Im so confused

[SamuelC]

Ok so i got Casper from Petsmart (my friend still wont let me hear the end of "what a bad decision that was " and its been 2 weeks) and he will accept millet from my hands and will perch on my hand when i am holding the millet to far for him to reach it from his perch. ok here is where im confused i taught him to target and we have been practicing to the point where he will do it about 10 times in a row before losing interest. So i tried to get him to get on my finger using the target and he refuses to get onto my finger what should i do? he is not aggressive and always starts to screech when i leave the room for more than 5 mins. help

[GooseBlossom]

All birds deserve love and a good home. I'm glad Casper has one with you.

[zazanomore]

Petsmart actually has decent birds. I've never once gone to a petsmart and seen unhealthy budgies, canaries or finches. My two budgies are from petsmart and they are as healthy as they can be! So don't sweat it!

Training birds is a bit trickier then training a cat or dog. They are animals of prey, and they see you as a potential threat. Your budgie has spent his life with other budgies, and now he is with you. I think it will take him a bit of adjusting before he completely trusts you. It takes a lot of time and dedication. Just keep at it.

Birds thrive for interaction, take away any mirrors in the cage (you don't want him mistaking them for another bird). That way, the only interaction it can get, is with you.

You seem to be working hard, so keep at it!

GOOD LUCK!

[SamuelC]

any other tips?

[Michael]

Take the bird's food away for a few hours prior to training so it can be hungry enough to want the treats.

[SamuelC]

thanks i will try that

[SamuelC]

UPDATE: I took his food and he will step onto my finger but after 3 seconds hop back to his perch

[Alcatraz]

Thats a start. Its all about repitition with birds

[Michael]

After he steps up, hold hi further away from the perch so he can't hop back. Then have him step up onto your other hand and give a treat. Then step to other hand, treat, etc. Keep him busy before he loses focus but don't rush it.

[SamuelC]

now i am more confused then before. i set up practice sessions about 3 times a day for about 10mins and now he seems to be even more frightened of me then before and it is now back to where we began before he would let me touch his belly but now if my finger goes close to his body he flies to another perch in his cage what am i doing wrong? Should i wait until he has been with me for a month before i pick this up again?