She will even allow me to kiss her head and she gives me lil pecks back. I've tried giving her treats and then trying to ease in a pet and she will open her mouth in warning and move away from my hand, I've never pushed myself on her, For i do not want to perm. Scare her.
What more can i do to gain all her trust and her let me actually pet her?
Also, Is it okay to feed my bird a unsalted or salted cracker?
2007-01-15 09:43:35 · 12 answers · asked by Heather B 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Be patient and take your time. Bring your hand close to her and leave it there. The open mouth is many times a testing game to see if you are afraid. The first times I am sure she will open her mouth like she's going to bite...but just leave your hand close...give her time...and when she is ok with that, move closer...and so forth. The like to be scratched below the ears (the colored spots in the side of their face) and under their crest (the thing that raises on top)
Ok crackers? unsalted and small amounts at best. lettuce (washed well), brocolli, small unsalted nuts or endive might be a better bet. You can also take bird seed and grow it in a window or other well lighted area to provide your bird greens
2007-01-15 09:49:16 · answer #1 · answered by bluebettalady 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, with birds, try not to let them sit on your shoulder, as this is where they feel that they are dominating you. So always on the hand or lap :) With the petting, do you mean full stroking or tickle behind the neck? This does take time to build up trust, it is also quite strange, how some birds seem to be sensitive to gender, so if you are a female, then she may not be as "attracted" towards you if you are female too. I have three parrots, two boys and one girl and they all follow this bizarre gender preference!
You're doing the right thing with the treats, but just give her time, she will get to know you. Also, try to have the bird on your lap or near you, and allow her to come to you. If you pose no threat, the trust will grow.
With regards to crackers, I would think the unsalted are the best, although it is important to keep them on a balanced diet, mix bird seed with some fruit (but not too much or she'll get an upset stomach!) and no chocolate, that is lethal. Get a book on parrot care, there are some good ones out there that may help you :)
2007-01-15 09:52:44 · answer #2 · answered by monssterr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a nearly eight year old umbrella cockatoo and have had budgies and conures. All the books I've ever read say to start with one of the birds own feathers. Tail feathers are best as they are usually longer. Don't yank one out, but if you have one, hold the feather by its shaft, with top up. Start by just showing the feather. USE SLOW MOVEMENTS. Hold it in the same spot for a couple of minutes a couple of times each day. When she gets used to that, try moving it closer to her - as if you are going to pet her with it. If she turns away - that's ok. Just keep trying, slowly and only for a few minutes each time (short attention span). Within a few weeks, you should be able to pet her with the feather. Continue that for a week or two while also starting slowly with your finger - hold the feather with your thumb and second finger while also holding out your 1st finger as if to pet her - just don't touch her yet. Again - go SLOWLY. Continue with the pointer finger (leaving the feather behind after a week or so). Be patient, don't show fear, don't raise your voice and go slowly. Good luck. If, at any time she stops letting you pet her, start again with this same process. Let us know how it turns out. As for the diet, pelleted foods really are the best - seed diets have too much fat (usually the reason birds don't live as long as they should). I would stay away from crackers completely. Also - along with chocolate - NO milk products - birds are lactose intolerant (digestive system can't process milk).
2007-01-15 11:24:55 · answer #3 · answered by plumbersangel 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 cockatiels and they have had similar phases. They(mine) like being scratched on the back of their necks and their cheeks but not their backs. Other times they will forget their pickiness and let me pet them and cuddle them. Perhaps it just isn't comfortable for them all the time, or thewy might not want their wings messed with. Oh, and I've given my birds unsalted crackers with no problems but like any treat you shouldn't make it more than 1/3 of their diet as it doesn't have all the required nutrients they need. Pellet foor is the most balanced for them because they can;t pick things out to get their favorites.
2007-01-15 10:34:02 · answer #4 · answered by lady_necromancer666 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cockatiels are kinda skittish to begin with.... but if you have only had her for a while she just might not be totally used to u. I have a budgie and for 4 years she wouldnt let us pet her. If it is mostly her head that she warns you about touching, this is normal a birds head is a very sensitive spot so she is just trying to protect.
Give your birdies love!!
ps. salted and unsalted crackers are fine for birds
2007-01-15 13:31:39 · answer #5 · answered by johanna m 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
time is what does it constant attention just five or ten Minuit's at a Time let it out to fly around the room when the bird feels used to you it will be happy to let you do all the petting you want i once had one that started off a cage bird who i put in an Avery ad it would still come to me for petting most days
2007-01-19 03:47:38 · answer #6 · answered by top cat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unsalted crackers are the best. I don't know what to do on your other question though. Sorry. Good luck!
2007-01-18 11:01:46 · answer #7 · answered by xx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some birds just dont like that, I had a tiel thaw was the same, loves head scratvhes but not the whole body...
2007-01-15 11:34:51 · answer #8 · answered by jackwalz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a 'tiel thing. some of them won't let you pet their wings. it's not for lack of love, it's just personality.
unsalted crackers won't hurt her, but it's not exactly good for her.
2007-01-17 19:14:19 · answer #9 · answered by Samantha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Patience...................
You're on the right track. Keep up the good work!
Also, unsalted Crackers are best.
2007-01-15 09:55:37 · answer #10 · answered by Steven Keith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋