just thought i would say hi

[wedge1979]

Hello everyone just wanted to say hi. I am new to this site and figured i would introduce myself. I have 3 great friends. 2 cockiteils (the Birds) and a new member a half moon conure named Chloe, who I am working with. The last owners never talked to her or played with her so she liked to bite a lot. If any one has any tips on calming her down please let me know. I try to play with her everynight and my finger is really starting to hurt. Its okay though we are just going to have to get through this. Again I am happy to be here and looking forward to talking with all of you.

Have a wonderful day
Chris

[dlaura]

Hi Chris,
WELCOME! I am also recently new to the site. Have been on site for about three weeks now - and have learned a lot from everyone.

Our extended family consists of six GREAT friends, 4 birds, a dog and a cat. Upon losing our family dog about six years ago, I told my son to start looking around at pet stores, etc. for a new puppy. The pet store he happened on only sold birds, fish and reptiles. Yes, you guessed it, that began our journey into "birdy friends" and I am so glad that something positive came out of us losing our Golden, Brandy.

I have read a little about taming birds such as yours. It was suggested that you use a perch for the bird to come "up up" on to be taken out of the cage. Hold bird in front of you and talk calmly to it. Hold your index finger in front of the bird and ask if you can pet it. Our conure learned to lower its head to indicate if it wanted to be petted or just sit and talk (chirp back) to us. If the bird should lunge to bite your finger just juggle the perch a little so bird must pay attention to its balance and therefore distract from it's biting impulse. At the same time say the word "no bite" while giving the perch a slight juggle. Eventually as bird improves behavior - you work bird over to your finger. We have found that our birds are eager to be out of their cage. Either to sit on top of it and preen or to snuggle with us. So, if our birds do not respond to "no bite" or are misbehaving in some other way it is returned to the cage for a time out.

Hopes this helps! Have a great day.

Diane

[JSimko]

It is difficult tame a bird if you are unwilling or unable to endure a bite. Last night I went to a pet store and saw a cockatiel in a cage. The sign said female cockatiel (no fingers in cage, I might bite), so I went to the register and asked an employee if I could hold her if she would let me. I had to explain that I have 4 birds at home and I am not affraid of getting bitten. They carried the bird cage to a back room, where behind closed doors I was able to open the cage and attempt to get her out of the cage. She imediately tried to sink her beak into my left thumb. However, I sat there not holding onto the bird, although she had a very good grip on me. After 2 minutes of biting my finger, she let go. I was talking to her very calmly and after about 5 minutes I was able to scratch her head and neck. All of the store employees thought I was either extremely brave or just completely insane. Another bird that I managed to tame was a conure named Tobasco. She is the property of a pet store that I had worked for. She was said to be very nasty and would bite anyone who came close enough. She bonded to me, because I took the time to reach my hand into her cage and just leave it there until she calmed down and stopped biting. Once she was calm, I rubbed her neck for a little while and then put my finger out for her to step up on. Before too long I had her riding around on my shoulder and enjoying my company. The only problem is that she got so protective of me that she would actually fly off of my shoulder and attack anyone that got too close. Of course when you are trying to sell animals you can't have a bird attacking people. So I had to clip her wings.

[Mrs.Birdy]

Hello Chris and Welcome to you and your flock.

I also have a rescue bird, my Pionus Parrot named Marcel, who was shy at first when he joined our family and flock....you see, we are his 3rd home. But with much patience, kindness and respect, he came around fast and he fits right in. I was told he bites, but he hasn't bitten us yet. He's just a little aggressive with my daughter (for some unknown reason), but we are working on it.

Isn't it heart warming to give a bird in need a good home!!!!

Good luck and have fun here.

Roseanne

:D

[wedge1979]

Thanks for all the feedback. I am going to keep working with her and in time I know she will come around in the month i have had her she is already sitting on my hand but still needs a lot of love.

Have a wonderful day
Chris

[birdgirl]

welcome to the site it's great to have you and your birds here

[Redstorm1721]

Welcome to the board Chris! so happy to have you with us! (o:

[Amanda]

Welcome, Chris! This is a great board and everyone is so friendly. I'm sure you'll find a lot of suggestions/help from everyone here.

[Jenny]

Hi and welcome, Chris! Nice to meet you and your flock! I have a green-cheeked and blue-crowned conure, a peachfaced lovebird, and three energetic budgies. Good luck on working with Chloe! I'm wishing you the best.