Looking for general advice on how to proceed with my bird

Chiriceanu

New member
Aug 9, 2019
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Parrots
A 3 month old male indian ringneck
I have only had my Indian Ringneck Thor for 4 days and I feel like we bonded so much already! He's only 3 months old but he's so smart and he learns things really quickly.

In these 4 days that I've had him he's already getting in and out of his cage by himself, flying on my shoulders and on top of my head and he lets me kiss him and occasionally touch him. He just seems to really like me. I have perhaps given him way too much attention and in the past 2 days have been using a clicker every time I give him treats.

He still however doesn't let me pet him and he still bites. Even when I'm doing something else he will fly up on my shoulder and bite my ears or my skin. And I can't really get him off of me without struggling and then feeling bad about it. He's also chewing up furniture more than I'd like to.

How do I teach him not to do these things? He is the biggest sweetheart ever but I would just like for him not to chew my earlobes every time he sits with me. Also I have not taught him how to step up, would now be a good time?
 

Gemster

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Aug 4, 2019
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When he is on your shoulder and he nips you don't make any reaction, it can be that he is trying to get your attention. Behaviours and vocalizations you like, click and reward. Behaviours you don't like, ignore.
When he is on your shoulder and he isn't nipping, click and reward.
If he likes to chew up the couch, don't let him on the couch. Most undesirable behaviours that come from birds are because they want attention. When your bird isn't chewing your furniture, click and reward.
The best way to teach step up is by using targeting. All the bird has to do is touch the end of the stick and then you reward. Once the bird understands then you can target him to step up and this so much better than luring because when you lure the bird is concentrating on the treat, but when you target he is thinking how to earn the treat. Overtime you can fade the treats and target away.
You can teach targeting by using the birds curiosity to touch the stick. If the bird is scared of the stick then you will have to teach this in smaller steps.
I hope this helps.
 

Takethat44

New member
Mar 29, 2019
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0
Some Ringneck never get tame but saying that. You can get him tame here what I do don’t let him go on your shoulder untill he is hand tame work with him for 20 mins every day he will bite you let him bite don’t tell him off he going hurt I won’t lie but once he see you don’t care about him biting you he will start too give In it can take up 2 weeks off this. Start in a small room where he can’t fly about so has too come too you and let be just you for 1st week no one eles doing anything with him he got to trust one person 1st


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Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Cannot comment on Ringneck personality, but a few generalities to share.

Thor is still quite new, you can expect a "honeymoon" phase for one month or longer. A few threads to help you both acclimate. Shoulder privileges ought be earned, not a trial period. Even a Ringneck can severely injure and disfigure your neck and face.

To help bond and instill trust: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
Bite pressure training: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/63988-bite-pressure-training.html

Patience please, allow Thor to progress at his own rate! Good luck and please update on progress and with any questions!!
 

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