Rescued IRN Help and advice Please

[ash9965]

Almost 2 months ago I was able to rescue 2 IRN's ( appeared to be treated very badly ) they were in a cage together about 12 inches by 16 inches -almost no space for a pair that size. Their wings were cut extremely short and almost no tail feathers. they were very nervous and frightened at the slightest move. My first thing I did was to set up a larger cage however getting them from 1 cage to the other was a task again they were terrified and when I finally was able to get a hold of one it bit very hard and drew blood before I could get it into the other cage same thing with the 2nd . Needless to say My fingers were bloody and sore for a bit. So far this is the progress I have made . I daily feed them and open their cage for a couple of hours . At first they were so terrified they would not exit the cage even if the door was fully open and every time I walked near the cage they would panic fluttered all over the place. as time has passed they have started slowly coming out of the cage a little at a time but if someone unexpectedly moves coughs or sneezes they panic and get back in the cage as quickly as possible. They still sometimes panic when I approach to feed them and will not come any where near my hand. I am starting to think the best we can hope for with this pair is that they are well fed and able to at least come out of their cages for a few minutes everyday and enjoy some peace from whatever terrible life they used to have. A few questions - 1. Am I on the right path with them .2. What can I do to make the taming progress go better. 3. Is there any chance they will ever be tame or is the damage already done from their unfortunate past..

Also some things to note they are both green and not sure how old.. I am assuming they are either both females or young males as neither has a ring as of yet. Any advice will be deeply appreciated. Thanks in Advance..

 

[itzjbean]

First of all, thank you for rescuing this pair from a bas situation, as it is clear they were not in a good one. I am not experienced with IRN's, but the best thing you can do is provide them a nice, roomy cage, fresh, clean water and a good diet, filled with a variety of things for them to enjoy. As a rule, when trying to transfer birds, you can use a towel to minimize the biting/stress. As for what to do to make their transition more comfortable, it would be best to let them adjust by allowing them peace and quiet for much of the day, which is what they need. Be sure that any time you approach their cage that it is always for positive reasons. Offer a treat in their food bowl, talk quietly to them. Because we don't know their past, there is a chance they may never be tame, but that doesn't mean that you won't gain their trust. Continue to do what you're doing, provide a safe, calm, clean environment and give them lots of space and patience. Eventually you'll want to bring them to the vet for a vet visit, to ensure they are healthy and don't have problems that you don't know about.

 

[maverickbull]

See if this helps (based on my experience)
IRNs generally take a longer time to trust but the wait is worth it. They are little rascals who will keep you laughing all through the day
First 2/3 days just let them be; don't try to interact too much.
Next ensure they can see you... but no interaction. This way they can start seeing you as someone whom they don't have to fear.
Like itzjbean had suggested drop a treat every time you approach them. Best treats being Almonds or a piece of Fruit (careful about too much sugars). Do a simple whistle before you come in and if possible ensure they can see you coming as this can help reduce the fear.
Take a nap in front of them or under their cage (below their eye level basically) - the height helps the birds to feel comfortable. nap - makes you vulnerable so it increases their curiosity & reduces the fear.
Diet - I'm a firm believer that diet can help change the birds mood. So get into a nice healthy regime. You will definitely see a difference in them both physically & emotionally.
There are a lot of pages in this forum that can help you with a good diet regime. I personally stick to veggies, pellets, sprouts & fruits (seeds only as treats).
Be patient... and invest time you will see your birds transforming.
PS: see if you can take them to a vet for a check-up just to rule out any health issues
Do keep posting your progress and also some of their pics please

 

[ash9965]

Thanks all advice appreciated

 

[Ron]

Great advice. I recently purchased a 2 1/2 month old IRN female from a breeder that hand fed her. Omg, she's beautiful but sooooo scared of me. She freaks out when I put my hand in her BIG cage to feed her. I've read to give her ALL the time she needs to gain my trust. Poor lil thing, I just want to hold her n love her but I know I have to gain her trust 1st. On HER terms. But will she get wild ,untamable if I don't touch her?? HELP.