How to hand-tame my Indian Ringneck Parakeet?

Question

I have a blue IRN named Raj. He is a really great pet so far and he has become alot better over the months. He started off a nervous wreck anytime anyone went near him but now he just calmly "climbs" away. For about a month now he has been taking food from my hands outside the cage and I am wondering what to do next... Any ideas???

Answer 1

I have 4 ringnecks and an Alexandrine parakeet.  They're as individual as people, but mainly you just need to give them attention.  I've also noticed ringnecks are noble creatures and prefer to be left in peace if they want.  (I have one that won't leave droppings on your shoulder.  He'll wait until he gets back to the cage.)

Handle him every day on your finger or on your shoulder until he gets tired and gets off, even if it's just a little bit.  You may need to reach inside the cage at first to do this for longer and longer time periods until be trusts you enough to let you take him out.  Remember, if you act calm he will be calm, too.

If he ever bites try not to flinch and act as though you don't even notice.  Eventually you can get him to give this up. (By the way, one universal truth is that they all love Cheezits).

Answer 2

if it can fly you could try clipping the wings

Answer 3

When I tamed my parakeets, I would let them sit on my hand. After a couple days or so, when they were used to that, I would let them sit on my knee. I then let them on my head and shoulder. This worked for me. It may take longer, or less long... Good luck!!

Answer 4

Try opening up the cage and allowing him to climb around on it (clipping his wings will help greatly in this, he won't be able to fly away all over the house, but can flutter to the ground if he gets frightened, or simply climb back into the safety of his cage) and offering him treats while he's not shielded by the cage. Even sitting in the same room while he's out of the cage can build the relationship.

You can also try using a dowel (or perch or whatever he'll actually step up on) to get him to step up on and taking him out of the cage to a play stand or simply holding him on that if he's not willing to come actually onto your hand or arm for awhile.

Hand taming can take awhile, you seem to be doing well, just slowly try getting him out of the cage and with you more however you can. Each bird is different.