Why I am here: last summer a lost bird (later determined to be an Indian Ringneck) landed on my front lawn. I kept her for a month until she regained her health, but I am not able to give her a permanent home due to my 2 large dogs. I have some friends who offered to adopt her, and they have taken very good care of her (they named her Pretty Girl). Of course, I have visitation rights!
The problem: Pretty Girl was so sweet and gentle with me, I had no idea she could bite -- but she bites her new family frequently, drawing blood. They are afraid of her now. When I visit, she is usually quite friendly with all of us, but can be very moody and changable. I would hate to have her new family give her up, and I wish I could keep her, but the biting problem needs to be corrected. The vet blames it on hormones. Now she seems to be searching for a nesting spot, too. Any advice from experienced owners will be greatly appreciated.
S.O.S. Bi-polar bird
Moderator: Mods
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liana88
hey
I'm not that experienced with irns but my irn Mullaya isn't hand raised and i've got him on my shoulder and eating from my hand. An experienced bird breeder once told me that you need to be persistant, patient and build up trust. Allow the bird to come and go out of it's cage as it pleases-though only when someone is present. Then after a little while start attempting to feed it apple or corn by handing it to the irn. Only one person should do this at a time. Also, whoever tries to touch the irn should try hard not to flinche when the bird lunges at them. I found with my irn that he only lunged to frighten and not to neccasarily hurt. he has on many occasion drawn blood from me, so i know how they feel, but pulling back suddenly when in the irn's presence just frightens it more, and the bird breeder suggest that i force my hand under the birds chest and force him to step on my hand. This only works sometimes and is not as cruel as it sounds coz it helped me build a strong trust between us. He is especially protective of me now, but don't get me wrong, he still bites, and hard sometimes, but whoever tries to build the trust first HAS to be persistant and willing to cop a few bites, i know i had to.
I hope this helps. If you need more help let me know and i'll ask my bird breeder friend and get back to you.
Good Luck!
I'm not that experienced with irns but my irn Mullaya isn't hand raised and i've got him on my shoulder and eating from my hand. An experienced bird breeder once told me that you need to be persistant, patient and build up trust. Allow the bird to come and go out of it's cage as it pleases-though only when someone is present. Then after a little while start attempting to feed it apple or corn by handing it to the irn. Only one person should do this at a time. Also, whoever tries to touch the irn should try hard not to flinche when the bird lunges at them. I found with my irn that he only lunged to frighten and not to neccasarily hurt. he has on many occasion drawn blood from me, so i know how they feel, but pulling back suddenly when in the irn's presence just frightens it more, and the bird breeder suggest that i force my hand under the birds chest and force him to step on my hand. This only works sometimes and is not as cruel as it sounds coz it helped me build a strong trust between us. He is especially protective of me now, but don't get me wrong, he still bites, and hard sometimes, but whoever tries to build the trust first HAS to be persistant and willing to cop a few bites, i know i had to.
I hope this helps. If you need more help let me know and i'll ask my bird breeder friend and get back to you.
Good Luck!
IRNs are known to be unstable. They generally aren't cuddly, though of course there are exceptions to every rule. Add to the fact that searching for a nesting site may be a clue to real hormonal issues....IRNs, especially hens, can be persistant and aggresive during thier breeding time.
My opinion...humble of course...is that you can all either take your chances and get bit occasionally or try a different approach. Maybe you and the bird would be content with a hands off relationship. IRNs can be very vocal and showy even when they don't really feel like being handled.
Another VERY GOOD OPTION is clicker training....don't dismiss it until you have checked into it. No, I'm not a clicker teacher, salesperson, or in any other way benefitting if you decide to check it out. I'm just passing along some useful information. Here's a link...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bird-Click/
My opinion...humble of course...is that you can all either take your chances and get bit occasionally or try a different approach. Maybe you and the bird would be content with a hands off relationship. IRNs can be very vocal and showy even when they don't really feel like being handled.
Another VERY GOOD OPTION is clicker training....don't dismiss it until you have checked into it. No, I'm not a clicker teacher, salesperson, or in any other way benefitting if you decide to check it out. I'm just passing along some useful information. Here's a link...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bird-Click/