Hi there Galah help please

[suelee]

My name is Sue and I live in Townsville Australia, I have owned a cocatiel named Tui for 4 months now he is a wee darling well recently we bought a Galah we have named Boris he is a grumpy bird but I am putting that down to being "new" he was hand reared but wont let us near him yet. I talk to him a lot and give him lots of fresh veges etc but he still hisses at me and wont have a bar of me... If anybody has any advice I'd really appreciate it...

[tielmama]

I'd just keep up the nice talking and if he will take food from your hand, that will help too. Congratulations on the new addition!

[suelee]

Thanks for that advice. I got him out the cage today and he flew across the other side of the room. he was good when I picked him up and didnt make a fuss while I was patting him... It was a mission getting him to go back into his cage, I let him out for half an hour and feel if I let him out for half an hour at a time he'll get use to it. He wont let me touch him when he's on the top of his cage he hisses at me. I have to admit I'm a bit scared of him still...

[Monica]

You may not want to allow him on top of his cage... Welcome to BB!

Would be interested in seeing a picture of your galah's cage setup!

[suelee]

again just for about 15 minutes this time and he put himself back in the cage but he seems determined to bite me when i put my hand in to give him a treat. How do I post a pic on here?

[Monica]

Please review my signature for posting pics....

As for your galah, well it'll take time.... Either letting him come out on his own, putting a branch on the door with a treat cup next to it to put treats inside, so when you open the door, the galah will have to come out to get the treat... or putting this stuff on the outside. You can try using your hands, a dowl, or otherwise to get him to step up... most people however find it easiest to move the bird away from the cage (as in another room) and either let the bird roam about or try interacting with the bird.... although reading, talking, and singing to your galah would also help.... just know that it takes time and patience.