Post by chocobodragon on Mar 15, 2008 7:52:56 GMT -5
Here are some games that you can play with shy or untame parrots that don't like being handled yet. These games can also help you bond and encourage them to like you.
No Hands
Prevent your parrot from seeing your hands, as they can be frightening. When approaching your parrot, put your hands behind your back in or in your pockets.
Lower Level
Usually, it is better to keep a parrot and it's cage lower than your eye level. However, for very shy or untame birds, this could frighten them. So for small parrots, have their eyes above your eye level.
Shy
If you startle the bird (such as suddenly walking into the room), make yourself seem more afraid than your bird is. Hide, make yourself short, make cooing noises and rock slowly. Don't scream like a parrot in terror though...
Look Away
Whenever you see your parrot looking at you, look away (eg turn your head away, look down). Shy parrots can be intimidated by someone looking them in the eye. Do this until your parrot is comfortable with looking at you and you looking back.
Freeze
If your parrot freezes when you look at it, hold still for longer.
Now for some games for birds that, while still shy, are a bit steadier.
Sleeping
Sleep (or do something similar to sleeping, such as lying down on a couch watching TV or whatever). Parrots will be a lot more comfortable and use to your presence if you are sleeping, and may even start preening and doing other comfortable behaviours.
Blinking game
A scared bird will not blink. Get eye contact with your parrot then close your eyes. 'Blink' at the parrot in this manner, and one that is comfortable should blink back.
Peek-a-boo
Peer around a corner or over a newspaper at your bird, especially if it is curious about what goes on in its surroundings. You can combine this with 'blinking' or being shorter. Lol... this looks so funny in the head...
No Hands
Prevent your parrot from seeing your hands, as they can be frightening. When approaching your parrot, put your hands behind your back in or in your pockets.
Lower Level
Usually, it is better to keep a parrot and it's cage lower than your eye level. However, for very shy or untame birds, this could frighten them. So for small parrots, have their eyes above your eye level.
Shy
If you startle the bird (such as suddenly walking into the room), make yourself seem more afraid than your bird is. Hide, make yourself short, make cooing noises and rock slowly. Don't scream like a parrot in terror though...
Look Away
Whenever you see your parrot looking at you, look away (eg turn your head away, look down). Shy parrots can be intimidated by someone looking them in the eye. Do this until your parrot is comfortable with looking at you and you looking back.
Freeze
If your parrot freezes when you look at it, hold still for longer.
Now for some games for birds that, while still shy, are a bit steadier.
Sleeping
Sleep (or do something similar to sleeping, such as lying down on a couch watching TV or whatever). Parrots will be a lot more comfortable and use to your presence if you are sleeping, and may even start preening and doing other comfortable behaviours.
Blinking game
A scared bird will not blink. Get eye contact with your parrot then close your eyes. 'Blink' at the parrot in this manner, and one that is comfortable should blink back.
Peek-a-boo
Peer around a corner or over a newspaper at your bird, especially if it is curious about what goes on in its surroundings. You can combine this with 'blinking' or being shorter. Lol... this looks so funny in the head...
