Biting inside Cage, Calm and tame outside of cage

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Biting inside Cage, Calm and tame outside of cage

by Lauren
(Ohio)

I have a Cockatiel bird that I recently purchased. His owner passed away and the pet store knew not much more. When I brought him home he was very untrusting but after working with him and speending time to get to know eaach other he has tamed down. However, getting him out of the cage is till an issue. He bites and hisses when I try to get him out. I usually wear a thick glove to remove him from his cage. But once out, he will rub his head around my face, and he is tame. He is still a work in process but I am wondering if Cockatiels are possevie and maybe he just doesnt like us in his cage?? Any ideas??

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Biting inside Cage, Calm and tame outside of cage

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Nov 02, 2011

Biting inside the cage
by: Anonymous

The other thing I would like to add to what Linda has said is when your bird is comfortable with the perch being used then go into the cage using your hand but slowly, keeping your hand (absolutely no glove)still have a piece of it's favourite food like millet in your fingers & just let your bird get used to your hand & allow it to jump on & off your hand. Gradually over the days bringing your hand nearer the door then you should get a bird who will step up when you show your hand at the door.
It can be done as I have trained what was an unruly 6 year old male so good luck. Its all about time & patience :)

Oct 30, 2011

Biting inside Cage, Calm and tame outside of cage
by: Linda

Yes, all birds are territorial about their cages.

Please take off the glove and use a perch to get him out of cage. You may be surprised in a while that he does not bite when you put your hand in there.

At some point, you will have to put your hand in. Use a perch for now and get rid of the glove as it is terrifying him to death. Also remember he is grieving for his lost human, and be a bit more respectful and understanding of this. Birds grieve lost loved ones just like we do. Now, he's been thrown into a new home that is terrifing him. Give him some room to grieve and to grow used to you. He also needs to be taken to an Avian Vet for a checkup to make sure he has no infections or other physical issues. Do this before any dietary changes or any training of any kind.

When his sick human was slowly dying, he was left in his cage a lot. Now, he's become what is called "cage-bound", and it will take much patience and understanding to help him get over this. Eventually, you will have to go into cage bare-handed. Of course, you may get bit a time or two, and all birds bite, so just don't pull back which is the natural relex action. Move gently into the bird, and the bird usually lets go. When you jerk back, skin is ripped and torn making a worse wound than you'll have if you just move gently into or toward the bird. Remain calm at all times, and this takes lots of concentration. It CAN be done because myself and many others have had to perfect this skill to work with abused, wild sometimes crazy birds. Use a perch for a while longer or just open the door and allow him to come out. Leave the glove where gloves live and do not frighten him with it any longer.

Your job here to to help him to grow to trust you, and to be trusted means being trustworthy, kind, understanding, patient and learning more about your bird by buying a book or two and finding information on the internet. Most important of all is pure, unconditional love given freely to your bird no matter what he does or does not do. You love him no matter what, and he will begin to understand this and become the wonderful companion you are wanting him to be. It all takes time, so relax and enjoy this gift you've been given.

Parrot Training page

Thanks for writing and we wish you well,
Linda

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