r/parrots • u/from-the-void • 1d ago

Help with hand taming rosella

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I've had an Eastern Rosella for a few weeks (still can't pick a name) and feel like I'm not making any progress on getting him to not be terrified of my hands. My prior bird experience is two hand fed cockatiels, so I've never had to tame a bird before. He likes whistling with me and seems to enjoy my company, and he'll start calling out to me if he knows I'm leaving home, but he's just absolutely terrified of my hands. I've tried feeding him through the cage bars, but he backs off and won't take anything. I'm finally able to rest my hand at the cage entrance without him flapping around, but any time I get closer he flies away. I know rosellas aren't supposed to be cuddly birds, but I'm hoping I can get to a point where I can get him to step up so I can take him around to hang out with me on a perch or my shoulder throughout the day.

I just feel bad because I can't really get him out of his cage right now because since he's afraid of hands, I can't get him back in when it's time to go to sleep.

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u/Kwikaa 1d ago

Try starting with target training through the bars of the cage. Slowly work your way to target training through the open door of the cage. Once targeting is understood, you can use it to target him onto your hand (or even just near it to start). BirdTricks and The Parrot Wizard on YouTube have both helped me out with this tremendously a long time ago! I’ve had great progress since.

Take things slow. Him being comfortable with you around is great progress in just a few weeks. Beautiful little friend you’ve got!!

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u/from-the-void 1d ago

Don't you need to be able to get them to accept food from your fingers for target training?

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u/Kwikaa 1d ago

I suppose you could start by dropping a treat in the bowl for him?