to try new stuff. I presume the same technique could be used to get him to eat other healthy stuff, like fruits and vegetables! My guy was eating pellets in a couple of days, and now I can feed a good variety of other stuff, knowing he has the pellets as a basic. Pellets are out all day... fresh treats a few times a day. I also like Harrison's via mail because I never have to worry about out-of-date products.

Since you're new parront, I'll just drop a note about avoiding teflon pans, which are lethal to birds if even slightly overheated.

I'm glad you're here. Lots to learn and share and enjoy!

P.S.
NO, you haven't messed anything up beyond repair. Just hang in there!
 

Laurasea

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2018
12,593
10,702
USA
Parrots
Full house
Welcome! A parrot may behave differently in the cage , then away from it. Many are very protective and aggressive of their cage, then sweet babies away from the cage. You haven't messed up, it just takes time to build trust. It's something you have to work at every day , several times a day. You can also try always coming to the cage and saying the same thing like hello ( birds name) . Treats by hand are always a good way to make freinds, or if they are afraid to take by hand at first you can have a special treat dish, and everytime you come to the cage to say hello you can put one safflower seed, or one small treat in it. Then walk away, and repeat. You want them to begin to come immediately to eat the yummy, and association with you as good stuff. ;)
I did this with my rescue Penny, as her first few days she screamed and freaked when ever she saw me. Pretty soon she was like yippie you are bringing me treats, get over here ! Lol you'll get there :)!
 

fiddlejen

Well-known member
Mar 28, 2019
1,232
Media
11
1,156
New England
Parrots
Sunny the Sun Conure (sept '18, gotcha 3/'19). Mr Jefferson Budgie & Mrs Calliope Budgie (albino) (nov'18 & jan'19). Summer 2021 Baby Budgies: Riker (Green); Patchouli, Keye, & Tiny (blue greywings).
I think your ladder idea was a good one.
 

Most Reactions

Top