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I recently rescued a bird from a situation where he was simply being neglected. Bobby is about 2 years old. He was not hand fed, and has had very little contact for quite awile. He used to go on a finger, but I don't know how long ago that was. I would love some advice on how to help this bird out. He is quite afraid of me. I am able to get him out of his cage, and once in the bathroom he will sit on my finger, but is clearly unhappy about the arangement. Getting him out of the cage is not easy. He sits in the same spot in his cage all day, as far as I can tell. Any advice?

woody used to freak out when we took him out of his cage! Now although he does not come out on his own most times, he is very easy to get out now. I used to set woody on the couch with me and hold a blanket up around him so he could not fly away. After about five minutes or so he would calm down and he would climb up on me and get on my shoulder, and I would slowly set the blanket down. He usually stayed right there with me and didn't fly away, and got very content on my shoulder pretty quickly. I know it is sometimes suggested to take them into a smaller room like that where their cage is not in sight, but woody was such a scared little birdie that I never did that----I think he was calmer about it in the same room he is used to and familiar with, and his cage was always in sight. You could try the shoulder thing, most birds really like being on your shoulder, and being near your face alot more than hands! It worked with woody, but every bird is different. If this bird used to get on fingers before, then I think chances are good he will again. Be patient above all other things. Sometimes it feels like it will never happen because it is such a slow process.
He sits in the same place in his cage all day? Are you sure because woody sometimes will sit in the same place for a while, but can be pretty active in his cage at times too. Is he vocal? does he chirp, whistle or sing? they usually do this when they are happiest, so if he does then that's a good sign of when to get him out of his cage. Taking him out when he is in a good mood is important. Never take him out if he is looking sleepy or on one foot or you may end up with a grumpy birdie! Just some suggestions from my experiences with woody, I'm sure someone else can offer more. Best of luck to you and bobby!

Kim

I just took him about 2 weeks ago. At first I left him alone and just talked to him, in other words, I did not try to get him out. At that time he sang, not a ton, but more than I had ever ever heard my last cockatiel sing. Since I have been taking him out of his cage, I have not heard him sing, and to be honest that worries/bothers me. I know that this could take along time, but it is sure hard to be patient.

Jennaroo,

Once you have him in the bathroom and can get him to sit on your finger, perhaps offer him a spray of millet to warm him up a bit. It can indeed take a very long time for a neglected bird to become sociable. My oldest was neglected, and it's taken me over 2 years to get him to be able to interact with us, and, he was cage bound for at least a year, never wanting to come out of the cage unless forced to. It will just take a lot of patience and time, but he'll eventually come around.

I had to force woody out too. I know sometimes it's better to let them come out on their own, but I think in some cases they need a little boost! woody sure did! He's funny because as much as he doesn't like something, he is over it in two seconds! He seems to get over things really fast and forget about it, and move on. Now he's at the point where I can tell when he'd rather just be left alone and not come out because he will run away when you try to get him----then I just let him be, but most times he comes out fairly willingly. I guess boss is the same way and still needs some work with coming out of the cage and being on hands. Woody is ok with being on hands now, he doesn't seem to mind being on them at all-------just don't come at him like you're going to touch him with them! lol

Jenn when I got Rosie she was shy and hated me (as I used to say) and I would just leave her cage open all the time (except at nighttime) and bring her out even when she didn't wanna come to me. Now she comes out all the time. It takes time. I thought the day would never come that she loves us but it has came and it was well worth the wait. I hope that your birdie trusts you soon.

Thanks Rosies Mom. How long did it take, are you talking months or years? I am just curious. I take Bobby out every day. He clearly does not want to, and when he is in his cage he just sits there. I guess I just need some reassurance.

Jennaroo - I rescued my tiel (Sherwin) and he too was neglected. The first two weeks I had him I left him in his cage and let him get used to the new environment and to my daily habits, schedules, etc. I would visit his cage several times per day and talk to him, whistle, etc. He eventually would hop on my finger but would bite me at the same time. I started taking him out daily and taking him along with me wherever I went through the house whether it be to sit and watch TV or to put dishes away or even to shower. Letting him slowly adjust to the new home and environment worked with him. It took about 6 months before he really came out of his shell and now he's the most delightful little guy. The key is patience. Keep us informed on your progress!!

Sherwin's Mom, thank you for the reassurance. I will indeed keep you posted on his progress. Jenny