I am new and would like help please...

[kaylene]

Hi,

I have brought a 12 week old ringneck, which has been hand reared and brought him home. Not everything has gone to plan, I was told the wings were clipped, but after receiving a fright, my bird flew off a two story verandah around the block and landed on someone I knew and was promptly brought home. I have a very large cage with toys and perches with a play center on the top of it. I put him back in the cage and did not get him out until the local vet cut his wing yesterday. Over the time he has been in the cage, about 5 days, hes very skittish, drops to the bottom of the cage when scared, flapping wings, and will not come near me. I started whistling when I entered the room as not to scare him, and that has helped. This morning I got him out and all he wants to do is get away from me as fast as possible. He was not like this when I first got him. Hes eating well and drinking well, but is not interested in coming on to my arm or hand like he did when we first met. I would like some suggestions as to how I proceed now to calm him down. I am a patient person and love birds so I am hoping someone can help me...Thanks

 

[ann]

hello and welcome! even a clipped bird can fly or glide in the right situations. you may want to purchase a harness for him. he is still new, just let him.settle in and take it slow. you should definately try clicker training and trick training him. drop a healtby treat in his dish when you pass by. just speak softly to him, read to him, and just hang out until hes comfortable with you. you could put him on a play stand while hes out so he can be with you without being on you. good luck and dont give up !!!
ps...pardon the typos, my phone is not easy to type on lol

 

[kc_y0]

Hello and welcome!

Don't worry, it will take a lot of time for him to settle in. I think Ring necks can be a lot more nervous then other birds too, this was my experience anyway. Just give him time and don't force it or you could make him even more scared. Just talk softly to him, offer him treats, leave the cage door open so he can come out when he pleases, when he feels comfortable to do so.

Also yes, please be very careful of him flying, clipped birds can and will fly. It was very lucky he was able to land on someone you know.

 

[MikeyTN]

Just take it slow with him right now. He's lost a bit of trust through the clip so just be patient with him and work with him one day at a time to get him to trust you again.

 

[Zumaria]

I had a pretty nervous African Grey and we bonded by my coming home from work and reading to him lol

We read spy novels!

 

[MonicaMc]

This may help.

Working with Fearful Parrots: A Study in Videos | Learning Parrots