Getting Keet out of cage

[Miracleshapn]

This is my first post, and I hope I'm in the right area. I am a first-time keet owner and have had "Baby" for around 6 - 8 weeks now - getting her as a baby from a pet store. She/He's comfortable with my hand as a perch in her cage but won't come out of the cage except on her own - just jumps back onto her perch or the side of the cage as soon as I move my hand. Once out of the cage (only allowed when I'm right there) she shys away from my finger/hand except once for a second. I didn't let her out for nearly 2 weeks, just working on trust in the cage, which went fine. Wanting her to get exercise I just started opening the door again, and she'll come out on her own for brief times but still won't sit/stay on my finger. Any suggestions? I'm patient but long for her to enjoy interacting with me! I talk and sing to her, which she loves - she just won't bond outside her cage.

Thanks!

Jill

[Monica]

If you can, try taking her to another room away from her cage and bonding with her there. Budgies are very timid though if you work with her constantly she/he will come around. It takes time, persistance, loves, and attention!

In a different room you might want to start off with letting her wonder around the first few times, then slowly getting her to step off the ground or bed onto your hand and just sitting there as you talk to her and tell her how beautiful and sweet she is. Once she gets comfortable on your hand you can start with step-ups, having her step from one hand/finger, to the next. You will need to gently push up on her stomach or breast with one hand, and gently and slowly roll the other one away.

Some budgies tend to be more hand shy and may enjoy sitting on shoulders too. Once you get her used to stepping up, let her sit on your shoulder as you do some chores around the house. It's a good way to bond with her and get her used to things around the house. Also point out some things in the house, and tell her what they are. Do this several times, then start asking her what they are (this is a good way to get the bird comfortable with items around the house, and is also a good way to teach them words). Budgies do speak very quickly, so if this little one ever learns to talk, it might be hard at first to understand!

[Miracleshapn]

Thank you, Monica! I so appreciate your time and advice. At this point, however, I can't "take" her anywhere, unless I'd take the cage into another room and wait for her to come out on her own. She'll sit on my hand or finger in the cage until I begin moving it to the opening then jumps off. Are there any tricks of the trade to change that or is it just a "time" thing?

When she is out she squaks and flees the opposite way if I attempt to get her to step up - almost as if she is obstinate. I know we'll be great friends and she (or it might be "he") loves it when I woo her and praise her.

Any more suggestions?

Thanks!

Jill

Originally Posted by Monica

If you can, try taking her to another room away from her cage and bonding with her there. Budgies are very timid though if you work with her constantly she/he will come around. It takes time, persistance, loves, and attention!

In a different room you might want to start off with letting her wonder around the first few times, then slowly getting her to step off the ground or bed onto your hand and just sitting there as you talk to her and tell her how beautiful and sweet she is. Once she gets comfortable on your hand you can start with step-ups, having her step from one hand/finger, to the next. You will need to gently push up on her stomach or breast with one hand, and gently and slowly roll the other one away.

Some budgies tend to be more hand shy and may enjoy sitting on shoulders too. Once you get her used to stepping up, let her sit on your shoulder as you do some chores around the house. It's a good way to bond with her and get her used to things around the house. Also point out some things in the house, and tell her what they are. Do this several times, then start asking her what they are (this is a good way to get the bird comfortable with items around the house, and is also a good way to teach them words). Budgies do speak very quickly, so if this little one ever learns to talk, it might be hard at first to understand!

[Monica]

There are various ways of taming, though it looks like you'll be taking one that takes a bit longer, though the results are just as great and rewarding.

When he/she is on one hand, with the other hand, bring up some millet or lettuce (something that your bird enjoys) slowly. Get them used to eating this food from your hand, and slowly over time, only have one hand at the door and the other with the treat right out of the cage. Just slowly bribing her/him out of the cage will help and the treats will show him that he can trust you.

After a while, you can offer the treats near the cage with the cage door open. If your bird really wants the treat, they'd have to come out on their own to get it. You can do this with the treat in your hand, or stand off at a distance and watch. Once you can get your bird use to coming out, you can try working with him at a distance from the cage or from another room.