need help taming a baby
Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 11:54 pm
I really need some advice. I've never had a baby before.
I've had a 7 month old Indian Ringneck for 2 days. He was hand fed as a baby, but after spent all his time up until now in a cage with 3 siblings, and wasn't handled anymore. The breeder told me he'd nip me a lot, but I should gently force him to let me hold him against my chest and pet him until he bonded with me and felt safe.
The good news is he hasn't bit me, and he's eating good and vocalizes a little.
But he absolutely doesn't want me to touch him, and wont perch on my hand unless kind of forced. If I try to hold him he just squirms and tries to get away from me.
What should I do? I don't want to scare him or traumatize him, but I don't want him left untamed. I want to be able to handle him in the future. Help!
I've had a 7 month old Indian Ringneck for 2 days. He was hand fed as a baby, but after spent all his time up until now in a cage with 3 siblings, and wasn't handled anymore. The breeder told me he'd nip me a lot, but I should gently force him to let me hold him against my chest and pet him until he bonded with me and felt safe.
The good news is he hasn't bit me, and he's eating good and vocalizes a little.
But he absolutely doesn't want me to touch him, and wont perch on my hand unless kind of forced. If I try to hold him he just squirms and tries to get away from me.
What should I do? I don't want to scare him or traumatize him, but I don't want him left untamed. I want to be able to handle him in the future. Help!