How can I tame my parakeets?

[shadowlake]

I have bought a pair of red breasted/ mustached parakeets. They are at least 3 years old. They are not tamed. So, I have to leave them in the cage. How can I tame them? I really need to know. Can anybody help me?

[Eric&Rebecca]

Try familiarising them with hands.slowlynplace your hand inside the cage with sunflower seeds or favourite foods on the palm of your hand. Sit for 30 minutes everyday until they take them. Line the treat from to index fingertip to your palm. Once they master this do the middle finger and then once this has been grasped move to centre of the palm.

Leave the cage open, see if they will come out on their own. Be sure to bird proof the room though... No mirrors, or dangerous toxic items. Best done in the bedroom or bird room with the door shut. You may have to use wooden dowel to get them back in the cage.

Generally you must be very patient and calm. Make slow and gentle movements. Also sit near the cage as often as you can. Talk to them and be with them as much you can.

[Eurycerus]

I found Michael's guide to be very useful as well: http://trainedparrot.com/Taming/

Good luck! It may take quite a bit of patience and because you have two you may have to have extra patience. Definitely feel free to ask specific questions when you hit a particular road block during your taming.