Parrotlet Question

Question
I recently adopted a 2 year old parrotlet. The background behind the parrotlet is unknown. The problem that I am facing is getting here out of the cage. If I slowly stick my hand in the cage she bites me...HARD. I've tried using a sock and/or some sort of cover over my hand. When I then proceed, she backs herself into a corner and gets extremely bitey. Once I get her out of the cage shes a dream. She will step up just fine, and I can constantly hold her on my finger while walking around.

I've tried opening the cage and letting her come out for 3 weeks but to no avail. I've also, placed a perch on the opening door thinking I can guide her to the perch, but once again; to no avail. Also, another problem I am having, is if she flies off my finger on the ground shes more content to stay on the ground than with me. If I cautiously try to guide her onto my finger (via the step up command) she flies away, and walks around happy on the ground.

Please help, I love my bird to death, but at the same time want some peace of mind.

Thanks,
Mike

Answer
Hi, Mike.  I pulled your question from the question pool this morning.  I'll try to help as much as possible based on your post.

You don't mention how recently you acquired your parrotlet.  This information would have been helpful.  It takes time for a moved parrot to become used to its new environment, its new human, etc.  How much time depends on the bird, its experiences in life to date, your skills with aves, etc.  

Most parrots, even tame parrots, do not like their humans intruding into their cage space.  The inside of a bird's cage is it's safety zone, it's personal space, the only place it can call it's own and most will defend this area to the nth degree.  This is why your bird bites when you put your hand inside it's cage trying to bring it out.  Socks, gloves, etc., only aggravate the problem because your bird is scared of these things even more than your hand...your parrotlet doesn't know what these things are!  Once you corner your bird, the only way she can defend herself is to bite.  I'm sure you've heard the term "fight or flight."  When a bird or any other animal is cornered and can't get away, it will fight in order to protect itself.  This is why your bird is OK once you get her out of her cage.  She is more vulnerable outside her cage, so she behaves differently.  What you need to do is allow your bird to come out of her cage on her own before you try interacting with her.

I think you need to start all over again with your bird.  Do not put your hand inside your bird's cage except to service the cage as required and feed your bird.  She has to learn your hands will not harm her.  Give your bird some time to get used to her new environment and you while she remains inside her cage.  She needs to trust you before you can do anything with her.  Don't poke at her through the cage bars, don't hollar at her, etc.  When you are at home, keep your bird's cage door open and try enticing her to come out by offering her her favorite treat.  ALWAYS, ALWAYS reward your bird when she does what you ask (positive reinforcement).  If she doesn't come out, no treat.  Put a treat on the end of the cage door.  If she gets to that point, put a treat a little further away/on top of her cage so she has to go on top of her cage to get it.  You have to be sure you don't have other animals and people running around when doing this so she doesn't become frightened.  While you have the cage door open waiting for her to come out, just go about your business.  Most parrots are curious and she'll eventually want to see what you are doing.  While watching TV, working on your computer, reading, etc., keep her cage close to you with the door open and she how she reacts.  She should eventually come out if she's comfortable enough.  This may take some time as a parrot won't do anything until they are sure they will be safe.

Does your parrotlet have her flight feathers clipped?  Most birds welcome a ride up off the ground because they feel too vulnerable on the ground.  However, since your bird is afraid of your hands/fingers, she may prefer to stay on the ground when you present your hand.  But then there are some parrots who enjoy getting into things they find at ground level and some birds simply walk rather than fly in order to get around.  However, this usually happens after a bird becomes comfortable in its environment and feels safe on the ground.  Again, this is a matter of safety and trust.  Also, most parrots actually prefer to be outside their cages, so perhaps your parrotlet doesn't come to you when she's on the ground because she does not want to be put back into her cage.  In such latter cases, you must be persistent with the bird and not take "no" for an answer when you want the bird to climb on your hand.  This would require you to demand the bird "step up."  You must set the boundaries with your bird.  Just like a human child, a parrot will use psychology in order to get what it wants and you must be smarter than your bird!  You'll have to determine what is going on so you'll know what steps to take next, i.e., is your bird afraid of your hand and this is why she won't step up when on the ground or whether she actually doesn't want to be put back in her cage (does she equate your hand to being placed in her cage).

Parrots are complicated and intelligent animals.  If she didn't have a happy home previously, it may take time for her to get used to you.  If she's had bad experiences in the past with humans, she may be timid.  Many birds who lived in pet stores are afraid of human's hands because they are poked and prodded all day by customers.  Take your time with her and progress slowly.  You have to work at her speed, not what you want to happen when you want it to happen.  
My website may offer some more information you might find helpful.  www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html

Chrys