Is there something I can do?

nichole123 · Post by **nichole123** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:44 pm

My little guy is 6 months old. I bought him from a breeder at 6 weeks and handfed him for the next three. During that time he was the sweetest little thing. Now however is a different story. I don't think it's bluffing, he's just really territorial about his cage. He is fine when he is on his playgym and I can pick him up and he is an angel, but if I even LOOK at his cage or walk near it he lunges at me! I'm afraid he is going to hurt himself hitting the bars so hard! If he bites me when I take him out of the cage I ignore it (as much as humanly possible) but I was told to just let him come out on his own when he wants to. But if I do that, doesn't he win? What if something happens and I have to get him out of his cage right away? I've tried treats, getting him to step up on to a perch (which he lunges at both), and letting him have free roam of the inside and outside (which made him a little cocky) I've moved his cage. moved his toys, and even changed where the food and water bowls are placed. Nothing has helped. :shock:

WHAT DO I DO!!???

Donna · Post by **Donna** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:15 pm

Not to worry to much, This phase will pass. All you have to do is be patient and don't give up on working with him. When he is out and away from his cage take him to another room where he can not see his cage. Put him on a t-stand and work with the step up commands first. Also practice this while he is on your hand by simply changing hands like a ladder and always use step up command and reward when finished. Work with him for only 10 minutes at a time so he doesn't get over stimulated.

Donna

Post by **Lauren** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:25 pm

Hello and Welcome to the world of IRNs.

It might take some patience and persistance but you will get somewhere with him. Even if its little steps. Taking him to another room for training works well. Somewhere where there is no distractions like a bathroom.

nichole123 · Post by **nichole123** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:38 pm

Here is the problem. He knows "step up" and he knows it well. He knows I lead to treats and a good head rub. He is all for me when he is on the playgym on top of his cage and when he is sitting on the door of his cage, but when he is IN the cage the true monster in him comes out. I can hold him and touch his cage and mess with "his things" but if he is inside he grabs ahold of me and grinds his beak! I ignore it and tell him "step up" and when he does it he gets a pet or a treat. Right now he is being so sweet, preening me with his cage right behind me and no problems.

Post by **Lauren** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:55 pm

I'd keep holding my hand in the cage everyday. You might end up with bruised hands but hopefully he will get the idea that you are boss and you are telling him to step up. Be persistant. I'm trying this with Yoda as he is the same. Will step up fine when out of the cage. But inside, I'm not allowed to touch him or touch 'his' things. He does this in Jibbys cage too. :roll:

They do grow out of it. So hang in there and keep trying.

Goodluck.

nichole123 · Post by **nichole123** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:05 pm

Thank you so much for the advice!

Elizabeth · Post by **Elizabeth** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:09 am

Most birds no matter how sweet and well adjusted do become cage territorial this is why even people who have had their bird for 20 years still get bitten when they put their hand in the cage.

My boy Ajendra is also about 6 months old and he won't lunge but he doesn't like me puting fingers near the cage unless its to pass treats to him. And when I go to get him out I have to use an arm covered over with a sleeve or a very light cotton glove. He doesn't like fingures. Most people use a wooden dowel for this.

Then once he is away from the cage its fine to go back to normal with handling. With the cage, its his house and you have to respect it and not touch it in his presence.

This is really normal behaviour! Just keep doing what you originally was and if he does bite you just ignore it, keep behaving the same as if he never bit you. If you become disillusioned about handling him it will only ever get worse.

Good luck!