How to gain your bird's trust

Bringing your pet parrot home for the first time could be challenging. One of the challenges most bird owners may experience is learning how to gain their bird's trust.

As A bird Owner, Here Are Some Things You Should Expect When You Bring a New Parrot Home

Your pet bird may always look alert and nervous.
It won't appear fluffy or relaxed most time.
It may not eat food for a day.
It might get startled at the smallest of sounds.
It might get nervous around other birds or pets.

Where To Keep Your New Bird

Placing your parrot's cage at a slightly higher position would make it easy for the new bird to observe his/her surroundings. Birds also prefer to perch in higher positions.

Don't get too excited and stand close to the cage. Observe the bird from afar and vice-versa.

Take Your New Bird Out of Its Cage

Ensure your bird is kept in its cage for at least a week before taking it out. Make sure its wings are clipped to an extent so that it doesn't get hurt when in an unfamiliar section of your house.
Don't touch the bird or try to grasp it in your hands when taking it out. Ensure the cage is resting on the ground with the open end pointing towards you. If your bird wants to come out and explore, it will do so.
Make sure all dark places are unreachable to the bird. The bird is already new to your house, dark places will be a cause of terror.

Do Not Touch the Bird

Do not try touching or stroking your bird's head. it may be very tempting to pat your new bird's head or give it a nice scratch but refrain from touching them without their consent, they will not feel safe or won't like to trust you.

What you can do is just observe the bird from a distance and keep decreasing the distance as the weeks go by. Allow the bird to wander around you or near you while you keep minding your own business.

if your bird touches you or comes close to you, do not do anything. Let your bird do what he/she wants. With time, your bird will realize that you don't mean any harm and it's okay to come close to you.

Acquaint Your Bird With Your Hand

Ensure this is subtle. Let your new bird realize that your palm is a safe place.

If you don't have a bird, you can always offer seeds, green leaves like spinach, lettuce or Pellet Complete Diets, Seed Mixes, Soaking & Cooking Foods, corn, breadcrumbs and even eggshells.

Remember that this step won't work in a day or two. It takes a couple of months, so it's important to remain patient.

If your bird doesn't respond or take anything from your palm, do not feel discouraged. Keep doing this bit from your side.

Bond With Your Parrot

Parrots love attention and understand human vibes. Gaining your parrot's trust and bonding with it should go hand in hand. They can comprehend when you are angry, happy, loving or sad. Here are some other ways you can bond with your parrot.

Frequently praise your bird.
Try singing to it once in a while.
Always talk softly.
You could offer your pet's favourite food occasionally.
You could offer your pet's favourite parrot toys occasionally.
If your parrot is a fan of music, play some songs for it.
Check if it is a water lover and help it bathe. If it is not, keep encouraging it to take dips regularly.
Always keep your bird's cages and surroundings clean because even though your pet does not like dirt, it can't tell you, but it will always notice dirt.
Encourage it to play with small toys kept on your palm. Buy swings, hanging ropes or good quality toys to keep it engaged