Hand taming your bird

Congratulations, you're the proud new parent of a beautiful, bright-eyed bird! You probably can't wait to get to know your pet – and he wants to know what you're all about, too. Hand taming is one of the first steps you'll take on your new adventure.

It's normal for your new pet to be wary of you for the first few days. You can help him settle in by moving slowly and talking calmly as you go about your business of changing food and water and cleaning the cage. Spend time sitting quietly with him.

Patience is a must with pet bird training

After the first few weeks of getting acquainted, you can begin the hand taming process. Note that finches and canaries are only social with each other, and are not tameable. Larger parrots, cockatiels, lovebirds and budgies crave attention from their human caretakers and are readily trained. In general, younger birds are easier to tame. If you're working with a budgie or cockatiel, you may want to wear a glove. A heavy protective glove is highly recommended when hand taming large parrots, particularly in the beginning stages.

Hold your taming sessions at the same time every day, preferably twice daily, for about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to remove toys and any other distractions from the cage. The room should be quiet: no radio, TV or other people or pets. Open the cage door and insert your hand (slowly, please!). Talk softly and reassuringly to your bird. For the first stages of taming, offer your pet a little treat. A piece of whole-grain cereal or air-popped popcorn, sunflower seeds and grapes are good choices. Don't be discouraged if he heads to the corner of the cage. It may take a few sessions before he accepts the treat, but remember that gentle words and slow movements will go a long way.

Tips on bird training and treats

Once your bird trusts you enough to take food from your hand, it's time for step two. Pass a perch or thin stick into the cage (for larger parrots, you may need to use a wooden dowel) and use it to gently press against the bird's chest, just where it meets the legs. With time, he should hop up onto the stick.

As your bird gets used to this, you can ease your stick-holding hand under your bird. With your free hand, offer your bird small treats as a distraction while you slide your hand over. As your bird steps on to your finger, gently drop the stick. Way to go! You've hand-tamed your bird! And now is time for other members of the family to begin offering him treats and gaining his trust.

Now that your bird is comfortable perching on your finger, you can try removing your hand from the cage – with him on it, of course! Secure the room first by shutting all windows and doors; cover any windows or mirrors so your bird cannot accidentally fly into them. If your bird flies straight back into his cage as soon as you take him out, don't give up, just try again another time. If he flies off your finger, don't panic, and please don't lunge after him. Wait until he's settled and offer your finger or a stick as a perch. In the event he doesn't come back, leave the cage door open with his favorite treats inside. He'll no doubt head back in on his own when he's hungry enough.