Feeling a little discouraged...

[marlowsix]

I have been working on socializing my babies (about 6 weeks old) for several weeks now. When I take them out, away from the parents - they seem to do pretty well and remain relatively calm. Here's my concern...the parents are not tame and it seems like they are teaching the babies to fear me - and it seems to be working. The babies are just starting to venture out of the nesting box and wander around the cage a bit. If I come too close, the parents will alert the babies and they rush back in the nesting box. I had them (babies) out today and decided to stay in the same room as the parents and the babies were nervous wrecks. I feel like the little progress I make in taming them is being thwarted by mom & dad. Am I overreacting? Is this normal behavior for babies? When can I seperate them from the parents? These are my first babies, so I'm feeling unsure about everything :confused: I just really want to do this right.

Thanks!
Jayne

[mjm8321]

It's normal to be apprehensive a bit, especially with wild parents. I wouldn't suggest pulling them until they are fully weaned and eating on their own (without Dad's extra help) for a couple of weeks.

When you socialize with them, can you take them into another room where they cannot see/hear the parents? It will make them much more relaxed. Also, they are at the age where they are about to fledge and start flying (if they already haven't). This generally brings a stage of independence and it may seem as though they are less tame, but it just takes a little extra effort to work with them. Once they've master flight, you can always give them a clip and if they can fly away from you it will be easier to work keep up the good work you've been doing so far. Once they start flying, I've also found using a small room to train stepping up and such works best, unless you like chasing the little fliers around a large room. ;)

[marlowsix]

Thanks MJ. I know I'm fighting against instinct here. But will continue to work with these precious little ones - even if the parents are working against me.

Jayne