Yay! Progress!!

[nmce612]

It has been a while since I have had a chance to post any progress on Mimi and Mango. Before I was having problems getting them back in the cage after I let them out....especially Mimi. And I would scare the poor thing to death when I would grab her with a towel. But now things are changing :happy:

Since they have had their wings clipped they don't spend as much time out as they have before...a couple of hours tops and they go back in with no problem. I started putting a ladder by the door to their cage and place some millet on top of it....they didn't like it at first but couldn't resist the birdy delite sitting on top of it. When they would "fly" off the cage I would try to get them to hop onto the ladder to take them back to their cage. Again they didn't like it at first and it took quite a bit of coaxing. But I think they don't mind it so much now. Now I can get them to hop on the ladder to take them back to the cage with little or no problems. Sometimes they protest a little bit, but with each time it gets easier and easier. Today Mimi hopped right on it and didn't jump off until it was near her favorite perch in the cage.

I know it may not seem like tons of progress, but I can't tell you how happy I am now that I don't frighten them so much when they are out of the cage! Yay for progress!!

[LauraO]

I know it may not seem like tons of progress, but I can't tell you how happy I am now that I don't frighten them so much when they are out of the cage! Yay for progress!!

Actually, it sounds like you've made GREAT progress! Many people give up too easily and their birds become ornaments. So it's always great hearing these kinds of success stories. I, myself, have always had the most joy out of small steps made with skittish or untame birds than those made with cuddly things.

:happy: :happy:

As time goes on and you work with your lovies, the more comforteable they will get with you. Do you use the "step up" command when you want your lovies to step on the ladder? If not, this is a good idea cause it tells the lovies what you want and as they get more comforteable you can work on having them step up on sticks and perches and eventually your hands.

[Janie]

I agree, it sounds like you have made great progress! :D Kudos to you and keep up the good work! :)

[linda040899]

Trust relationships take time to build and it happens one small step at a time! Lovebirds are very smart and learn fairly quickly, as you are finding out. The ladder is a very clever idea and I'm glad to hear it's working! :)

Keep up the good work and be patient with them. Thanks for sharing this with us! :happy:

[nmce612]

Thanks for the encouragement....I don't think I could stay as patient without reading everyone's advice and their experiences....as a matter of fact I may not have even tried the ladder if not for the advice on this site. I haven't tried saying anything to them while they hop in the ladder, but I may give it a try....they have definately been more curious with me lately, so no time like the present.

Thanks for all the help!!

[donna1064]

I've only had my lovie for a little more than two weeks, so I'm right there with you.

It feels great making progress, does'nt it? Baby was still skittish when I first got him/her, but in the last week has been really progressing. This community has been a wonderful resource too. I'm still in awe of how wonderful these little guys are........