Ladyeclectic
New member
I've had my Mishka now for 10 days, and on day 8 I finally got her to take treats from my fingers. As frustrated as I was that first week, I now have finally come to (really) realize that it's going to take time for my baby to let my hand near her, let alone stepping up.
That said, I can't help but wonder if there's anything I can do to help the transition/training/acclimatization.
I've been reading a lot online and have heard conflicting ways to get a bird not hand-shy. Some say let the bird do it on their own time; others take a more assertive approach. So far my methodology has been to hang out talking with the bird, establishing a relationship and getting her used to me. I don't chase her around the cage trying to touch her (I'll try once but when she shies away I immediately stop) - I also lay my hand inside or around the cage walls to try and get her used to it. Right now she won't let my hands near her (except for the occasional treat but only on her terms), and while clipped she's flighted enough to be able to get decent lift when fleeing (which I'll be fixing on her Tuesday vet appointment; I eventually want her flighted but have been told by a couple sources that clipping her a bit more will make hand exercises easier).
I realize it's only been 10 days and I'm not expecting any miracles, but I'd like to know if there's anything else I can/should/shouldn't be doing. Any good behavior books out there on birds? I totally get dogs (a lifetime spent with them) but birds are stumping me!
That said, I can't help but wonder if there's anything I can do to help the transition/training/acclimatization.
I've been reading a lot online and have heard conflicting ways to get a bird not hand-shy. Some say let the bird do it on their own time; others take a more assertive approach. So far my methodology has been to hang out talking with the bird, establishing a relationship and getting her used to me. I don't chase her around the cage trying to touch her (I'll try once but when she shies away I immediately stop) - I also lay my hand inside or around the cage walls to try and get her used to it. Right now she won't let my hands near her (except for the occasional treat but only on her terms), and while clipped she's flighted enough to be able to get decent lift when fleeing (which I'll be fixing on her Tuesday vet appointment; I eventually want her flighted but have been told by a couple sources that clipping her a bit more will make hand exercises easier).
I realize it's only been 10 days and I'm not expecting any miracles, but I'd like to know if there's anything else I can/should/shouldn't be doing. Any good behavior books out there on birds? I totally get dogs (a lifetime spent with them) but birds are stumping me!