Today i'm picking up a male IRN. Age is unknown, but i'm guessing he's atleast 3 as his ring seems mature. (the part he has atleast lol - part has been plucked by another bird).
I guess, i'm wondering what the recommended course of action is in regards to taming him? He's not used to being handled - the seller said he would sit on her shoulder at one stage, but never on hands, and has always been bitey. To my knowledge a bird will bite when feeling threatened, so I wish to gain his trust in a non invasive way. I ask today so that I may start straight away after he settles in his new surroundings. I've never tamed a bird, apart from patiently spending time with a budgie to have them sit on my finger INSIDE the cage. Any pointers, training courses or anything that may be of use to me and newbie would be very appreciated
Welcome! I think you need to start a positive reinforcement program. Believe me, I know that it can be so tempting to start handling her; however, you’ll only be working against yourself if she does not like this. For the first few weeks give her time to adjust into your environment and drop a few treats inside her cage when you walk by—then walk out of the room and let her eat it. Once she starts to associate your presence with a reward-- start a positive reinforcement program through the bars.
Get a clicker—click then drop a treat into her dish –wait for her to eat it and repeat. Do this until she accepts the treat and you can get her to eat from your fingers. Once this “bridge” is established, start with her touching the tip of a target stick through the bars. Do this until she has mastered this—then move to stepping up onto a perch (use the target stick to coax her to step onto the perch)—once she has mastered that—then your hand.
Be sure to click—then reward. The more you do this the tamer she will become. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish—I promise! You have to keep us updated though:O)
I was wondering how long i should wait until i started, and how to go about it. I've been putting a small piece of apple and a small piece of banana in each day, so hopefully he's knowing that i bring fruits
I will definately keep you posted. Where can i find a clicker? I've never seen one before - would a pet store sell them??
