Galahs, definitely very self-sufficient!

Man, am I having a hard time making a real bond with Lucille! I know I've only had her for a couple weeks and bonds can take a lot of time, but since I work from home we are together all day long and I am a little bit saddened that I haven't been able to win her over! She is simply perfectly happy entertaining herself ripping up cardboard, walking around on top of her cage, playing with toys, and tossing pellets out of her bowl then climbing down and eating them off the floor. If she is inside her cage on a perch she will step up onto my hand and sit with me for one or two minutes while I will scratch her head, showing that she is a friendly and well-socialized little darling, but she is quickly bored with that and flies back to her cage top--and she won't step up from off her cage top (I think she knows I can't reach her there without a chair, LOL). She is not interested in veggies or fruits or seeds or eating anything but her beloved pellets, so feeding her treats is tough. I really hope that continuing my head-scratching on a regular basis will eventually win her over. I felt like I was getting somewhere before we went to the vet and I ultimatelt had to force her into the carrier so I could take her back out into the parking lot to the car (it was by a highway). After that whatever progress we made was seriously set back. I know I should just be happy that she's generally friendly to all and willing to step up and so very good at entertaining herself (since that's basically the definition of a healthy bird!), but I will be soooo happy if we form a bond just between us and I feel like we're buds! Anyhoo, just wanted to vent since I tried to vent this to my father and he looked at me like I am a crazy person. Figured bird people would understand the feelings!

Puck said:

Man, am I having a hard time making a real bond with Lucille! I know I've only had her for a couple weeks and bonds can take a lot of time, but since I work from home we are together all day long and I am a little bit saddened that I haven't been able to win her over! She is simply perfectly happy entertaining herself ripping up cardboard, walking around on top of her cage, playing with toys, and tossing pellets out of her bowl then climbing down and eating them off the floor. If she is inside her cage on a perch she will step up onto my hand and sit with me for one or two minutes while I will scratch her head, showing that she is a friendly and well-socialized little darling, but she is quickly bored with that and flies back to her cage top--and she won't step up from off her cage top (I think she knows I can't reach her there without a chair, LOL). She is not interested in veggies or fruits or seeds or eating anything but her beloved pellets, so feeding her treats is tough. I really hope that continuing my head-scratching on a regular basis will eventually win her over. I felt like I was getting somewhere before we went to the vet and I ultimatelt had to force her into the carrier so I could take her back out into the parking lot to the car (it was by a highway). After that whatever progress we made was seriously set back. I know I should just be happy that she's generally friendly to all and willing to step up and so very good at entertaining herself (since that's basically the definition of a healthy bird!), but I will be soooo happy if we form a bond just between us and I feel like we're buds! Anyhoo, just wanted to vent since I tried to vent this to my father and he looked at me like I am a crazy person. Figured bird people would understand the feelings!

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I know how you feel! Shades will ONLY step up if he has found his way to the floor. He's clipped, so he cannot fly. He will let up give him head scratches, but refuses to step up. We've only had him for 11 days, so I know it is going to take time, practice, and patience. I'm sure it's the same for you and Lucille. We both want them to bond with us, but we've got to go at their pace, not ours. I know, easier said than done. (sigh)

Erica

Give Lucille more time and she should warm up. Have you tried playing with her by taking part in tearing and shredding? They are such flock animals and often really enjoy messy interactions.

Thanks, guys! Scott, that's a great idea--she is a huge fan of the cardboard pieces I thread through her cage bars, and I bet she would enjoy some "riptime" together. I will give it a try.

Edit: Part of the problem is simply that I've been kind of depressed lately, so it would just make me happier if I could cuddle with my new birdie. That's the lousy part of being on a bit of a downer! It makes you desperate to get some fid time in!

Hi why not have a go at doing some trick training with her? With her being so young she should be very receptive to it? Hanging off your finger, putting things in cups, you get the gist? See if this builds a better relationship you crave, but please remember they are very independent and strong willed feathered creatures but totally adorable. Remember also that birds pick up on us very easily. Plum won't cuddle for very long and it's very much on his terms, it is part of his morning re-bonding routine, to make sure all is well with his flock leader. Also if you are at home a lot she will need to get used to you coming and going so may I suggest to go for a walk, clear your head, get yourself some fresh air on a regular basis if possible. She is very young and will settle down. Wishing you luck with Lucille.

PS Give her the veggies first thing in the morning with no pellets in the cage, you sit and eat your breakfast with her and see if she explores them and/or scatter a few around this dish of tasty veggies?

Plumsmum's feeding advice is excellent, removing the pellets for a while* in favor of veggies/fruits is helpful. Cockatoos in particular are flock animals, and you are a member! Eating identical or similar foods with Lucille will help establish a closer bond which may encourage cuddling.


*Given a choice, many parrots will prefer their pellets/seeds to healthier foods. I always remove dry food sources when giving veggies/fruits. The safe life of wet food varies with temperature; ranging from a few hours to a good 6 hours or so.

Thanks guys, I will definitely take your advice on getting her to eat her veggies! It's been driving me crazy that she won't!

Scott said:

Give Lucille more time and she should warm up. Have you tried playing with her by taking part in tearing and shredding? They are such flock animals and often really enjoy messy interactions.

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Coolio idea!
Since he was a chick, NOTHING has EVER delighted the Rickeybird more than joining him in destruction of paper, lettuce, popsicle sticks... yeah!