Abby’s bird, as I mentioned before, is named Pretzel. He’s a big dork. We’ve had him for a month now and he’s shown zero improvement in settling down and being a good pet for Abby. I’ve had a number of birds since I was young (a couple parakeets, a lovebird, a green cheek conure, and I nursed a surly, sick double yellow headed amazon back to health for a pet store once who didn’t like to be held before I got to him).
I thought I was rather proficient at hand training. So I called the pet store and voiced my frustration, hoping for some words of wisdom and she unexpectedly offered to take him back.
Abby’s not ready for that yet, so I asked for help instead. The lady said to take him out and hold him against my chest, talking softly and that it was way too early to expect him to sit on our finger out in the open without trying to fly away. It could take several weeks of this before he’ll calm down.
Well, the other birds I’ve had got over it soon enough, but I’m willing to try. He does seem to like being caved in like that. He relaxes a bit.
Dumb bird.
August 16th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Hi La!
It’s been a long time! I miss you! Wow, your family has grown! Everyone looks terrific! I hope you are all well.
I wonder, have you tried training the bird?
I’d be delighted to come over and give some free lessons. Birds are magnificent to work with. I’ve trained chickens; I learned from one of the best behaviorist/trainers in the world who trained lots of birds!!!
I’d love to help. I’m living around the corner in the old ‘hood again and actually have some things for you. I’ve been meaning to call.
I recently did a little crochet work, mostly prayer shawls, and one for me. Now I’m knitting a bolero and more prayer shawls.
Call me anytime.
Love,
Gayle
(206)799-0521