How to get a very timid parrot to take food from my hands?

honeybug · Dec 6, 2014

Hey there. I have a African ringneck about a 2 years old now. He's a rescue and I've had his for about a year now. I have made amazing progress with him. But no matter how hard I try he will not take food from my hands. I can set it on the perch not two inches from him and he will take it from there but that's as good as it will get it seems. This is a predicament seeing as I would like to start clicker training. Any advice would help!

Aandeg · Dec 6, 2014

Does he like millet? Maybe hold a millet spray by the far end and gradually lessen the distance. Or if not millet maybe some kind of holder. I used a chopstick with a little clip attached to the end with my budgie.

Does he stand on your hand, or even your wrist? Is he afraid of your hand or just won't accept food from it? If you can get your hand next to him maybe he'd take a treat from the back of your hand resting on the perch. Or cover your hand with your sleeve so just the treat is showing. Then gradually expose more of your fingers.

Delfin · Dec 6, 2014

http://www.parrotforums.com/general...mation/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

Try this method

DoodlesMom · Dec 6, 2014

I have a GCC that was TERRIFIED of hands. By using the techniques from DELFINS link above, Doodle now steps up onto my hand. I battled months getting her trust and with that link it only took about a week or so. Every bird is differnt though, if it takes longer thats ok. The bird sets the pace!

honeybug · Dec 6, 2014

He does step up and will sit there for a bit even though he is clearly quite nervous. I will try the millet trick since he loves millet and I will also check out the link any bit helps. Thank you!

honeybug · Dec 6, 2014

I just tried the link and unfortunately it isn't taking me to it

Hawk · Dec 6, 2014

Some parrots are that way, takes time however to get them, especially if they are previously own, to take food from hand. Mine, well two of them, won't take food from my hand though first thing in morning they both will come out to kitchen, climb the chair and want to eat oatmeal out of a spoon and bowl.
2 of My 4 birds like to come to the table and pick off my plate , which I sometimes let them if I determine it's good for them....they love pizza and nacho's which is a real treat for them.

Delfin · Dec 6, 2014

Go to the user control panel.
Find forum and click on. It's next to home left side of screen in the blue line.
Scroll down until you find general parrot information
Click on and look for 'tips for trust and bonding'

Aandeg · Dec 7, 2014

I had a crow that was shy about me touching his feet. Especially attaching tethers to his feet. I used the clicker without a treat to teach him my hands were ok. It went like this... I'd move my hand toward his feet until he started to get nervous, then I'd stop and wait. When he relaxed, I'd remove my hand and click the clicker. Repeat , each time getting a bit closer.

The reward isn't a treat but instead is the release of pressure. When he relaxed he was rewarded by me backing off. So clicker training doesn't need to be just used with a food reward. You can start using the clicker even though he won't yet take a treat from your hand.

Edit:The thread Delfin mentioned explains it much better than I can.

Delfin · Dec 7, 2014

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

Try the link

honeybug · Dec 7, 2014

Such great help. Thanks everyone. I'll have to try the clicker method. As I am going to try to eventually start clicker training him along with my other parrot

How to get a very timid parrot to take food from my hands?

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