Question - someone please help me!!!

[FemaleCheetah]

I have 2 parakeets and I really want to tame them so that I can actually take them out of their cage and hold them. Does anyone know how to tame a parakeet?? I have a male and a female and the female is a little bit more agressive then the male... I really really want to tame these 2 badly.
Also, I was wondering if putting in a nest for them to sleep in would be a good idea or is it best to just let them sleep on their perch like they have been doing??? I want them to be as comfortable as possible.
I would appreciate any help.

- Thanks

[2keets2love]

Don't worry about them sleeping on their perches... birds do that all the time, I think they like it. ;) As for training them, I follow a pretty nice step by step process that has worked out well for both of my parakeets (I have two as well :D ). First, you have to get them both used to you having your hand in the cage, maybe changing their food and water each day, cleaning the cage, etc. Only when they don't freak out whenever you come in should you go on to step two, which is (if possible) removing a lower perch carefully, and trying to get them to hope up onto it. They know what the perch is and won't be as afraid of it, but you still have to be very patient. Put the perch next to them and let them look at it, if they're ok with it, gently push it against their lower bellies and say "up" firmly. Eventually, they will learn to step up onto the perch when you say so. It may take a long time... it just depends on the bird. The next step is keeping your finger stretched out onto the perch when you command them to step onto it. This will get them used to your finger without taking away the comfort of the perch they're used to. Once you've accomplished this, only then should you try to get them to hop on your finger (and remember to always use the "up" command, eventually they will just learn to obey that). When they start sitting on your finger, keep your hand in the cage and just let them sit on it for a while so that they get used to it.

As far as getting them out of the cage goes, I've discovered with my second bird that he comes out on his own (really curious I guess ^_^). I'm not sure of your situation, but I've also found that it's easier to TRAIN individual birds by keeping them in individual cages (mine, at the moment, are even in separate rooms--I let them play together when I let them both out of their cages). I'm not sure if this works for all birds, but if you have trouble, give it a try. :D

Good luck!

[FemaleCheetah]

Hey, thanks a lot, I will definently give it a try.