Can't Get My Ringneck Out Of The Cage

[JonnyEccs]

Hi, I am just looking for some advice.

I've had my ringneck for two weeks now (she is 13months old). Getting her out of her cage is proving difficult. Usually, I sit beside the cage on a chair with food and she comes out to get it and when she's out I would close the cage door and get her to step up then leave the room.

Now she rarely comes out for food fully, she pokes her head out of the cage and that's it. Getting her out is very hard.

Weird thing is she came out for my brother last night. She climbed out and stepped up. First time she's ever done it.

I'm worried as I don't want her to be afraid of me and I want her to come out.

PS: When she comes out and goes in to another room with me she's great. She trusts me and lets me stroke her etc.

Thanks.

 

[Cheri]

She knows that everytime she comes out for you, you take her away from her cage - her safety net. Work on having her step up on your finger, but then immediately put her in or on her cage. Do this many times until she is comfortable, then just take her a step or two away and return her, gradually incresing the distance and time away from her cage. Some birds also freak out if they can't SEE their cage at all times.

 

[JonnyEccs]

She knows that everytime she comes out for you, you take her away from her cage - her safety net. Work on having her step up on your finger, but then immediately put her in or on her cage. Do this many times until she is comfortable, then just take her a step or two away and return her, gradually incresing the distance and time away from her cage. Some birds also freak out if they can't SEE their cage at all times.

Thanks for the advice. Recently she has came out for food and has happily stepped up and sat on my lap or my arm to get her food. I can carry her out of the room now and she seems fine.

Small steps I guess but she's slowly coming round.

 

[jasper19]

I am of the belief that (at least for new birds that you aren't used to)...you should only let the bird come out, or go into the cage if you are taking her out or putting her in.

For example, the first time you open the cage, she needs to step up to come out. Then she can come and go as she pleases. Then, when you want to leave and lock her up, if she is already in the cage, you make her step up, take her out then put her back in.

The bird shouldn't get to decide whether or not it comes out. This is good training for say an emergency? What if you NEED the bird to step up right NOW...but it won't step to you?...also for more reason then that, i think its just good practice.

I think with time you will be fine, just keep working on getting her to step up while she is still in the cage.

 

[JonnyEccs]

I am of the belief that (at least for new birds that you aren't used to)...you should only let the bird come out, or go into the cage if you are taking her out or putting her in.

For example, the first time you open the cage, she needs to step up to come out. Then she can come and go as she pleases. Then, when you want to leave and lock her up, if she is already in the cage, you make her step up, take her out then put her back in.

The bird shouldn't get to decide whether or not it comes out. This is good training for say an emergency? What if you NEED the bird to step up right NOW...but it won't step to you?...also for more reason then that, i think its just good practice.

I think with time you will be fine, just keep working on getting her to step up while she is still in the cage.

Thanks for the advice. Last Saturday she stepped up and came out for a sunflower seed and did this several times. When she ate the seed I instantly placed her back in her cage perch (I was hoping this would help gain her trust).

Recently when I try this she climbs to the top of her perch seemingly scared and she on occasion gets quite aggressive and bites like she did at the start.

I get so discouraged. When I take a step forward it seems like 2 steps back.