IndianRingNeck.com

Hi, about 4 months ago I purchased with my husband, an 7/8 month old Ringneck named Rico and He was hand reared.
I just need a few tips on how to gain his trust. I believe he scared of me, when he steps up he makes a low panting like noise for a few seconds.
I read that they love water so I started to give him showers, which he loves. Whilst in the shower he lets me stroke him and is perfectly at ease with this, outside I can't touch him as he squawks at me. He does this when I try to give him treats such as Apple or pear. Rarely can I get him to eat it from my hand without squawking but he has done.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Claire

Claire,

I've had IRN's for more than 10 years and had several come and go over the years due to various reasons. Some I could stroke where-ever I wanted (NB: this particular bird I hand-reared myself so we had a close bond), others would allow me to touch a feather for a second if I got lucky, 1 or two I own I literally never laid a finger on except for relocating etc. The bird I had the longest hates being touched and she will physically charge at you when you do the food and water-routine...no points for guessing that I'm far more concerned to get a nasty bite from her than petting her.

My point with all this is simply: birds are like people; some are cuddle-bunnies while others prefer no physical interaction. I do not want to over-generalize but IRN's in general prefer petting and interaction on their terms.

Your best strategy if he/she refuses to take something from your hand is to drop a few treats in an empty cup and walk away. Sooner or later he/she would figure out you're the source of the yummy stuff and might be willing to ''renegotiate'' petting-priviledges. Be warned: this approach takes time and consistency and above all: patience.

The advantage you have is that it's still a young bird so should in theory be easier to encourage behavior you want.