It can be a little tricky to get a parakeet to form a special bond with the owner. However, with a little patience, it will be possible to "change the head" of the bird. In fact, by taking the time to make him comfortable with your presence, a loving relationship can be built. Follow the steps below for your parakeet to learn to love you.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Getting to Know the Parakeet Better
Step 1. Allow the animal to feel comfortable
The cage is a safe enough place for the parakeet, but it should be in the presence of the whole family so that it gets used to seeing and hearing people over time. However, the location must also allow the parakeet to rest (10-12 hours per night).
Cover the cage when the parakeet sleeps - this will block the bird's view and prevent it from taking in the wind, making it impossible for loud noises to frighten it
Step 2. Approach the parakeet
When the bird seems to be more comfortable in its own cage (and especially in places where people will be around often), get a little closer to it each day. Walk slowly when you get close to the cage so as not to scare him.
- Talk calmly and with a low voice as you approach the cage. Avoid sudden movements.
- Spend a lot of time near the cage - the more the better. Essentially, the owner represents the flock of the bird, who it would stay with if it were out in the wild. So the longer you stay close to him, the better.
Step 3. Start by placing your hand inside or near the cage and the parakeet
If he moves away, don't move your hand; instead, leave it in place, talk to the animal, read a book, or do something like that. The goal is to get him used to the owner's presence and hand. Don't scare him.
Method 2 of 4: Training the Parakeet to Stand on Your Hand
Step 1. Approach the bird while it is inside the cage
When the parakeet doesn't "run away" from the hand, it's time to do the same thing from inside the cage - put it there and let it "rest" for a while. For greater effectiveness, hold a snack in your hand (millet, for example); this helps the owner gain the bird's trust.
- Slowly, after a few days, bring your hand closer and closer to the animal. When holding a delicious treat, he will eventually start eating from your hand.
- When you lure it to a place in the cage where it can't reach the food in its hand (while it's on the perch or on the grid), the parakeet will likely jump over the hand to get the treat.
Step 2. Make it climb on one finger
After a few days of feeding it by hand or through it, try to make the parakeet stand on one of the fingers (without using food). Approach him and poke him in the belly, close to his paws.
If the bird quickly leaves the finger, keep trying, but don't force it. Give it time between attempts and keep moving slowly. Be patient and the parakeet will voluntarily start climbing on your finger
Step 3. Take the bird out of the cage
The next phase of "hand training" involves getting the parakeet out of the cage while standing on the person's finger. As the bird feels safe inside the "house", it may "give up" and jump back into the cage when the hand is near the exit. Keep trying, just as you did when you got him used to eating out of your hand or climbing on your finger. Eventually, the parakeet will trust the owner enough to come out of the cage with him.
Method 3 of 4: Interacting with the Parakeet
Step 1. Talk to him a lot
Whenever you pass by the cage, stop for a minute and talk to the bird. By repeating the same phrases and noises (such as whistles) when talking to him, the animal may start repeating them. Like many other domestic birds, parakeets can learn to "talk".
Talking to the bird will also increase its confidence in you, transforming it into a caring animal
Step 2. Try petting him
Sometimes parakeets caress and "grooms" each other's looks. Since you're part of his pack, it's possible that he likes to be petted in different places on his body. Scratch his head, back or tummy carefully.
Step 3. Remember to always "handle" the animal with care
Parakeets are small and delicate. When you take it in your hand, take it easy and it will develop bonds of trust with you, resulting in a loving relationship with the pet.
Never hit or be violent with the bird
Method 4 of 4: Taking care of the parakeet
Step 1. Give the parakeet various types of food
A bird with a full stomach is a happy bird, especially when it loves the food it receives. Feed seeds, fruits, vegetables and nutritious pellets to the pet.
- Start by giving the nutritious balls without extra color or sugar.
- Feed the seeds separately, not mixed with the pellets.
- Some foods such as avocados, onions, mushrooms and eggplant should be avoided.
Step 2. Give the parakeet several toys
This species loves to play; giving objects to the pet will make him happier and more affectionate. Buy shiny toys, swings, rings, bells, etc.
Step 3. Clean the cage
Like humans, parakeets love to see their own house always very clean. The difference is that birds live close to where they are "needed". Keeping the cage clean minimizes exposure and leaves the parakeet neat and healthy.