by entrancedbymyGCC » Thu Mar 25, 2010 3:06 pm
There are a lot of good resources on basic training/handling of pet birds. I suggest reading up, both on this forum and maybe get a good book or two, or check some out from the library. You need to learn about each other is part of it. When we first brought Scooter him, he would bite a lot. He also came from a pet store (not the best way to get a bird, actually) and I am pretty sure he was afraid if we put him back in his cage, he'd never get to come out again, so he would bit to avoid going back. Just by warning him ("It's time to go home") and making a big fuss of him when he did step down into the cage, he has improved a lot. Also, the cage DOES become home and it is hte bird's territory. Unless you are certain he wants to come out, let him come to you, don't invade his territory (unless there is an urgent need). And, they do need a lot of sleep -- 10-12 hours, they say. I find Scooter can be fairly grumpy and nippy when he first wakes up and when he is getting tired at night. And he is an EXTREMELY affectionate little bird who ALWAYS wants to be with us, but even he needs his alone time, he just doesn't seem to realize it.
Scooter
Death Valley Scotty