Cockateil

[Pattianne]

I have my Bird Petey for almost two years now and all he does is bite me when I put my hand in his cage. I am giving up on ever training him. Do you think it is too late. I never did anything to hurt him. He seems happy enough when I enter the room or come in the front door. So I do not let him out of the cage as I cannot get him to go back in and to catch him he only bites me, any advice would be appreciatted. Thank you Pattianne:thanx:

[Jean]

Hi Pattianne! I'm glad you found us.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v387/jeanaskins/welcome%20-%20friendship/welcome-to-the-group.gifI am wondering if you got Petey as a baby or an adult bird? If he was an adult do you know much about his background? Is there anyone else in the house he is attached to?

Your first step is to earn Petey's trust. Since you've had him for 2 years this won't be fast. One good way to start earning their trust is to talk softly and be kind. They learn to enjoy your company if you pull up a chair to sit in next to their cage then start read children's books to him as you show him pictures, tell him how much you like the story. I've won a few birds over using this technique. In time he will start to edge closer to your side of the cage to see the pictures on his own terms. After he shows interest and comes close to you offer him a treat and keep talking softly. This may take a month or so depending on the bird and how secure he feels being that close to you. Remember, it will take time. He's lived with you for two years and doesn't trust you well enough to feel comfortable having personal contact with you. Your bird will not be like a dog and other domesticated household pets. They won't love and trust you automatically.

(1) You must earn their trust. You will not succeed until you do.
(2) Patience, patience and more patience is what it will take.

I suggest you read through the species forums. In Amazons there is quite a bit of good information about a bird that learned to trust his new owner. His name is Pepper and he has come a long way. Much of the information in the posts about Pepper may be beneficial to you.

Good luck~ keep showing him love and patience. You will success if you are truly determined enough and patient enough to make Petey's and your relationship work.

[Islandzoo]

Hi Pattianne

Welcome to BoF. :)

Some good advice there from Jean. I can't really add to that much, only to enquire are his wings clipped? If not it may help you to train him. If you keep him in the cage he will only get more frustrated and bite you more, but I understand your dilemma that it is difficult to get him back once he's out.
the only other thing is, have you been to the vet with him at all to rule out any medical problems which may make him bad tempered?

[Pattianne]

Hi Pattianne

Welcome to BoF. :)

Some good advice there from Jean. I can't really add to that much, only to enquire are his wings clipped? If not it may help you to train him. If you keep him in the cage he will only get more frustrated and bite you more, but I understand your dilemma that it is difficult to get him back once he's out.
the only other thing is, have you been to the vet with him at all to rule out any medical problems which may make him bad tempered?

[Pattianne]

Thank you for your reply, I do have his wings clipped and I have been very patient with him from the beginning, but he is a biter. Could I wear gloves when I try to get him on my finger or would this upset him more.

[parrotgirl]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b166/parrotgirl/parrotgirlgifs/greywelcome.gif
Hi Pattianne, Some really good advise from Jean and Kristie. Patience is the only thing you need right now, yep you need to earn their trust and there is no easy way to do this, you are going to need to talk softly praise when needed and take things at his pace, don't try to rush him. I have two parakeets among my bunch here who didn't trust any human but with a lot of patience, time and real good advise from everyone here they trust and love everyone. Believe me it took me a VERY long time to earn their trust. Please don't give up on Petey, once you have earned the trust there is nothing better than knowing you've worked hard and have a wonderful, trusting companion bird. Good luck and please ask loads of questions as and when needed, and let us know how you get on.

[Jim]

Welcome to BoF Pattianne

I replied to your questions in a new thread in the 'Tiel Tall Tails forum titled Petey Biting (http://www.thebirdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3035)