Taming an aviary bird

[Nicola]

Hi all I was hoping to tame 2 of my aviary birds (Poppi and Digger). They are already quite friendly and will climb up my arm with an offer of seed or millet. (I want them to stay in the aviary) But I want them to willingly step on my finger without food. How can I do this?

Nicola

[Hezz]

Nicola, read through the threads on taming and training. You will have to modify your training to suit you in the aviary, but the basics are the same. You will need to spend a lot of time in the aviary with them and be prepared to follow them around to reinforce what you want them to do.

Work with what they are already doing. Take some seed etc in every time, get them stepping onto your hand, arm, finger whatever and then give them their reward. After a while they will come along regardless.

[Bird Junky]

Hello. Well if you could convince them your more interesting

than a millet spray. You might be in with a chance..

But why would you expect them to do your bidding for no reward

every time.. Would you?..Come on don't be so mean....B.J.

[Rachael Kellett]

Nicola it sounds like you are half way there I would say keep going with the treats and they will soon be jumping on you without them, its all about building up their trust in you

[Nicola]

Thanks for the info Hezz
Thanks B.J. I'll keep that in mind
Thank you Rachael. A least I know that I am doing something right

[Hezz]

As Rachael said, you are half way there with them coming to you for seed now. It is as much about the time you spend with them as anything, and if you are always ready with a treat, they will learn to look for it.

Being an Aussie, don't overlook good old vegemite. All mine have a taste for it and Bluey and now Smudge always come looking for it when they hear/d me spreading my crackers. But maybe that is down the track a bit, if they are still wary of you. Good luck with them - I am sure you will get there.