Question about hand taming

[kjarva]

Hi guys, my green cheek will step up no problem, will let me scratch his head etc. and today we moved up to him letting me put my hand on his back with a finger round either side of his neck, a perfect position to pick him up from. My only problem is that he will only let me put my hand on him if he is as far away from me as he can get.

I'd love nothing more than to be able to scratch him and pet him while he's comfy while I watch tv, however he will literally run right to the end of my reach every time I go to hold him. Is this something that will just take a bit of time, or should I try something clickerwise to get him closer? It just really starts to hurt my arms after a minute because he's so far away lol

Thanks!

[marie83]

I reckon if you stop stretching out to him then he will come to you. Probably sooner rather than later. These guys live and breathe attention.

[Eurycerus]

Sounds like it's going to take time. My Senegal is not very cuddly and may never be. I would not focus on touching and fondling your parrot. Instead focus on something else like trick training with treats. As you may find out by reading on here, not a lot of parrots are into hands. So although your parrot is tolerant, it's probably not his favorite thing. You could work on giving treats for each progressive move in the direction you want. So give a treat for being closer and closer and don't give treats for being far away.

[Wayne361]

My loves head scratches but didnt want me touching his body. I conditioned him to enjoy it now (or tolerate). Just do it in increments...meaning touch body - treat. Once he gets the hang of this I would place my hand on him and treat....he got the idea of this. I did it gradually to the point now I can grab him, put him upside down in my hand, scratch him, touch feet, trim nails etc. Takes time and small steps to get to goal.

Wayne

[kjarva]

Thanks for the responses guys, we've already started to make progress

[meowzero]

My loves head scratches but didnt want me touching his body. I conditioned him to enjoy it now (or tolerate). Just do it in increments...meaning touch body - treat. Once he gets the hang of this I would place my hand on him and treat....he got the idea of this. I did it gradually to the point now I can grab him, put him upside down in my hand, scratch him, touch feet, trim nails etc. Takes time and small steps to get to goal.

Wayne

Wayne, how long did it take you to do that? My bird is like yours. She hates it when I touch her back, even though she loves head scratches.

[Wayne361]

Not very long...took a couple training sessions and just continual reinforcement. Big thing is not to go to quickly or you will set yourself back as bird will be too fearful to proceed. Baby steps but reward with ANY progress. The bird should grasp the idea that touching equals good things happening...

Wayne