Hmmm.. When and how?

[brianbh1378]

Hello! So i have had squirtle for around 3 weeks now. For the past few days, i was able to pet him pn his chest and he would clamly close his eyes as i pet him. Now, i really want to train him to perch on my finger so i can take hi. Out of hos cage. Can u guys please tell me when is a good time to train him and how? Thank you veryy muchh!

Brian~

 

[LoryLover]

If he's old enough to sit on a perch, then it's time to train him to go on your finger. With my pet birds, I've always just put my finger up against the top of the bird's legs and they immediately step onto my finger. I've never used any words while training to step on my finger, just the action of my finger presented to the bird tells him to step onto my finger.

 

[Niner10Tango]

When you place your finger above his legs, tell him to "step up". When he does it, praise him and reward him with a treat. I used millet with Tango. Before you know it, it will become second nature.

 

[brianbh1378]

I tried doing that but he looks at my finger and has no clue what to do. I want to put my finger out and slighly push his belly but i am afrid he would be scared..

 

[Birdlover11]

If he's okay with your hand in the cage and near him, you've got a green light ! They are 2 ways, one is have his favorite treat and put it on one side of your finger, he'll want to step up to get the treat. Or just gently press on abdomen and immediatly give treat, both worked on my budgies

 

[MonicaMc]

The following blog has a video of teaching a budgie to step up.

http://cagefreeparrot.blogspot.com/2009/08/bucky-and-strider-millet-eating-fiends.html