Training when unable to reward?

[YoYoLovie]

Hi there!

About one and a half month ago, I got a lovebird (Mango).
He is okay with me being around, but is scared of hands.
I started training him to get used to hands by putting my hand on the open door with some millet spray. He doesn't seem to be interested and stays at his "safe perch" (the one furthest away from the door).

Mango isn't interested in food or treats at all! I have tried all kinds of treats from the pet store, fresh fruits, veggies and herbs. I also tried his pellets and millet spray.
Out of all this, millet is the only thing he takes a nibble at when left in his cage.

I praise him with by saying "good bird!" Or "good Mango" with a higher and more enthusiastic voice than when I normally talk to him. But it doesn't really seem to do anything for him.

Rewarding him with scratches is out of the question since he is afraid of hands.

He also doesn't really have a favourite toy and the only thing he seems to really like is going outside the cage.

How would you guys train Mango if he were your bird? I'm really at a loss and in need of advice/ideas.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn W_C860 met Tapatalk

 

[noodles123]

You haven't had him very long, so you may be rushing things. That having been said, I have read that lovebirds can be a challenge in the taming department. Once you are sure that you have established trust, I would make sure you don't slack off on daily handling, but at this point, you may be moving too fast. I will let other members with more experience with these birds chime in, because I don't know much about them specifically.

 

[wrench13]

WHat the Noodle said. Too soon to expect big changes. As Ellen always reminds folks about training parrots - its a marathon that stretches over years, not a sprint. Be patient. You are doing the right thing with the millet.

Another way to gradually get him to like hands - start with millet in hand and sit 5 feet away from his cage, for 30 minutes. Next day move your chair a lttle closer, until he hops on his perch. at that point back off 6 inches. Repeat this every day, I will bet you a bag of popcorn he is eating from your hand.