Going backwards?

[granadan]

We have only had "Steve" a couple of weeks, he was very hand tame and friendly - we seem to be going backwards. I spend time every day just sitting and chatting to him, and I only get him out when the lights are low and there's a max of one or two children (sitting quietly) in the room. He started with being happy to sit with us and run up and down arms, sit in hair etc and eat millet, but lately (coincides with getting much larger cage) he seems to want to fly off and he is less keen to pop onto hands and have treats - I'm more concerned that he appears frightened now where he never did before - I've been so careful that he never gets scared as well. However, he did insist (inside the cage, lots of stomping and yelling) that he shared some toast and honey this morning.

Is this just normal ups and downs or have I cocked it up somewhere? I so badly want him to be a friendly, easy little
chap so he can have the freedom of the lounge when it is safe.

[stace]

From what you've said, it sounds like normal ups and downs. The taming process is more a matter of months, not weeks. Many people with new birds express frustration early on, thinking they will never tame their bird, but they almost always do. As long as you are patient and persistent, building up the trust with your bird regularly every day, the bond of trust will come.

[Hezz]

This quite often happens with a new bird. After they get used to you and your family, your routines, and feeling comfortable enough to show you what he wants to do and not want to do. Before he was still a little unsure, making him seem more easy going, now he is confident in his new environment enough to exert his own little personality. And so, yes, you do feel as though you have gone backwards.

The best thing for you to be doing now is to assert your personality, so he knows what you wish him to do. This will mean you may find yourself following him around, putting him on your hand and lots of praise when he does step up. As many times a day as you can for 10 -15 minute sessions each time, and ending on a positive note. This is where millet treats come in very handy. Bribery is very much allowed in budgie training.

[granadan]

Fabulous, thank you so much. He's getting quite funny, when he wants out he WANTS OUT and throws his weight around climbing all over the front and shouting when you sit next to him until you open the door.

I have half a bin liner of millet sprays here, bribery works for me too!

Thanks again