Hand taming bird suggetions

[Riven]

I'm looking for suggestions on hand taming my bird. "He's" an 11 week old quaker. I've had quakers before but they were older. We're hoping to avoid the same issues with a baby.

He's hand fed, but isn't "lovey". Very smart and is already mumbling. Will it just take a little more time? He's already learned "up" and will step up almost every time, except getting him out.


Anyone have tips? I've read tons of sites, but I thought if anyone had some hands on experience to share...

 

[aznmexaggie]

My cockatoo wasn't a baby but she was quite young when we got her. Will the bird let you pet her or does she shy away from the hand? If she lets you pet her, using your fingers to ruffle the feathers on her head, back of the neck and the cheeks is loved by most birds. Birds bond by preening one another and gentle petting and soft ruffling of the head feathers is a good way of simulating that. I bonded with my bird that way and now she absolutely loves it (and expects it), closing her eyes and turning her head.

Also, sharing food is a good way to bond as well. Parrots generally eat socially with other birds so it can help strengthen your bond by eating and sharing healthy food with your bird. What are some treats your bird likes? Fresh fruit, birdie bread, any veggies? You don't even have to eat them yourself... even pretending to eat them will probably intrigue your bird and she will want to share the food with you. I got my bird to try a lot of new foods this way.

If your bird is still a little skiddish, just spending time around the cage so she can hear your voice and see you will make her feel more comfortable and like a member of your "flock." Parrots don't like to be left alone or feel abandoned so the more time you spend around her, the more she will get used to you. When I can't take Phoenix out, I talk to her and sing to her and she just loves it!

 

[Jazicat]

I just wanted to say that I think that Sumiko's advice is awesome. Both of my lovebirds came to me with illness and issues but I did what is suggested and it worked. One of them trusts us completely but Griffi will probably always have fear but we continue to work with her lovingly despite the bites and even after three years we still have breakthroughs with her.

 

[eroomlorac]

A Quaker was a very good choice. I chose a Sun Conure over a Quaker because I was struck by their colors. My Sun Conure was one of the only animals I sold because we couldn't live together. We named him Screech, if that's any indication. LOL He didn't like visitors in the house and would scream all the while anyone was over. I wished I would have chose the Quaker. Have fun with your new bird.

 

[Jenn]

I'm not an expert, as my quaker was 10 when she came to me, but I think you are on the right track and just need a little more time for the bonding to strenthen. When I first got my quaker, Kiwi, I would let her ride around a lot on my shoulder. I would talk to her, and just let her sit on me while I explained what I was doing throughout the day. Sharing food is very helpful as well. When I first got my bird, she bit everyone, including me, which is very painful, btw! But that was only a problem for a couple of weeks, and sharing my food with her I think helped. Some foods she won't try voluntarily unless she sees me eating it first. The more time you spend with "him", the better. And it is helpful to have "him" interact with the rest others, too, so he isn't only friendly with you. Kiwi hates everyone but me, which doesn't make her much of a family pet, but she is pretty incredible and talks a lot and amuses all. Good luck with your bird. Do you have a name for "him"?

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

I'd keep his wings trimmed so he's more dependent on you, and doesn't get the little man syndrome! Well Quakers have a bit of that anyways.
Also I try to keep my birds @ eye level or lower. This is especially important with my big guys (Macaws) but I apply that rule for everyone when they are out of their cage.

 

[aznmexaggie]

Also I try to keep my birds @ eye level or lower. This is especially important with my big guys (Macaws) but I apply that rule for everyone when they are out of their cage.

Good advice. Even perching on the shoulder can sometimes cause them to compete with you (your face) for their status on the perch (your shoulder). A bird allowed to perch somewhere higher than you will make him feel like he is of higher status... and can lead to some aggression or demanding behavior.

 

[Riven]

Well I can handle him, when I got to take him out he acts like he's going to bite me, but just "mouths" me, then when I say step up he will almost everytime. The breeder did not work on that, so he's learned it in about a day. He will also sometimes give me kisses when I kiss at him, but not always. We're working on that as well.

He's not bitten anyone hard enough to break the skin, and once out wants to go explore. I am still hand feeding twice a day, so that is bonding, he takes "treats" ( healthy snacks) from my hand with no problems. We had cheerios for breakfast!

I've also been lifting his wings, he doesn't mind that so much, but also laying him over on his back, he's not a big fan of that, but when I talk to him and tell he's being good he'll lay for a while without struggling. He's also a little paranoid of me wiping his mouth. I gave him scritches earlier, he seemed indifferent but I'll continue doing it.

He will step up to both girls, and anyone of us off of the other. At this point I think he thinks it's a game. Randy said they were about 11 weeks, but he said this was the youngest one, I could ask him when he gets back home ( he's here at the state fair now actually ) and he'd have his DOB for me, but he is probably more around 10 weeks.

 

[Riven]

I guess it was pretty rude of me not to post pictures! I will get some up soon though! Still deciding on a name. I kind of liked Dukkah, but my husband gave me a dirty look... so we'll see. Kind of going for something uni-sex... I also considered Dharma... but who knows. I mean... there is always Aleandro...

 

[Jenn]

If your husband is like mine, he won't like any name you choose, lol. Maybe have him come up with some suggestions and see if you like any...sometimes it is easier that way!

 

[Riven]

Today he said Dukkah is fine, lol. Never can tell with him. But then again our cat Scarlett, we all call her "Kitty Kitty Meow Meow" and there is nothing funnier than hearing a grown man yell " Kitty Kitty Meow Meow get OUT of there!"