Update on Skittles

First I would like to thank everyone on here. The information posted here has been invaluable. There is such a wealth of knowledge readily available on this site.

Now on to Skittles. She has been DNA tested and confirmed to be a healthy 3 year old female. We continue to make progress with our bonding and she amazes me each and every day. I had to go out of town on Monday and did not get back until the wee hours this morning. I really expected a set back when we got up this morning but after she chided me a few minutes she was pecking at the latch so I opened the door and out she came for a head scratch. She still refuses to step up and will clamp down hard when I push her. I am doing the finger waggle and telling her a firm "NO" when she does this and then I close the door and push the cage away. She increasingly begs to be scratched and I am confident it will not be long before she is sitting on my hand and shoulder.

Next I will be getting a gym for her and letting her roam in an empty room we have since my youngest has moved out. We have a two dogs and two cats and this is the best and safest place to interact.

I still cannot get her to eat anything but the pellets and millet but she has progressed to taking millet balls from my hand. I have gotten her to try some dried apples and pineapple but after a taste or two she drops it and looks at me like I am trying to poison her. If looks could kill lol.

Also is there a book or two that anyone can recommend for me to read? My wife has been trooper during all of this but she is really getting annoyed to the high pitched squeals. I assumed them to be locating calls but she will screech away even when I am sitting right next to her at times. Looking to curb that some.

Thanks again to each and everyone here. You have been a source of encouragement as I tend to lurk a lot but not post much. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

On the bitting issue the no/finger wag might not work unless you (for the first few times) restrain the lil critter briefly.. to get his undivided attention. As for the screeching with you beside him he may also be calling to your wife. Booger will call to anyone in the flock... wife, myself, and Cookie my BFA. I suggest she interact with the bird as well... just my 2 cents. On diet... soon he should start bumming food from you. THAT is key time to offer dif foods. No rush... birds take patience!... Good luck

Diet- how about making some veggie balls ie sweet potato, with anything else you like mashed in and rolled in millet seed to see if you can encourage healthy eating?

I will try that, thanks. Today we attempted a walnut. She still thinks I am trying to poison her. It is funny, I gave her millet ball and she was all over it. Dried mango and she ran from it.

Careful on the dried fruits.. IF its in the human food store it could have sulfur added to it. BAD for birdies. Better option is fresh stuff.
As far as Booger goes.. hes not partial to sweet stuff. I do make him almond butter sandwiches with whole multigrain bread. I found also using a clothespin to hold a treat or new food on the bars of his cage next to a perch will get him to investigate. Today he got a chunk of chicken (white meat) which he seems to like. Partially cooked slices of sweet potato or carrot he likes this way too. He bummed some hamburger from me some time ago and likes that a lot. Just be patient. Im sure your youngin will come around.