Approving a bird and gaining confidence is a process that requires patience, the sweetness and one a good understanding of his behaviour. Some birds, especially those raised by hand, are easier to tame, while others, such as birds bought in animal feed or wild birds, may take more time to feel comfortable with humans. Here is a complete guide in several steps for taming your bird and building a relationship of trust.
1. Choosing the right time and environment
Before you start interacting with your bird, make sure that the environment is conducive to tranquility. Bird must feel Security and comfortable in his cage before any attempt to learn.
A. Let the bird get used to its new environment
When you introduce a bird into a new environment (such as a new cage or house), give it a few days to get used to. Do not start immediately trying to touch or tame it.
- Place the cage in a quiet place where the bird can see and hear family members without being exposed to loud noises or sudden movements.
- Avoid moving the cage too often, as this can cause stress in the bird. A stable environment is important for its tranquillity.
B. Watch the bird's body language
Before you start, spend time watching your bird to better understand its comfort signs ordiscomfort. A calm bird will have smooth feathers, clear eyes and can show signs of interest while looking at you. If he feels threatened, he can inflate his feathers, stay at the bottom of the cage or make alarm calls.
2. Create a Reassuring Presence Routine
A key step in learning is to create a Reassuring Presence being regularly close to the bird without being invasive.
A. Sit near the cage
Spend time near the cage, at a distance where the bird can observe you without feeling threatened. You can read or speak gently near the cage so that the bird gets used to your presence and voice.
- Repeat this step several times a day so that the bird can associate your presence with a moment of calm.
- Speak gently using simple and repetitive words. This will help the bird associate your voice with a sense of security.
B. Interactions across the cage
Once the bird seems more comfortable with your presence, you can start interacting through the cage.
- Slowly approach the cage and place your hand near bars without moving it inside to begin. Observe the bird's reaction: if it stays calm, you are on the right track. If the bird shows signs of stress (scream, swelling of feathers), step back and repeat later.
- Offer a treat through bars keeping it at a distance. Use food rewards such as sunflower seeds or small pieces of fruit he likes.
3. Insert the hand into the cage gradually
Once the bird is used to your presence near the cage and taking treats through the bars, you can start to introduce your hand inside the cage.
A. Slowly insert your hand into the cage
- Gently open the cage door and place your hand inside without trying to touch the bird immediately. Stay calm and still.
- Offer a treat in your hand making sure you don't get too close. Let the bird come and get the treat at its own pace.
B. Building confidence with food
When the bird starts taking food directly into your hand, repeat this exercise regularly so that it associates your hand with something positive. The key is to go slowly to avoid stress.
- Be patient : Some birds may take several days or weeks before accepting food directly from your hand.
- Use frequent rewards : As soon as he shows interest, give him a treat to encourage this behavior.
4. Encourage the bird to climb on your hand
Once your bird is comfortable with your hand in the cage, you can start encouraging it to Get on your hand Or on your finger.
A. Use the command « up » or « up »
- Gently place your finger or hand against the bird breast, just under his feet, and say gently « up » or « up ».
- If he hesitates, give him a treat to encourage him. With repetition, the bird will understand that riding on your hand is a positive behavior that is rewarded.
B. Be gentle and patient
Never force a bird to climb on your hand. If the bird seems nervous, let him decide the rhythm and start over later. Be gentle in your movements to avoid surprise or stress.
5. Get the bird out of his cage
Once your bird is comfortable to get on your hand, you can start to gently pull it out of the cage. It is important to create a safe environment before allowing him to fly outside his cage.
A. Secure the environment
Before you get the bird out of his cage, make sure the environment is secure for him:
- Close the doors and windows to prevent it from escaping.
- Hide cables or dangerous objects.
- Check that other animals in the house are not a threat.
B. Take the bird out calmly
Gently open the cage door and let the bird come out at its own pace. If he hesitates, show him that you're there by holding his hand. Once out of the cage, give him time to explore his environment.
- Never force the bird out : If he doesn't feel ready, it's best to try again later.
- Keep your voice calm : Speak gently to reassure him while he explores.
6. Strengthening the link with regular interactions
Once the bird is tamed and comfortable outside of its cage, it is important to continue to strengthen the link with the regular interactions.
A. Playtime and interaction
Birds, in particular wigs, calopsittes and inseparable, need mental and physical stimulation. Introduce interactive toys in the cage and play with them outside the cage to keep your bird stimulated.
- Use toys like bells, strings, and Puzzle games to occupy him.
- Spend time talking to your bird and letting it climb on your shoulders or hands.
B. Creating Routines
Birds love regularity and routines. Try to keep regular hours for meals, cage cleaning, and outing times. The more the bird can predict what will happen, the safer it will feel.
7. Avoid common errors
A. Do not force interactions
Never force your bird to interact with you if it doesn't feel ready. If the bird shows signs of stress or aggressiveness (throwing, strident screams), leave it alone and come back later.
B. Pay attention to his body language
Learn to recognize signs of stress (heavy plums, agitation, wing beat) and to respect the moments when he needs rest.
C. Do not ignore mental stimulation needs
Smart birds such as parrots or parrots need a stimulating environment. Offer them toys, interactions, and time out of the cage to stay happy and healthy.
Summary table of steps to tame a bird
| Step | Objective | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Create a secure environment | Allow the bird to get used to its new environment | Observe behaviour without direct interaction |
| 2. Reassuring presence | Habiting the bird to your presence and voice | Sit by the cage and talk gently to the bird |
| 3. Interact through the cage | Habit bird in sight and interaction with your hand | Offer treats through bars |
| 4. Insert your hand into the cage | Gaining bird confidence inside the cage | Offer treats inside the cage |
| 5. Encourage bird to climb | Learn to bird to get on the hand | Use an order and offer a treat as a reward |
| 6. Get the bird out of the cage | Allow the bird to explore outside the cage | Create a secure environment and let it out at its own pace |
| 7. Strengthening the link | Maintain regular interaction and stimulate the bird mentally | Playing with the bird, introducing toys, talking and interacting |
Approving a bird is a process that requires time, the patienceand the Kindness. By respecting your bird's rhythm, creating positive moments of interaction, and establishing a routine, you can develop a strong link and mutually satisfying with your feather companion.
