Do not place your bird’s cage in the kitchen. Fumes released from nonstick appliances are toxic and potentially fatal to birds. You will know when your bird feels secure in his new environment when he does not flutter his wings when you approach him. If he sits frozen on his perch, he is not yet comfortable with you or his new environment. [6] X Research source
Talk to him throughout the day,[8] X Research source and especially when you change out his food and water.
When you approach your bird, you should be slightly above his eye level. If you are too high above his eye level, you may scare him. Being too far below his eye level would make you appear submissive to him. [10] X Research source It may be helpful to use a soothing voice as you approach him to make him feel even more at ease with your presence.
Place your hand where he can easily see it. [12] X Research source To reduce his anxiety, talk to him in a soothing voice while you hold your hand still. Hold your hand near his cage for 10 to 15 minutes (or as long as you can hold your hand up), two to three times a day, for four to seven days. [13] X Research source You may want to place your hand gently on the outside of his cage. Getting your bird to be comfortable with your hand will take time and patience.
At this stage, do not attempt to touch your bird when you have your hand in his cage. Practically speaking, you will need to place your hand inside your bird’s cage each morning when you change his food and water. By making a routine out of slowly reaching into his cage each morning, your bird should become increasingly more comfortable with your hand. [16] X Research source It may take your bird anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to feel comfortable with your hand inside his cage. [17] X Research source Continue talking to your bird in a soothing tone when your hand is inside his cage.
Whichever treat you use, make sure that it is one your bird is already familiar with and enjoys eating. [19] X Research source Hold the treat in your hand and hold your hand still. Depending on how skittish your bird is, it may take several tries before he feels comfortable enough to get close to your hand and eat the treat. [20] X Research source Hold a treat in your hand three to five times each day,[21] X Research source and each time you change your bird’s food and water. Eventually, your bird will begin to anticipate the daily treat. [22] X Research source Slowly move your hand closer and closer to your bird when holding the treat. [23] X Research source With the help of the daily treats, your bird will become comfortable with your hand inside his cage.
If you are afraid of getting bitten, you could cover your hand with a small towel [26] X Research source or wear gloves. However, covering your hand will defeat the purpose of getting your bird comfortable with your hand. In addition, your bird may be scared of the gloves or towel.
If your birds needs a little extra encouragement, hold a treat in your other hand. Hold it far enough away that he would have to jump onto your finger to reach it. [29] X Research source You can try this if the cage door is wide enough for both of your hands to fit through. If you would like, you can give your bird a verbal command (“Step up” or “Up”) when you push up on his body. Say the command each time you want him to step up onto your finger. [30] X Research source Hold your hand still when your bird steps onto your finger. [31] X Research source
Keep your practice sessions short: 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times a day. [34] X Research source Along with an edible treat, you can also give your bird verbal praise when he steps up onto your finger.
Ideally, the room should have a door that you can lock so others cannot come in during your training sessions. Make sure the room is lit, tidy and clean. [36] X Research source A bathroom is a common choice for a bird-proof room.
If the cage door is large enough, reach in with your other hand and cup that hand behind your bird. Your other hand would serve as a shield to keep your bird from jumping off your finger, but would not actually be touching him. [39] X Research source Do not force him out of his cage. Remember to be patient with him. It may take several days’ worth of training sessions before he is comfortable with being moved outside his cage.
If you have not had your bird’s wings trimmed or clipped, he may fly away from you as you get him out of his cage. Slowly and gently approach him to retrieve him, making sure to talk to him in a calm and reassuring voice. [41] X Research source Reward your bird with a treat when he stays perched on your finger. [42] X Research source Keep your daily practice sessions short (10 to 15 minutes). [43] X Research source
To challenge your bird, use both hands as perches. With your bird perched on the index finger of one hand, use the index finger of your other hand to gently press below your bird’s breast line and get him to step up. Alternating between hands, move your finger perches higher and higher to mimic the climbing of a ladder. [46] X Research source Reward your bird with a treat each time that he steps onto your finger. [47] X Research source Practice with your bird in the bird-proof room for 15 to 20 minutes, one to times a day. [48] X Research source
When he steps onto the perch, give the verbal command to “step down. ” Although he is stepping up onto the perch, this action is still considered to be stepping down from your finger. Close the cage door when your bird is comfortably situated in his cage.
