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View Full Version : Did I do OK?



SillyFids
02-12-2009, 06:27 PM
Gese I really am posting too much - sorry about all the reading everyone! I'm just getting really excited with my lovey.

I got home from work & sat by its cage (no name yet - waiting on sex results) and talked to it. Initially it was pretty freaked out, which I've grown accustomed to but then it calmed. I decided to let it out to explore. It came out and perched on a little plant we have in the room (completely bird safe). I SLOWLY walked over to it and sat next to it and talked to it while it sat there and looked at me. Eventually it got bored and flew onto the ground. I knew it was looking for a way to get up so I got my stick (sandpaper perch cover) and slowly went toward my little one. Well to my surprise he didnt try much to run away, although he was weary he didnt flee. I put the stick under his belly and he got up on it!! I said "good bird" and from there took him to the cage where he jumped on top. After a few minutes he flew to a frame on the wall and I again got the stick and he stepped up. Back to the cage. I saw after another few minutes that he was trying to get back into the cage. I knew this because the poor thing was looking down like "how the heck do I get back in there?" so I got the stick, he got on and STAYED this time without flying off and I put him back in his cage, said good bird and closed the door. He sat on his perch for a minute and was grinding his beak!! Now he' eating!!

I guess my question is: Did I handle everything ok? It was over probably a half hour of time. Is there anything I should be doing different?

I feel like this is GOOD PROGRESS. I realllllly wanted to take him from the stick and cuddle him but I figured I needed him to see that I was out to HELP him, not grab him with my hands. I figured for day 2 this was good news!! & I don't want to rush anything, I want it all to be slow & smooth, for both our benefits.

Although, I tried to give him millet to 'reward' him for being on the stick and he wouldnt take it. He took it once but that was it - I only use millet as a treat so it's never going to be in his cage - I wonder if he's the one lovebird that doesn't like millet?! :rotfl Go figure I'd have that one!



Awww now he's on his perch beak grinding again - yea!! :blush:

linda040899
02-12-2009, 06:45 PM
:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap


Yup, ya done great!!!!!!!!! Many birds are fearful of hands so stick training is important. In 30 short minutes, you showed your new lovie that you are gentle and do not intend harm. It may take a while for that experience to really sink in but you are well on your way!

All live creatures will respond to love, kindness and patience. Some take longer than others and all responses are not the same but there's nothing like a trust relationship in the end! There are no short cuts and don't let anyone convince you otherwise!!!

michael
02-12-2009, 07:43 PM
Did you do OK?............I'd say you did TERRIFIC!...FABULOUS!...JUST WONDERFUL!...ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!...STUPENDOUS!...FANTASTIC!...BEAUTIFUL!.. .ETC ETC............:)

The least you could do is find him a treat he likes for gosh sakes!.............:roll:

SillyFids
02-12-2009, 07:52 PM
I know Michael! I need to find something it likes - maybe it secretly loves millet but just wasnt sure about my hand holding onto it!

bookworm0550
02-12-2009, 08:10 PM
hey it's okay if you have a million questions :) that's what forums are for!!! ask away. i think you did a great job. congrats!!!!!

LauraO
02-12-2009, 09:17 PM
It sounds like you did great and are making some great progress in such a short time. I'm a big fan of stick training. In fact, I mostly use sticks for stepping up even with my tamest birds. It's easy and I can pick up the tame and untame birds at the same time..........My only suggestion would be to include a voice command when having your birdy step up. Birds can learn to understand words just like they learn their names.

:):)

SillyFids
02-12-2009, 10:27 PM
thanks Laura - great advice!!