Taming

[florrie32]

Whats the second step of taming? My bird will go on my hand, though she'd rather bite it, but what the next step? How will she accept my touch?

[SuzyCupcake13]

How long have you had her? You just need to be patient, it too my bird months to become "tame".

[chapala]

Some birds don't like to be touched, so if you can pick her up, even sometimes, you are doing well. Be sure to reward her for teeny steps in the right direction with a very small piece of a favorite treat. She will be more inclined to continue stepping up and being around you and one day considering you a friend if you offer tasty tidbits.

[florrie32]

Thanks for the advice!

[florrie32]

Any more advice? (Im trying to get as much info and advice as I can!)

[SuzyCupcake13]

You just have to earn his trust. Its been 7 months since I had my lovebird, Lola .... And just within the past 6 weeks has he been affectionate and loving towards me. He actually kisses me now :)

[florrie32]

I've had Sol for 2 years.

[jenseits]

What are you trying to accomplish, other than for her to accept touching (which she may never do... some birds just don't like it)?

I'm a big fan of using positive reinforcement and trick training to establish a strong rapport/trust/bond.

[asulli]

Originally Posted by florrie32

Whats the second step of taming? My bird will go on my hand, though she'd rather bite it, but what the next step? How will she accept my touch?

I have had Shakti (Alex) for about 2 months. What worked for me is that when she bit me I would quietly (after I say No) put her back in her cage without saying a word and look very sad. (Normaly when I put her back in her cage I am happy, talking to her etc) I do keep her door open and eventually she steps to the door I act very excited, tell her what a good bird she is. I have taught her gentle. Once she learned this all I have to do is say gentle when she is about to open beak to finger, and she just does that cute little tongue thing and looks at me, I then praise her and tell her she is such a good girl. They learn very very quickly. Consistancy and repetition I have learned are the best things. But then what works for one person does not work for another.

[florrie32]

Thank you, all of you, for your advice, I will be trying every method