Bond with your parakeet so that you and your new feathered friend will enjoy each other's company.
If you've just gotten or are planning to get a parakeet, then you have a potential new best friend. Parakeets by nature are social animals, so it is not too difficult to get them to form a bond with you. Once you have gained a parakeet's trust, you'll find that he can be very playful, affectionate and a joy to be around.
CHOOSING A BIRD
If you haven't picked out a bird yet, you may want to take some things into consideration. Younger birds are generally more adaptive than older birds, and may be easier to tame. If possible, think about choosing a young bird that has been hand fed since hatching. These hand-fed or hand-raised birds are already used to being around humans.
If you plan on going to a pet store rather than a breeder, find a shop that specializes in birds, preferably one in which the bird cages are kept behind a see-through barrier, separate from shoppers. Also, look for stores that keep just a couple of parakeets in smaller cages, rather than many in large community cages. A bird that has been snatched from it's parents and thrown into a huge cage with dozens of other strange birds, and set in the middle of a pet shop amidst barking dogs and children who bang on the cage bars may be either traumatized and timid, or may be hostile and aggressive.
If you have already gotten an older bird, or one that fears humans, don't worry. It may simply take you some extra time to get him to warm up to you, but with patience it can be done.
BRINGING YOUR PARAKEET HOME
It is not necessary, but may be beneficial to have the bird's wings clipped, or partially clipped, before you even bring him home. Wing clipping does not hurt the bird; only the tips of the flight wings are snipped off to prevent take-off flight (though, if done properly, the bird will be able to glide down and land safely). The clipped feathers will grow back in time; until then, the bird won't be able to fly around. Once you start handling him, he won't be able to get away from you as easily. If he does get away, he will be easier to catch, and being flightless will lessen the chance of him flying into mirrors or walls if he should get scared.
If you have never clipped a bird's feathers before, you may want to have a breeder or knowledgeable pet store employee to do it for you, or show you how.
If you have other birds, your best bet would be to isolate the new bird for a while. It will cause less stress as he adapts to his new surroundings. In addition, if your new bird begins bonding with the other birds first, it may be more difficult to get him to accept you. This is also a good reason to avoid using mirrors in or near the cage. When a bird looks in a mirror, he thinks that he is seeing another bird. He can begin to form a relationship with his reflection, which appears to be very a very attentive and non-hostile mate. Once he finds a friend in his reflection, he'll feel less of a need to befriend you.
If you have other pets, such as dogs or cats, that pose a threat to your bird, make sure to keep your bird in a room away from them. A barking dog, or a cat that pounces on the cage, may traumatize the poor bird so badly he'll be unwilling to socialize with anyone in the house.
GIVE HIM TIME
When you bring your new parakeet home, he may feel very nervous and frightened. Give him time to adapt to you and his new surroundings. Don't let him out for the first few days, until he becomes comfortable with you being near him, or it may be difficult to get near him if you want to get him back in the cage.
For his first few days, don't try to reach into the cage to pet him or grab him- only to change his food and water, and do it quickly. Don't make loud noises or sudden movements around him. Do try to spend time around him throughout the day. Sit near the cage, talk to him softly, sing to him, and let him become used to your presence.
MAKE CONTACT
Once your parakeet has become familiar with you, you can begin opening the cage door a few times a day and putting your hand inside. At first he might fly around and cling to the sides, trying to get away from him. Show him you are not a threat by not chasing him around. Don't try to grab him or touch him; just put your hand in there, perhaps holding a treat such as some fruit, or a honey seed stick. Don't leave treats in the cage at first- feed him his seeds, but only offer treats from your own hands until you have formed a bond and he'll come to you without them.
If the treat entices him, he may come close to your hand, or on it, in attempts to get it. If he grows bold enough to make this move, let him. If your bird is too shy to make the first move toward you, you can start moving toward him. After a few days of putting your hand in the cage, he should settle down and stop bouncing off the walls when your hand is there. Move your hand slowly toward him and extend a finger to him, and brush up against the lower part of his breast. Try to encourage him to perch on your finger.
When he does begin perching on your finger, you may want to present him with a little treat (if you haven't already). Let him sit there for a few minutes while talking to him sweetly. Do this several times a day. When he seems comfortable with perching on your finger, begin slowly bringing him out of the cage.
GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER
Once your bird will allow you to take him out of the cage, let him sit on your finger, or place him gently on your lap or arm (sleeves will be easier for him to walk on than bare arms). Let him walk around on you and get used to you, feeding him a treat if he'll take it. If he flies off, let him explore a bit, then move over to him slowly and try to get him to perch back on your finger.
Every day, take him out for a bit more time. Don't always try to direct him, or force him to sit in one place- let him explore, but stay near him and make sure the surroundings are safe and secure.
PLAY TIME
Begin introducing some toys during your time together when he is out of the cage. "˜Keets are very playful, and very curious creatures. There are many inexpensive plastic and wooden bird toys, such as balls, ladders, and beads, that he will love. Roll a ball toward him, or drag the beads around the table letting him chase (and occasionally catch) them. You will know when he is having fun, and if he is having fun, no doubt, you will be, too.
Besides store-bought bird toys, your "˜keet will probably enjoy a variety of other things you have in the house. Children's toys, such as doll houses he can explore, or a basket filled with shredded papers he can pick at, will be loads of fun for him. Introduce him to a variety of safe activities, making sure there is nothing harmful he can swallow. Play music for him- some birds like to bounce around and "dance" when music is on. Talk to him and play with him frequently, and he'll begin to enjoy spending time with you.
With gentleness and patience, your bird will soon know that he can trust you, and you will become a valued friend. Soon he'll be coming when you call, or seeking you out whenever he can get out of his cage.
