Lisa Shea Forums Parakeets General Parakeet Chat I'm Still Having Trouble w/Clyde

Good Morning Everyone!! I have had Clyde now for 15 days today. I thought he was a male but now I'm not so sure. He has a light blue cere. Anyway, I still do not have his trust! I thought we were getting there when he would actually let me touch him, but then on Saturday, when I came back from the grocery store (he was not alone, my husband and grandson were in the same room with him) he was attacking his cage door and squaking some. I spoke to him and tried to get him to relax and for the most part he did. But, now everytime I put my hand in the cage he is really skittish, just like the first day I brought him home. His wings are not clipped and if it wasn't so cold outside, I would take him somewhere so that it could be done. I'm also afraid of making him more skittish. I'm thinking he is attacking his cage door because he wants to escape. He hasn't been out of his cage since I bought him. Any suggestions? I just want him to feel safe. Thanks

have you tried covering all three sides of his cage and only let the front be visible? That may help him relax a bit. Also, the only safe way to allow him out of the cage would be if his wings were clipped b/c if they weren't clipped, you would have bigger problems.

Some people have "handled" their keets with towels in order to get them into a carrier which is permissable so you can take them to a vet/technician to have their wings clipped. My one keet, i have to pick up with a towel b/c she bits very hard but that's very seldom b/c i can herd her back into her cage.

Don't feel discouraged. There might be times when he takes a few steps back (it's normal) due to different events, but just continue to regain his trust. It takes time and you'll get there with patience.

I've had mine since the summer and I use to get very concerned when I had those moments, but as I continue, the trust just keeps growing. I had mine clipped and I see how that has helped me. For example, when he flies off, at least I don't have to keep chasing him which might have scared him more. Once mine is very tamed and trained, I would like to let his wings grow back, but until then...

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate the advice!