Taming quaker?

[Heina]

About 8 months ago I got a quaker. I have named him Forest and I have spent a lot of time trying to tame him. His cage is in my room and in my room I have a tv and couch. In the morning I open the shades and uncover him. I talk to him and he tries to mimic me.
I leave the tv on a lot and talk to him throughout the day. He seems to trust me a little bit, when I feed him he goes up to the bowl and will even take food from me, but absolutely will not let me touch him. I can stick my hand in the cage and he does not mind unless I try to pet him. I have tried getting him to step up onto my finger or even a perch, but he just moves away. If I go up to the cage he will go to whatever side I am on, but again if I try to pet him he immediately puffs up and moves.
I would like to be able to trust him out of his cage, so if you guys have any tips on getting him to at least step up, that would be great!
I should also add he has a nice cage with tons of toys I switch out. Seems to enjoy them very much.

 

[Allee]

Quakers tend to be territorial around their cages, even very friendly Quakers are often nippy near their rooms. Quakers can be very affectionate, but usually on their terms. Most quakers like to have their necks skritched but that may take some time.

I think you'll have more positive results if you work with Forest away from his cage. A good way to get a reluctant quaker away from his safe zone is to attach a perch to the outside of his cage near his door, stay in the room but pretend you aren't interested in wether he comes out or not, before you know it, he'll be on your shoulder, styling your hair and redesigning your wardrobe. If that doesn't work, try putting something he wants within sight but several feet away from his cage, toys, millet spray, anything to make him curious enough to investigate.

Does Forest have an absolute favorite treat, pumpkin seeds are my favorite for training but the idea is to use something Forest really likes and reserve that treat just for training or interaction. Use one arm, hand or finger as a bridge, hold the treat in your other hand and encourage Forest to step up for the treat. Be patient, once he learns the step up command, he's likely to do it every time you ask.

 

[Heina]

Thank you! That actually worked! He immediately came out and flew to me! When I put him back in he did not wanna leave my arm! Kept climbing back up!

 

[Allee]

That's great progress! I'm sure you've noticed, quakers are scary smart and very in tune with their people. Once Forest has developed a little trust you'll be amazed at how quickly he learns.

 

[ksuyen]

That's the way I work with Poki, although he is handfed and used to human, he does not like a direct approach. I usually pretend that I ignored him, and soon he would fly to me and wouldn't leave, and kept coming back no matter how many times I put him back to the perch.

 

[flyingron]

Our bird, which is pretty tame and trained, will at times be defensive in the cage. I just open the door and wait until she climbs out. Then she's pretty receptive to being picked up.

 

[Leah00]

I've had my little Yoshi for 2 years and he's very sweet and tame outside of his cage. Inside his cage he's the devil!! It's a challenge to change his food and water while he's in there.

Great job on your progress!!