Trying to bite....

[getwozzy]

Starting yesterday, Jackie will *sometimes* try to bite my fingers when I'm changing her food and water... What the heck?? Am I doing something wrong?

 

[SandyBee]

No you are not doing anything wrong. She is geting more comfortable and is being defensive. When I first brought Bosley home on the third and fourth day he rushed the cage when I changed his food/water.

Avoid the bite, I started getting Bosley out of his cage to change food and water as well as clean his cage in the beginning. Continue on creating trust and Bond.
It took about a month for us before I could do anything I wanted in his cage, I could probably crawl in with him now LOL

 

[getwozzy]

We haven't tried to take her out, but we've been leaving the door open occasionally throughout the day. We talk to her as much as we can, and she seems to be enjoying everything...

I've been doing everything I can to avoid a bite lol if she's standing on her food dish, I'll change her water and vice versa.

 

[getwozzy]

What should our next step be?? Just keep doing what we're doing? Let her come out when/if she wants??

 

[SandyBee]

Keep doing what your doing. One of the best things investments I ever got was a training stand on wheels. I place this right outside Bosleys cage so he could get on it himself. It was a lifesaver at the beginning. He still loves it and we use it every day.

 

[getwozzy]

Haha that thing is cool!! I'll have to see if I can find one..

 

[SandyBee]

Yes let her come out, encourage her with treats and kind words.
If you get a stand you can get her away from her cage which can make her easier to work with and also expand her horizons.
Also puts her in situations where she needs to rely on you and that gives you an opportunity to create trust.

 

[getwozzy]

Oh that's so good to know! I'll definitely have to find one now... I gave her some apple yesterday and she looooovvved it lol it's probably been eons since she had fresh fruit.

 

[SandyBee]

Good
Find her favorite treats, will help to get her on the stand. Will also help to get her back in her cage when you need her to. They call the first month the honeymoon phase. It's the time where she is most unsure and on better behaviour. It is also the time that you can work with her, establish the routines around her home with you.

 

[getwozzy]

So, what it she eventually comes out of her cage but won't go back in? What do I do in that situation?

 

[SandyBee]

Thats why you find her favorite treats now.
When she comes out don't give her her favorite treat, when your ready place the treat in her cage and make sure she sees it. They will always go back in for food.
It may take a bit of time at first.
Bosley's favorites are cashews, popcorn and cheese. I reserve these for that reason. I use other treats for training.
You will have to get used to handling her and getting her to either step on a stick or your hand. Also look up toweling a bird on youtube, you need to know how to do it in an emergency. I only had to towel Bosley once and that was to get him to the vet. Another thing my vet did is if you need to ger her by a towel it's easier if you dim the lights, they don't see well in the dark.

 

[getwozzy]

Ok, thanks for the info I'll have to start experimenting more with treats, and I'll see if my husband can build a roll-around stand for her.... The top of her cage also has a built-in play stand, so I'm hoping one of these days she'll come out and go up there!

 

[SandyBee]

She will with time, she is just not used to be allowed out.
With the T-stand I left one of the food cup off so Bosley could get on it easier. I just rolled the perch right to his open door and used popcorn to get him on to the dowel. He was really nervous at first, but they learn quick.
Love, patience and common sense goes very far. You'll do fine.

 

[MonicaMc]

You may want to try teaching her to station within the cage. Have her sit on a perch that is away from the dishes and reward her - a good reason to find out what treats she loves! Or what foods she eats out of her dish first.

Here's one blog on stationing.
Stationing | Lara Joseph

 

[Pinkbirdy]

So, what it she eventually comes out of her cage but won't go back in? What do I do in that situation?

I have a new rehomed zon too.Mine would try to bite me [doesnt mean yours will to] when it was time to go back in.I use a stick, hes stick trained.Hes taught me how to be very observant of his mannerisms.

 

[getwozzy]

Is it better to start out with stick training? Does that make the transition to the hand easier?

 

[SandyBee]

Most people will say stick because that means anybody can handle them and keeps you safer. In my case Bosley hated sticks, still does.

 

[getwozzy]

Hmmm.... But even if I stick train her, will I essentially need to retrain her for my hand??

 

[SandyBee]

No, if they get used to the stick they will go on your hand/arm very easily.

 

[getwozzy]

Oooo good to know!