by Pajarita » Mon Mar 11, 2019 11:02 am
I do not recommend taking aviary birds, my dear. I think it does them no favor as it's a very lonely and stressful life for them because it's completely different from the life they evolved to have and the only life that makes them happy but, if you have to do it, then take your time and show him you can be trusted without actually doing anything and NEVER use a flooding technique (terribly cruel to the poor little thing!). I used to have large flocks of budgies, tiels and lovebirds when I had the rescue and I never did anything but simply put out food for them and talk softly and they all trusted me, they perched on me, followed me around the room, etc. Liz has a small flock of rescued tiels and although none of them came to her tamed, they all love her now, perch on her, give her kisses, etc. Just feed it right (which means not free-feeding protein and giving them produce every day), keep it at a strict solar schedule so it's healthy (birds are photoperiodic so the only way they stay healthy is if they follow the sun seasons) and spend as much time as you can in the same room talking, singing an whistling. Do not stare at the bird (only predators do that), do not put your hand in his cage (it destroys trust) and do not attempt to touch him. Once the bird is an adult and has learned that you are not threat to him and that you will not impose your will on him, you can start target training inside the cage. Once you see the bird is eager for the interaction, you can start target training outside the cage and offering some sort of seed (millet?) from your hand.