Hello all, I never owned a bird before (not counting chickens) and I had been wanting one. After 6 months of saving up and reading up I went to a exotic bird store and firmly decided that I would get a tiel. The lady was absolutely helpful and introduced me to all the birds the pros and cons and the like. During my research on caiques I crossed them out as they were generally listed as advanced owners material.
After an hour and a half of deliberation I decided to get a white bellied caique. There were three and two were available to take home. I was allowed to handle both but unfortunately I think I handled one and the other one manhandled me. I bought Dennis home (not sure about the sex but I am calling him Dennis) and he was inspecting his new home while I was setting up the cage which took about 20 min. I wanted him to rest after the 2 h drive and asked him to step up - he refused flat out and walked away. I tried repeatedly without any luck and finally called the lady and she said corner him if you have to and ask him to step up very firmly but do not grab him or lunge at him. Bingo!! it worked like a charm.
Now here is the problem/question/doubt whatever it is I have -
To be able to bond with him I bring him out and pet and talk to him and put down toys and a water pan on the floor for him to hop around and play. When I approach the cage he backs away but steps up when I put my hand in. If I let him down on the couch or the floor in the hopes that he will play he will fly/jump/hop his way to the cage climbs up all the way and sits on the play pen on the top most perch, preens himself, and then glares at me non stop. I go back to the cage again he backs away from me and when I insist he step up he does. As soon as I let him down to play after a few minutes of petting and talking he goes back to the perch and starts glaring at me.
I am not sure about bird behavior and how to read their body language. I just want to make sure I am not doing any wrong. Hes active in his cage eats plays and whistles. He's not nipped at me once and does not struggle to free himself when I hold him but makes sounds and screeches and is quite calm.
Its been only 3 days and I understand it takes time but the fact that he does not go into his cage but goes straight to the perch and glares down at me has me worried - just want to nip any bad behavior carefully and early. Any input on bonding with a new bird (he was hand fed) techniques tips are welcome. Attaching a pic of him perched on the top of the cage. His glaring point.