Getting accustomed to people

[aufde]

I've had Yoshi for almost a month now and he's bonded with me quite a bit so far, but he's still scared of my niece and nephew and is starting to bite harder when my mom plays with him. He was doing the same thing with me, but I trained most of it out of him (still working on it a little ). But when my mom uses the same "be gentle" command I've been training him he doesn't stop like he does with me. I think he's just not responding because my mom isn't the one who puts him on the floor when he's bad.

Is there a way for the command to work with anyone who's playing with him? Or did I get one of the birds that bonds with only one person? I don't think that's the case because my mom took care of him for a couple days and had no problem playing with him then.

 

[MaraWentz]

Put him in unusual circumstances and around different people. Each weekend we take Erin to the flea market and there are always different people., things, sights, smells,and noises. Nothing startles her anymore and she is super friendly.

 

[aufde]

That makes sense, so far he hasn't left my room except for bath time. Do you keep her on a flight harness or in a cage? I'm worried about taking him outside because two of his flight feathers grew back, which is fine inside because he still can't get enough speed to hurt himself, but he can get around (he doesn't much, but he can).

 

[MaraWentz]

My bird isn't flighty or scared easily at all so I don't do either. Harnesses are great as long as your bird isn't too flighty (I'm cautious about the lead get caught on something and hanging or strangling them if they try to fly). Cages are good to start out because you can contain them if spooked, it stops people from touching them if you know they are a bit bitey and it helps them feel safe from people. It allows for you to also see what startles them and makes the fly or jump around for future reference. I say start out with a cage and once he is more comfortable with his surroundings and doesn't lunge at the cage when some one gets really close then try a harness if you like.