New to this!Please HELP!!

[kdpatenaude]

Hi, I would appreciate any help or info you can give me.
I have a one year old parrotlet who was hand raised.
Last week, we saved a nine week old lovebird, from a hoarding situation.
She is not used to being handled, and is very scared to even look at us.
How do I get her used to us? How long should it take before she can be handled?
I know birds should never be grabbed, but that has been the only way to get her out of her daytime cage, and put her to bed.
I dont grab quickly, but I do have to wrap my hand around her to safely remove her.
Any help would be sooooo appreciated, I am at such a loss here.
My parrotlet was trained to step up, and quite friendly when we got him, so not sure where to start!

 

[roxynoodle]

I wouldn't grab her at all unless it's an emergency. It usually terrifies birds and makes them even more afraid of hands. I would just let her sleep in her big cage until she is tame and trusting.

It's going to require time and patience on your part. I would first let her just get used to you being in the room with her, but not close to her cage since she is scared to even be looked at. Do quiet things like read, or watch TV, and comment to her once in awhile in a soft voice. Let her see you playing with your parrotlet and any other pets you have. You can try playing "blink" with her. If she blinks, do a long, slow blink back. It's a good game for very shy birds to get started. Look at her from the side of your face rather than directly. Predators have eyes on the fronts of their faces, but prey animals have theirs on the sides of the head. So when you look at her directly it is frightening to her. Also flirt coyly. Cover your face with your hand and peak and giggle, again keeping your head more sideways.

Eventually move closer to her and talk to her and sing to her softly. Eat in front of her and offer her treats through the bars. If she seems to like music, start dancing after awhile and singing. Most birds like that a lot.

Play peak a boo. Hide under a blanket or behind the furniture.

Even try napping in front of her. Sleeping people seem to help a bird realize it's safe in the room.

Those are some good ways to start. Just bear in mind she may start coming around in a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months or a year or more. You need to let her set the pace.

Good luck

 

[MaraWentz]

The blink game works great!