Alexandrine Parrot??

Question

I had this parrot for a few years...about 5. My mother has been feeding him when I was small, and I started to feed him now. He lives in a big cage. He is really scared when anyone gets near his cage, and when someone opens the door of his cage he runs to a corner, and if you want to touch him he starts to bite you. He seems really scared. He doesn't even let my mother touch him. He has a healthy diet (fruits vegetables, nuts) and he seems healthy. He is scared of every human being he sees. Why is that and what can I do to him so he will let me touch him??

Answer 1

If a 900 foot tall Parrot walked up to your house and shoved it's beak into the door, what would YOU do ? My bet is that you would run away, probably to the farthest corner of your house. If 900 foot tall Parrots walked by your house, what would be your attitude? Would you be afraid?

Does this sound familiar? The bird is doing exactly what you would do in this situation. He considers the cage to be his home, and anyone who sticks their hand into the cage is invading his home! This behavior can be changed, but only if you are willing to work with the bird to gain his trust.

Begin by just sitting and talking to the bird for a minimum of 1 to 2 hours each day.Just sit near the cage and talk to him as you would to a friend. In time he will come to the conclusion that you are not a threat. At that time he should start to show more interest, especially if you are doing interesting things with your hands such as knitting, craft work, writing, drawing and such..

When he comes to the front of the cage to be near you and to see what you are doing, then you can try bringing in some yummy snacks such as crackers, fruit, chips or veggies( No chocolate or avocado!) and eat them very slowly and with much gusto. Make "MMmmmm GOOD" comments as you eat. He will get the idea. Eating is a social activity with Parrots, and soon he will want to have some of those treats you are having. When the bird shows that he clearly would like some of these treats, you can try offerring him one through the bars. If he takes it, praise him profusely. If he ignores you, you need to work on this stage some more. If he bites or gets aggressive, take the treats and leave the room for 15 or 20 minutes. Parrots are very intelligent and he will soon get the idea that aggression gets him ignored and left alone.

Eventually he will take the treats from your hand through the bars. After about a week of this , you can try openning the cage and offering the treat at the door. Do *Not* put your hand in the cage! Let him come to you when he is ready. Patience is the key here.

Sooner or later he will come to the front of the cage for the treat, as long as you make it clear that this is the only way he will get it. Never throw the treat into his food bowl or into the cage! Make him take it from your hand.

When he is comfortable taking the treat from your hand at the door, you are ready to take the next big step! When he comes to the door for the treat which is in your right hand, put out your left hand slowly with the index finger extended for him to climb up on to. Say "STEP UP" in a clear commanding tone as you hold the index finger at his knee level for him to clinb up. You may even touch your finger to his lower legs to give him the idea. Very quickly he will understand that he is to climb onto your hand. Be sure to praise him lavishly and give him his treats! Do *Not* be afraid if he lowers his head to yout hand before he tries to climb up. Remember that Parrots have no hands, so they use their beak to climb. He may use his beak to help himself onto your hand, but he is unlikely to bite unless he is showing fearful or agressive attitudes.

You have now gained his trust! Continue this every day. Eventually he will "Step Up" without needing a treat. In fact , making him "Step Up" shows him that you are the boss, and is usually the only form of discipline you will ever need. If your bird does something that he knows is wrong, just make him do 10 or 15 repetitions of "Step Up." He will understand.

Now for the bad news. This process from start to finish may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. You must, however, keep at it. If you decide to take a couple of weeks off, you may have to start over again from scratch. In addition, you will need to keep up this program for the birds entire life. Parrots are very social animals, and you are his only flockmates. You can no more ignore your Parrot than you can ignore a young child. Remember that you are his family . You *Must* spend time with him each day, and hopefully this will mean at least 1 to 2 hours.

Treat your bird with love and respect, as a member of the family, and he will be a loving and devoted friend for decades to come!

Good Luck!