Bonding with Your Bird

You've arrived at home with your new bird. Got the little guy, or gal, a nice roomy cage, lots of toys, and you have been anticipating this for quite some time. Suddenly, you realize that you've never done this before.

So how do you begin the bonding process?

This will depend on whether or not your parrot was hand-raised. If your bird has been hand-raised, this will give you a huge jumpstart in the bonding process. It will already be somewhat comfortable with humans, and allow you to handle it much more than one who has had little or no human contact.

If you have purchased a bird that has been properly socialized, you get to skip those cumbersome "getting used to humans" activities. Believe me, that is something to be thankful for. If not, don't worry. You'll get there, it will just take time and patience.

When bonding with your bird, it is important to spend as much time as possible with them. They need to learn that you are safe, that you love them, and that you are now going to be caring for them.

A great way that I've found to begin the bonding process is to simply sit by your bird's cage and read a book out loud. In this way, the bird gets used to your presence and your voice, without feeling threatened by you, or overwhelmed by its surroundings. Birds don't take quickly to change, so it is important that you introduce new things gradually, and right now both your home and yourself are brand new to your feathered friend.

Once your bird is used to your presence near its home, it is time for you to introduce your bird to your hand. You can start this by placing your hands on the cage: cleaning the food bowl, changing the water, moving toys around...generally anything that will bring your bird into indirect contact with your hand. Be sure that you move slowly, so as not to startle your parrot, and back off if it seems uncomfortable with anything that you are doing. If your bird gets scared or is obviously uncomfortable with your hand being in such close proximity, don't worry. They're still trying to get acquainted with this whole new world. Pull your hand away, talk soothingly, wait a few minutes and try again. It may take a while but it will happen. Eventually your avian companion will be comfortable with your hand being in the cage.

The next step is finger-training, or training your bird to step onto your finger. This can take some time. The easiest way to accomplish this is to place your pointer finger lengthwise in front of your bird, just above the feet, and press gently into its stomach area. This should cause the bird to instinctively step onto your finger. If not, it's okay. Back off, give your bird some time - speaking in low, soothing tones all the while - and approach them again in a few minutes. The first time your bird steps up for you, you will feel such a sense of accomplishment and joy. It makes this lengthy process worth it. At this point, try not to make any sudden movements. You could quite possibly erase all the progress you've made up to this point. I can't stress enough how important it is that you not startle your bird during these first crucial steps of the bonding process. Remember, you are setting the milestones for your relationship. Go ahead and let them get back down, and repeat this process until your bird steps onto your finger each time you present it to them. Be sure to reward your bird for this behavior, either with a treat or vocal praise.

At this point, your bird is comfortable with your physical presence, your voice, your hand being inside his/her cage, and standing on your finger. You are well on your way to a long, loving relationship. You have essentially bonded with your bird.

From this point on, your relationship will grow in leaps and bounds. You'll see more progress every day. The more time you spend with your bird, the stronger your bond will grow. If you want to keep this bond strong, it is important to interact with your bird every day, and to give it lots of attention and love. Never, ever hit your bird or its cage. If you lose the trust of your bird you may never gain it again.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the first stages of the bonding process. From here on out, it's up to you how to proceed. Would you like to begin training your parrot to talk? Teach it to perform tricks? Or simply foster a loving relationship to last a lifetime? No matter your choice, you will not be disappointed. Birds are considered high maintenance pets and require more care than more traditional pets, but they are worth every second and every ounce of energy that you pour into them. The rewards of being a bird parent are enormous. Enjoy continuing to bond with your new companion!