Does holding your untamed parakeet help tame him?

Question

I have a 4-5 month old Budgie that I am having a hard time taming. Does holding the parakeet in a cloth or blanket help? Like just grabbing its whole body and petting it on the back of the head even though it hates it.

Answer 1

No, it doesn't help.  That approach is called "flooding".  The bird may eventually calm down and hold still but that's only because he learns that he has no choice, no option BUT to stay in your hand.  That's called "learned helplessness".  (Locking you in a room full of snakes won't make you unafraid of snakes.  It will only teach you that the door is locked and you can't get out.)

We want our birds to be able to make choices in their lives and to be all that they CAN be.  That's accomplished through positive reinforcement, not through force or punishment.  

Work with your bird at his or her own pace and allow him/her to get used to your hand gradually.  Teach him that you are trustworthy and won't hurt him.  Reinforce him for venturing closer and closer by giving him a bit of favored treat or even by backing off in a short period of time if he doesn't back off first.  

You and your bird can develop a trusting and loving relationship.  It takes time but you'll find it's well worth the effort.

Colette

Answer 2

No it does not help it. it is too young to understand anything. leave it alone for a while.. maybe you caould try to hold it on your finger.

Answer 3

Please don't grab it. Holding the bird in a towel or cloth doesn't help either. If you do that it'll be too scared to be tamed.

Let it be for a while to adjust and offer it healthy foods such as small chunks of apple or a little bit of millet seed. Don't try to touch or handle it until it can approach you by itself, or when it's used to you. Afterwards, put your finger against its chest and wait for it to step up.. It doesn't happen the first time so keep trying and don't ever lose your patience!

Good luck. ;)

Answer 4

That is not a good thing to do for your budgie  because it will get more scared it takes time for your budgie to be tamed.Some good ways to tame it would be giving it toys,spray millet,love and holding it gently.