How I tamed my 2 year old non handfed RIngneck

[billalkhan2010]

I bought my Ringneck from a local store and it was really territorial and and scare and bit me every time I got close. I was frustrated for five months I tried reading, talking, and playing music to him. So my dad showed me this technique he used to do when he was a boy in Pakistan and it actually works. Instead of giving up and trying to re-home my bird I used a glove and held it for about 3-4 hours a day and let it bite that glove the whole time. That was to show it that biting doesn't work and there is no point in doing it. Then once he gave up biting a lot I didn't use the glove and I took his food bowl out and offered him seed after 2 hours he was tempted but didn't want to. Then after a few hours more he finally came on my hand and took some food. It was IMPORTANT that if he bit me I did not pull back or show any emotion, just waited it out till he let go. So then I never fed him from anything but my hand 3 times a day and after a few weeks he let me pet him softly and would try to bite but I would not let it phase me and he let up biting. Now he is the sweetest bird ever and he loves my family and me . I then used clicker training and showed him some tricks. I am just saying some people say this is wrong and it hurts the bird but it doesn't and now he is so happy and not depressed in his cage and wants our attention. So if your thinking about giving your bird away and you like him a lot and would be sad giving him up at least try this method. This whole process took me about 7 months but now my bird enjoys life instead of me giving him up to a breeder and living a boring life with one other bird. Now he is three.

[ringneck]

Good morning billalkhan2010

That's wonderful you have tamed him. I always tell many bird owners there is no right or wrong way to taming and i am so happy you worked it out with your parrot .

It's wonderful that you stuck through the seven months, now my friend you are enjoying your parrot to its full potential. I think the big helper here was allowing the bird to eat from your hands. This really showed him you were something rewarding, it's very similar to positive reinforcement.

Thanks for sharing!

Best Wishes ,

IMRAN-C

[joejo85]

I bought my Ringneck from a local store and it was really territorial and and scare and bit me every time I got close. I was frustrated for five months I tried reading, talking, and playing music to him. So my dad showed me this technique he used to do when he was a boy in Pakistan and it actually works. Instead of giving up and trying to re-home my bird I used a glove and held it for about 3-4 hours a day and let it bite that glove the whole time. That was to show it that biting doesn't work and there is no point in doing it. Then once he gave up biting a lot I didn't use the glove and I took his food bowl out and offered him seed after 2 hours he was tempted but didn't want to. Then after a few hours more he finally came on my hand and took some food. It was IMPORTANT that if he bit me I did not pull back or show any emotion, just waited it out till he let go. So then I never fed him from anything but my hand 3 times a day and after a few weeks he let me pet him softly and would try to bite but I would not let it phase me and he let up biting. Now he is the sweetest bird ever and he loves my family and me . I then used clicker training and showed him some tricks. I am just saying some people say this is wrong and it hurts the bird but it doesn't and now he is so happy and not depressed in his cage and wants our attention. So if your thinking about giving your bird away and you like him a lot and would be sad giving him up at least try this method. This whole process took me about 7 months but now my bird enjoys life instead of me giving him up to a breeder and living a boring life with one other bird. Now he is three.

I'm doing the same technique now with my 8 month old IRN that I just got last week for Christmas & after 3 days of doing this & feeding my bird apples, carrots & oranges from my hand he let me hold him today without screaming.

[ellieelectrons]

Hmmm.... I'm reading the first message in this thread and I'm concerned that you were starving your bird unless he came to you to eat. I may have read it wrongly (I hope I have) as I don't think this is a good way to train a bird. I'm sure it could work to tame them but i don't believe the ends would justify the means. Imagine how scared and hungry the bird would be. Please correct me if I've misunderstood the technique.

Ellie.

[joejo85]

I should also add: My bird has access to food 24 hours a day & when I take him out of his cage to hold him I feed him fresh fruits & vegetables while I'm holding him.

[ellieelectrons]

Phew! Thanks for clarifying!

Ellie.

[Salt_Pepper]

What sort of glove did you use? like a leather bird of prey glove?

I have just got 2 x IRN from a friend at work who has given up on them, and the green one is coming around to me and getting on the stick perch for treats etc however the blue one keeps biting me... I am going to try your method just curious as to what sort of glove u used.

Thanks

Sean

[ellieelectrons]

All birds are different. You need to be aware that these techniques could also result in a bird that is more scared of you.

[Salt_Pepper]

Hiya,

Sorry to bother you again however Im hoping your story inspires me as i dont want to give up on my 2...

Can you tell me was your bird a avairy bird? Ive been told they cant be tamed but I have mine hand feeding and coming onto a perch but they are petrified of my hands!! :S

[joejo85]

The glove I use is just a suede winter glove with insulation inside so when he nibbles/bites me I don't feel it. Hold the bird sing & talk to the bird & give some fruit as treats. I just got my 8 month old IRN on Christmas day & after 4 days of holding him with gloves I put him on top of his cage today he flew off & right onto my hand then flew away every time he landed I didn't scoop up I let him step up & every time he did I would say step up

PS: Bought my gloves at target

[joejo85]

Yes, I bought my IRN from aviary/breeder in AR & had it shipped to Boston. Don't believe it can't be tamed any bird can with time & patience. It's like a white horse it can be tamed. Your doing very well so far just keep up what your doing

[zivie17]

Congratulations! I'm in the process of taming my 4 year old IRN she has never been a people person but we are getting there. I can put my hands in the cage, feed & touch her without being bitten now. Unfortunately she is moulting at the moment so she is a little evil but that will pass

[Sixty Fiver]

All birds are different. You need to be aware that these techniques could also result in a bird that is more scared of you.

This is the best advice as all birds are individuals and respond differently to certain techniques and methods in socializing them.