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My Joey was 8 weeks old when I got him and he refuses to step up on my finger. He'll come out of the cage onto my arm or shoulder but if I put my hand near him, he bites! If he flies off, then he's ready to hop on my finger to get back to where he's comfortable but will not step up any other time. How can I train him??? Thank you.
Hi again, Joy,
You may have to put your dog outside or in another room when you want to work with your bird. Gloves often times frighten birds, it just depends on your bird. However, if your bird gets used to a glove, it will never get used to your fingers.
Chrys
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Hi, Joy,
You should use the fact that the bird gets on your finger to get back to where he's comfortable to your advantage. Obviously, your tiel has learned that once he's away from his cage, if he gets on your finger, you'll take him back to where he is comfortable. Instead of taking the bird back to where he is comfortable, don't! Take the bird into another room away from his "comfortable place" in order to show him your fingers will do him no harm, and work with him stepping down from your fingers and back up again. You'll need to do this several times per day in order to help your bird to learn. Your bird is frightened of your fingers for some reason. Allow your bird to come completely out of his cage before asking him to step up on your finger versus putting your hand in his cage and asking him to step up inside his cage.
If this doesn't work over a period of time, come back and we'll find another way.
Chrys
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you Chrys, I'm going to try your suggested about Joey stepping on my finger. Can't take him out of the room because of my dog. Joey goes from my finger to the shoulder. I know for a fact that the person who gave him to me, used to let them out of the cage and then have to grab them to get back in! That's why I think he's afraid of my hand. If I put a glove on, would that make a difference? | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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