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Post by jaime G. on Oct 9, 2015 8:51:56 GMT -5
i have a 4 month old quaker parrot. ive had him for a month now. i do my best to interact with him everyday. when i get home i open up his cage and he climbs right out but he still wont willingly let me take him out of his cage or take him off of his cage i reach my hand over to him and he tries to run away but when i just sit there and talk to him he walks to me and gives me kisses. is there anything im doing wrong? or is there something else i should be doing to help him trust me more? oh, when i do hold him he lunges to get back to his cage. any and all help is appreciated thanks!
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Post by aaron on Oct 9, 2015 9:35:54 GMT -5
Greetings jaime and little friend!
I personally am not as great with these early training situations as some of the others on the site, but I will say that it can take a while for these little guys to warm up to you. In these situations, patience and consistency are really important, as it often takes longer than it feels like it should to get through to these little birds, and the more consistent and predictable you are, the less time it will take. It's important that you spend an adequate amount of time with or around the bird every day... it doesn't have to be direct interaction the whole time, but at least 1-2 hours of "flock time" to boost the sense of a flock dynamic where you are together is important when it comes to building a relationship. If the bird doesn't get enough time with you, it will be hard for him to become truly comfortable with you.
At any rate, rather than trying to force interaction, which is likely to backfire (parrots don't like to be forced to do anything), keep sitting nearby and talk to him softly and calmly for extended periods of time to get him to warm up to you. Give him treats periodically (especially when he is good)-- little bits of nuts (no peanuts) or sulfite-free dried fruit work well. Once he is more comfortable he will want you to pick him up-- but that said, it sounds like you may need to go through the process of teaching him the "step up" command. I personally haven't done this, because we got Cupcake when she already knew how, but there are lots of good articles out there on how to do this. I'm sure the others will have suggestions for you as well.
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Post by cnyguy on Oct 9, 2015 20:53:13 GMT -5
Welcome!  I'd recommend just staying with what you're doing-- sit with your QP and talk with him. It may not seem like it sometimes, but you're actually making progress that way toward extablishing a bond and gaining each other's trust and confidence. Some parrots take longer to become completely comfortable in a new home, so extra time and patience may be needed for you and your Quaker. As Aaron suggested, you might try offering a treat now and then. He may not take it right from your hand at first, but keep trying. Before long, your little friend will likely be ready to perch on you. |
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Post by julianna on Oct 10, 2015 14:21:08 GMT -5
Welcome. I agree with Gary and aaron. You have only had him one month... patience is the virtue. When he starts coming to you... you do not want to grab him and pick him up. You offer a finger and say "step up"... eventually you can put your finger closer and closer until you get it under his belly. Later he may need a little lift from the back side with your other hand.... The bird will want to sit with you perhaps on your shoulder or finger... they love rides and company.
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I'd recommend just staying with what you're doing-- sit with your QP and talk with him. It may not seem like it sometimes, but you're actually making progress that way toward extablishing a bond and gaining each other's trust and confidence. Some parrots take longer to become completely comfortable in a new home, so extra time and patience may be needed for you and your Quaker. As Aaron suggested, you might try offering a treat now and then. He may not take it right from your hand at first, but keep trying. Before long, your little friend will likely be ready to perch on you.
