How can I put my hands into the cage?

[Marsy]

Yes... I did a huge mistake from the first step. Yesterday I brought a beautiful 2 month baby lovebird 'Kant' from my friend. Then during 2 days I held my Kant 4 times for touching. And now Kant got scared so much about hands itself and my moving. I'm regreting so much. I thought I should touch him for being close. But I should wait Kant and I shouldn't hold Kant. So I will wait Kant. Everyday I will just talk in front of the cage then I will go step by step.

But problem is this. I should feed Kant... and I should clean the cage. But I can't make Kant goes out from the cage because for putting Kant again I should hold him. Also when I put my hands into the cage Kant gets mad at me too much. Then how can I clean his cage and dishes and how can I give the new feeds and water?

Please help me. I need your help. I hope he already thinks me as an enemy.

[pennyandrocky]

mine go on their playstands or tree when i'm cleaning their cages,mya likes to follow me around asking what are you doing? the whole time. i don't like to put my hands in the cages while they're in them but i would have a treat in hand when i did if i was going to do that. treats are a good way to teach parrots to like hands just hold your hand still and let kant explore your hand until he feels secure your not going to hurt him.

[liz]

I know it sounds stupid but I would talk to my scared animals. Like when you have to clean the cage. I would softly say "you need more food". " Your water needs changed". "I can't have you play in the dirt it has to be cleaned up". All the while I do not look at them and keep my hands slightly curl so it doesn't look like I will grab him. Leave the cage door open between things you are doing.

Do it the way you would if it was a scared child. Make yourself visible and audible without turning your attention directly to it.

My critters didn't have to love me for me to show them love. They can't resist the love. When my daughter moved in with her boxers the male was very aggresive to me. I would have to fight the gate after I put his food in because he would lunge in the direction of my neck. My daughters solution was that I should not feed him that she would. My solution was as what I wrote above. I wore him down. Now he wags his little nubby tail when he sees me. When I let them out to run the dogs make a lap around the yard and come back for attention.

Myrtle was so scared when I got her. I decided even if I could never touch her I wanted her to be a healthy happy bird. Right now she is on my shoulder preening me.

I am rambling on. Remember that you are doing your best to make your bird healthy and happy. He will pick up on it.

[Marsy]

Thank you, pennyandrocky and liz. When I put my hands I'm sure Kant will be mad at me. But I will remember I should be careful for Kant and I should talk about my actions... everything.

I won't give up from Kant's reactions. I will love Kant and I will think Kant's happiness. Then Kant will open the mind. I hope it. 1 month... 2 months... I will wait.

Thanks again.

[liz]

It takes a while but it is very rewarding. I believe animals can pick up on what we feel. It has always been that way with everything.