Lisa Shea Forums Parakeets General Parakeet Chat Newbie Question

Hi I'm pretty new to owning parakeets. I have two parakeets and one of them is pretty timid and the other is very adventurous. Both of them however are extremely hard to get out of the cage. I try training them with food and treats but nothing seems to work. They completely avoid stepping up onto my finger when I want to get them out. Do any of you have any suggestions?

Have you read Lisa's tips for training? Also, read the threads on budgie training? Start reading through the threads and I know all your questions will be answered.

http://www.lisashea.com/petinfo/articles/bird_hand.html or just try http://www.lisashea.com/petinfo/budgie.html

All the info is listed there

its best to let the birds come out on their own as opposed to trying to get them to come out ...once fully trained at least with perch training as you will at some point need to retrieve them with a perch...to return them to the cage

on their first outtings expect a few crash and burns as they fly into something and then fall ..do not rush to them at this time just let them be as rushing to them will only further frighten them...they do survive the first couple of bangs and falls then get to learn how to navigate thru the house and land more safely...remember this will be their first times using their wings and LEARNING to actually fly...

be sure there is nothing for danger and you birdie proof the area from cieling fans being on to standing water anywhere...toilet seats down and doors locked so someone dont try to go out or come in when they are out and then you have a escapee...also if any other pets in house they need to be closed off in another room...cover any LARGE mirrors as they dont know its a mirror and will try to fly into them...just pull drapes at first over windows or slider doors...eventually this wont need to get done but that wont be for months as they will need to figure all this stuff out...

training is more difficult with two especially if they are in the same cage and with females its always a bit more tedious to train them...

you will get it in time and so will they...just remember always do not force and be patient and slow in your movements around them...

and welcome to the forum...

They are ok once they get on my finger. When I try in the cage they just kind of side step my finger. When they are out they will sit on my finger forever.

your possibly approaching them to fast inside the cage..instead of a finger extend all fingers and offer the back of your hand...this is better for two reasons ...one it makes it harder for them to try to get a good nip on ya and the other reason is it offers a more secure sort of full platform with the back of your hand..

they will come out on their own ...not often does a bird like to be removed from its security by you...that might take a good year of confidence before they will allow that...so just open the door and go sit somewhere quietly and let the bird venture out on its own ..this might take a couple days even or as little as a half hour...depends on the bird and how comfortable it feels with its surroundings ...

just be sure absolutley sure before opening that door that everything around is bird proof so the bird wont injury itself...like ceiling fans off...doors locked to outside...and no standing water anywhere..in a sink etc and toilet cover is down etc etc...