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| Question about Pets:I really dont know what to do parakeet? |
OK, this will take some time but it is worth the trust it will generate in your bird.
First make sure there are no startling noises around before you start. You might want to partially cover the cage just for training time, and then remove it afterward (until night, of course).
Put your hand in the cage for a minute or two several times each day, and just leave your hand somewhere in the cage without moving it toward the bird (this is a separate action than when you go in there to change the food and water). Gradually increase the number of times and length of time you do this each day. How often and how long will depend on just how tame or untame your particular bird is. What you are doing is making your hand being in there a part of her daily routine. She sees that the hand is never a threat.
BTW, this is "hand" we are talking about here, not a finger. The next step is to keep your hand flat and come toward her with the side of your hand, rather than finger(s) first. A single finger pointing right at the bird, especially, stirs up her fear instinct, because it is similar to an approaching snake or other natural enemy.
Later on you will be pushing against the bird's legs with this same flat hand, but for now, just keep putting your hand closer and closer to your bird every time you put your hand in the cage.
Once you can touch the bird without her getting freaked, it will be exciting, but don't scream with delight or make sudden movements and ruin things. Speak gently to her, but don't demand anything else from her. You might even be able to stroke her belly lightly (not her head). Keep doing this advanced step for a couple of days -- however long it takes for her to act like this is no big deal.
The next stage of training is to push your flat hand (always sideways, remember) against the bird's legs until she is forced to step up on your hand. Once she is stepping up on your hand like it's yesterday's news, you can begin to move your hand around in the cage with her still on it. Just move her from one perch to another, to begin with. Don't take her out right away. She must get used to just being on your hand a lot.
I did this with my own parakeet without using treats to train him. I just talked to him a lot. Your bird will bond with you just because you're good company. They love having someone to make sounds with. Parakeets can learn several words from you, btw. They don't sound as clear as a parrot, but it's fun to hear them finally repeat your words and phrases.
BTW, parakeets benefit greatly from fresh greens and fruits, just like they would be able to get in the wild. Seeds only is bad nutrition. Mine loved carrot tops, apples and oranges. But I say just put those in the cage. Sometimes they've never seen a new fruit or vegetable before and they might even be scared of it. Too many new things is stressful. Keep the training separate from the treats at first, is my suggestion.
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