I just got my first Parakeet... i need help with training!!!!!

[ParakeetLover92]

Well I just got my first Parakeet on June 30, 2005 and she nice but scared, when I try to put my hand in the cage just to get her to pirch on my finger she ether runs or flys lol and even when ur hand is not in the cage if u put it next to the cage she does the line dance (I call it that lol) it's when she walks sidways on her pirch..... I have had her for about 5 days now but i was away for 2.. (some one was here to feed her and give her water) I just want her to trust me... and be able to get my hand in their with out the flying and moving away is there anything i can do besides just talk to her try to gain her trust????? Well I would love it if some one would help me out her. Thanks!

aLICIA

[basketbagley]

Hi Alicia!

Where did you get your keet from? do you know how old it is? If it came from superpet store there is probably no way of knowing for sure, but if you post a pick, there are people here that can help.

It can take some time for them to adjust to their new home. Especially if they are older, over 5 mos. You have to be very patient, move slowly and talk in a nice tone, don't every shout at her, even is she bites you! Keets bites don't hurt too much anyway. best thing to do if she does bite, is to not react at all! cause if they get the reaction out of you they want, you will program them to keep doing it!

Anyway, leave your hand just resting on the inside for periods of time while you talk to her. try this for a couple of days. then try holding some millet sprays - their favorite treat! I only give mine millet when they are on my hand or during training sessions. it's a special treat I use to bond with them.

hopefully after a few days, she will just hop up on your finger, or you can try to start the "step-up" command with her. but let her be your guide! don't try and do things too fast or if she looks like she's terrified.

Are her wings clipped? you can also leave the cage door open and let her come and go at will. if her wings are clipped that will be more difficult, maybe you could place a ladder for her to climb on to get back in.

There are lots of great people here w/lots of knowledge. so read through the threads even ones that aren't for budgies, because most things will apply to all parrots anyway!

Enjoy and love your new family memeber! what's her name?

[Monica]

Alicia, please take it slow and be patient! It takes time to gain their trust! Just sit next to the cage and talk to her, or read to her. If her wings are not clipped you might want to see if you can find someone who will do that for you, take her cage into another room where there are no distractions, and let her come out and explore (something such as a bathroom or a bedroom with no other animals). Let her roam around or maybe try picking her up and letting her sit on your shoulder.