If its not one thing it's another...

So is it possible for a hawk head to go through "the terrible twos?" (lol) I've already been dealing with plucking, which started in January. Although that seems to have leveled off, now he is absolutely frightened by EVERYTHING. I'm at a point where I'm not sure what to do, because I don't want to inadvertently traumatize him. It's really weird, as he will act all skittish and standoffish one second, and then a minute later, he is flying over, landing on my shoulder and acting like nothing happened. I'm really confused. He will also attack remotes, which never bothered him before. Some of his toys seems to scare him and then they won't. I've just never came across this behavior before. Usually is one or the other, not so indecisive...within minutes. I'm not sure what would be the best course to take, as, like I said.. I don't want to have him live in complete fear. Thanks for any input.

So far, I've just been moving slower towards him, making sure to offer some treats, and trying to be vigilant about not spooking him, while not giving up and letting him had total free reign.

Could it be possible it is Mopar? Should I perhaps try to house them in different rooms? Mopar, BTW, who is almost 4 now, hasn't changed at all. He is still the exact same.

Thanks! I just don't want to stress him out anymore than he already appears to be. :/

Mary Beth, I'm so sorry you're starting to have these struggles with Maverick. I do empathize, I've had a similar thing happen with Griffin. It's not the 'same' thing, however it reminds me of it.

While I'm not terribly familiar with Hawkhead behavior beyond what basic characteristics you hear about, I think a lot of it is how some birds depending on individual personality might be a bit more 'prone' to developing certain problems than others.

I'm going to post later about Griffin's story, but I'll tell you here in short, what might go at least a little way in helping Maverick. Griffin was a cuddly handfed baby, but became so that I literally couldn't touch him at all. Long story short here, I let his wings grow out, and it helped him gain confidence to 'escape' when he felt panic. I'm not sure if Maverick is clipped, but that is one thing that helped here. Also not 'making' Griffin do anything. Letting him make his own decisions (while of course still setting boundaries by telling him no if needed). It has taken nearly a year, and I don't think he'll ever be as tame as he once was, but he has come such a long way with me backing off and giving him tons of 'space'. It was very hard to do at first, and I was so disappointed. He's had to learn voice commands because I can't touch him, and the healing process involved not chasing or catching him either. Ever since he feels he has had more of a choice in matters, he feels less threatened and has stopped barbering his feathers. If I sense a freak out coming I back way off or leave the room.

Maybe starting by stepping back instead of stepping in, when you see this starting to happen, and teaching Maverick voice commands will help some? I'm not sure if this will help your individual situation, but just something I thought of. I find that teaching voice commands along with hand gestures associated with a certain thing such as "in" (for example) with a sweeping motion of your hand pointing to the cage is a relatively easy thing to do. Even my completely wild budgie Twigs learned this rather easily. I've noticed that verbal praise works every bit as well as treats in the event they won't take food from you. Oh, and I don't think Mopar's presence has anything to do with it. I feel for you, and wish you all the best with Maverick . Please keep us posted!

Thanks!

He is not clipped, but with how he is acting, I'm starting to think I may have to clip him. :/ At least temporarily. But I think I still want to ride this out a little longer, and try some of your suggestions with the voice commands and such. The clipping would be an absolute last resort.

Thanks again for the advice. It is very frustrating and heartbreaking. The last thing I want is for the little guy to live in fear.

I feel for you Mary Beth, I really do. As I said above, Griffin started actually gaining a little confidence once I let his wings grow out. When he was clipped it only added to his phobias. I'd not clip Maverick unless he is flying spastically into things or doing dive bomb attacks. If you want any more ideas or want to just bounce it off someone who 'unfortunately' has some experience in something similar, feel free to PM me.

Well, it does appear some of the problem is he has chosen my boyfriend. Problem is, my boyfriend isn't thrilled, as he finds it annoying that Maverick won't leave him alone.

*sigh*

Some updates:

Maverick is fully feathered, again! He seems to have calmed down quite a bit, too. He still doesn't like being taken from his cage or put back. (He likes to do that on his own terms.. lol). But he's pretty much back to his old self.

I'll try to get some updated photos later.

Awesome update ! I'm so happy to hear it Mary Beth. looking forward to pics.

Thanks to everyone here who have gave some awesome advice! Turned out he really just needed some space. It seems once he got some independence, it helped.

Here's a pic from today.

Maverick is just beautiful! His feathers look so good now... You've done a great job with him Mary Beth !

He is gorgeous!!


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Thanks so much! So thrilled we were able to figure something out to help him easy some anxiety.

Here's a photo taken with the better camera. It amuses me how he just lifts up a few of his top head feathers. lol!

What a STRIKING bird!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pleeeeeeeeease, more pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I showed Husband his pic last night and he was awed by it. His chest feathers are beautiful, he's just beautiful, lol.


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Wait for it, wait for it - bomb: Hawk Head Moment! Why Hawk Head photos are so wonderful! Thanks to the Hawk Head Moment!

His whole appearance is just so...so... so DRAMATIC!

He makes me think of those flashy Swiss Guard guys. I almost expect him to fluff up and yell "Halt, who goes there!?" (In Swiss Romansh, of course)