How to Make a Pet Bird Not Be Scared of You

Give your bird time to adjust to his new surroundings.

If you want to own a pet bird that will not be scared of you, take strong measures to make it feel safe and secure. "PETCO urges pet owners to socialize a bird slowly and over time with all of the residents of the home." Birds have their own quirks, so what scares one bird may not scare another. Get to know your pet bird so you can provide a safe and loving environment where it can thrive.

Instructions

1. 

   Keep the bird cage away from heavy traffic.

   Create a safe environment for your pet bird. A pet bird is not like a pet cat that enjoys looking out the window. Sudden movement and predatory animals may scare a pet bird. Keep the birdcage away from windows and heavy traffic such as kids, dogs, cats and loud noises.

2. 

   Make sure your pet bird feels safe inside its cage.

   Determine if your pet bird's environment is causing distress. Investigate your pet bird's cage and make sure it is not reacting negatively toward any toys or objects inside the cage. Every bird is different and may react to an object in a negative way. Remove anything from the cage that creates discomfort for your pet bird.

3. 

   Avoid fast movement when approaching the birdcage.

   Approach your pet bird after you have created a safe and comfortable environment within its cage. Do not be aggressive or abrupt when approaching your pet bird. Avoid making eye contact initially. Slowly approach your pet bird each day until it gets used to seeing you. After your pet bird resumes normal behavior despite your presence, take the next step by opening the birdcage door.

4. 

   Feed a pet bird treats.

   Rest your hand at the birdcage door holding a treat. Allow your pet bird to come to you and collect the treat. It may take several tries to gain your pet bird's trust, but stick with it and be patient.

5. 

   Leave birdcage door open.

   Gently touch your pet bird's feet, nudging it to hop on your hand. Once the bird is comfortable perched on your hand, slowly move your hand around within the cage. Eventually, you want the bird to trust you no matter what. Do not push a pet bird beyond what it is ready for, such as interacting with you or leaving the safety of the cage. Leave the cage door open so your pet bird can make the decision on its own when to come out and explore the outside environment.

6. 

   Hand feed a pet bird.

   Hand feed your pet bird fruit and other treats it likes. Talk softly and sweetly to your pet bird. Present a calm and relaxed demeanor when handling your pet bird because he can notice anxious and stressful energy.

7. 

   Small parrot.

   Choose the right bird. Certain birds such as Canaries and Finches prefer humans not to handle them. Small parrots such as Cockatiels and Parakeets enjoy affection and are easier to interact with and socialize.

Tips & Warnings

• Discuss different bird species and behaviors with a pet storeowner, veterinarian or bird expert such as an ornithologist.

References

• PETCO: Socializing Your Bird
• Bird Channel: The Scary Top 7
• Bird Channel: Approach a Cage-Bound Pet Bird
• Dummies: Choosing Your Bird: The Best Birds For Beginners