So, this sounds good. Do you get the feeling he is making the connection between you coming along and announcing treats and the treats being there to eat? That would be ideal.Weekly update. We have tried with giving him treats and announcing these treats, he comes down and does have his treats but only after we are at a safe distance.
You don't need to cut down on the treat until he's taking them the way you want - ie, until it's "working". The reason for reducing the size of the treat is two-fold: 1) You want him to get the treat, appreciate his reward, but not spend all his time eating and getting distracted from your goal and 2) You don't want him to get all full and lazy before you have accomplished what you came for. Right now you are still in the "lookie how I have a jackpot of goodies - you *want* to be my friend" stage.Tried cutting down on treats so he wants them more, but no real effect.
I'm sorry about this. Review your approach, make sure you are not surprising him, you're gentle, not moving too fast or creeping like a predator, you're bringing treats. When you get to the spot that is too close for his comfort, if you turn around and face away from him, does he manage to settle at all?He is still getting stressed when we are close by, he flaps around inside the cage ;(
Am I understanding this correctly, he has *changed* his behaviour for the better? This sounds quite fine indeed. I would inch closer, and when I say inch, I mean literally move the place you sit closer only by inches over time.The notable positive is he is turning to face us most of the time if the distance is fine and when we sit near him to eat.
Abbi, I know the slow pace has got to be frustrating, but if you are seeing a positive change, then you are doing something right. Have you got him set up in the bigger cage? How does he like it? How do you like it? Have you found out his #1 favourite food? Keep trying. You both can do this!