Another update on Spencer

[macbrush]

Since last time he came out about a month ago, I have been trying to get him out of the cage by training in micro steps. But its been a few times that when I gained enough of his trust to lure him to the door of the cage, or maybe even step on the perch I attached just outside the cage, then just before we move on, something bad would just happens, be it he suddenly bite me (very hard) and my instinct pulled away then he ended up flying to the ground, or something spooks him (but I could see nothing around) then he just flew away. I don't know if its just pure bad luck or he's extremely phobia. Every time he ends up on the ground, the whole drama of asking him to step up, flew away from my hand or the perch as soon as I lifted him to about 3 feet, pick up again so on and so forth start again. And then I have to go back in training to gain his trust... bla bla bla for a week or 2.

Maybe I should make even smaller steps at a time...

[marie83]

My cockatiels the same at the moment, 1 step forward then straight back again or two steps back.

I'm pretty much at the same stage as you, she doesn't bite but something usually spooks her so she flaps round the room crash lands somewhere then I have to go and rescue her because she will not find her own way back. Or if things are going really well for a few times and she stay's on the perch without spooking I'll put my hand in such a way so it's an extention of the perch and try to lure her to put 1 foot on then when she's excepting that with no problems I'll try lure her on so both her feet on. I'll keep my hand nice and steady but I don't think she likes the feel of it cuz then she will panic again....
I've tried using a handheld perch but she is terrified of them despite slowly trying broaden her comfort zone.
I've tamed several severely abused birds in the past but she is definitely the worst I've had to tame, it's been years even to get her taking seed out my hand.

The stupid thing is after a spook she is quite happy to step up onto my hand, then climb up and hang out on my shoulder for a while, part of me thinks she's just taking the micky out of me lol.

I feel your frustration but keep persevering, you will get there in the end as I believe I will. Keep us updated and if you find any little tips and tricks that help your bird let us know incase it's something others in your position hasn't tried. I think I've pretty much tried everything but the flooding method but always open to new ideas.

Good luck.

[liz]

Macbrush - If he bites your finger use your thumb on the same hand to grab his beak. If he bites you anywhere else cover his head with your hand.

The only person Myrtle bites is my daughter who pulls back and yells. Myrtle likes this reaction. I have friends who come over ranging from WW II down to Iraq. They only knew her by what I and others say so they were not afraid. She is so social right now that she flies to them to say hello. She only bites Rachel.

Rambo does not like men. He floggs my son and any other man that comes in except the old guys who have trouble walking. They don't jump and yell so he has stopped testing them and just greets them at the door to say hello.

Your reaction is what triggers him. Consintrate on self control and deal with each time as needed and he will stop.

[macbrush]

marie - thanks,although I only have been trying for 4 months, but I think Spencer has been making some very good progress, except step up, and getting out of the cage. I just hope that things will work out soon, I really don't like the idea of locking him up in my house for the whole summer while all my other pets are happily playing on the roof or outside.

liz - You're spot on. I know I have this problem, I couldn't stop myself yelling "ouch" at all, if you have any tips please let me know, but I know this thing takes practice. I also instinctly pull away trying to avoid the bite every time, 90% of the times I succeed even if it was a surprise attack, but sometimes I pulled so fast and hard, once I actually pulled so hard Spencer straight out of the cage. Its probably because of my hobbies, I practiced my reflex. Maybe I really need to get my hands in there to get some bites to change my default reaction to a bite.

[liz]

No bird likes to be messed with in his cage. That is his territory. Wait until he steps out to ask him to step up.

[pennyandrocky]

my was cage bound. i started feeding him out of his cage, letting him roam on his own,of course wherever he's out will have to be totally bird proof,it won't do any progrees youv'e made to have to grab him away from somthing he's not supposed to get into.liz is right a birds cage should be their own personal santuary where he can go when he wants to be alone.4 months is not so long when you consider how long you will have him around just be patient he'll come around.