not hand tame

[woodster22]

Hi there, I just adopted a 3 year-old green cheek conure. His wings are not clipped and he is very scared of hands. The previous owner allowed him to roam freely in and out of his cage. Woody is very sweet and curious about his new owners and will walk right up and look me in the eye. He even stepped onto my forearm yesterday so I could help him into his cage, but if you reach for him he will take off. He has started to take treats from my hand and will nibble on my fingers as long as I stay still. Are there any tips/tricks for me to help this guy not be so fearful and teach him that hands are safe? I don't want to clip his wings, I think it could make him more fearful and nippy. Thanks in advance!

 

[66corvair]

I'm sure others will chime in, but the best advice is to take it slowly. Everyone, myself included, wanted to immediately play with their new companion. Birds need time to acclimate to their new surroundings. Sounds like things are going well, just take your time and be patient!

 

[Birdman666]

My guess is because he is flighted, he's been grabbed a few times in his lifetime.

What your doing sounds right to me. And there's nothing wrong with teaching him to step up on your wrist instead...

 

[Flboy]

Sounds like you are making good progress! When I first got my JoJo, he would step up ok, but was afraid of being scooped up. He had been living in an open pen in a feed and grain store for months. Constantly being groped by every kid that walked in! Every time I take him out, I give him a big hug and kisses. He is slowly accepting a hand over him while just hanging, but still panics and nips at times. When he does, I try to redirect his attention and start doing something he likes.

 

[EdwardH]

It sounds like you are already making progress. When he is comfortable to take treats from you, place your hand between him and the treat . Most probably he will reach over your hand to get the treat. When he is comfortable doing this move the treat back 1cm so that he has to stretch over your hand. Then move the treat back another 1cm and he will step up onto your hand. The key is to be patient and only progress at his speed. Each time he takes a treat from your hand, brushes against your hand etc. he learns that nothing scary is going to happen and his trust in you and your hands grow.

 

[woodster22]

Thanks for the comments. Yesterday I held my palm out very flat with a treat in the middle and he stepped onto my hand 3 times to eat then flew off. I think we are making progress here.