Fear of hands

HRH Di · Jan 27, 2010

My Alexandrine, Max, has come such a long way in the 5 months that we've had him. Almost all aggression is has disappeared and we're sure that he truly feels part of the family.

The one area we're still struggling with is his apparent fear of hands. His original owner didn't indicate that this was an issue and when we first met him, he let me touch his back. However, since he's been with us, he refuses to let us touch him unless he's distracted by something else - preening with eyes averted, in the shower, that sort of thing.

I know that Alex's aren't really known for their cuddly dispositions, but I think that having the abilitiy to touch him without getting bitten is a good thing, especially if it's for his own safety. I want to give him the opportunity to fly after his next molt, and I think this will be even more important then.

Any suggestions?

Auggie's Dad · Jan 27, 2010

Does he ever approach your hands? If he is around and you hand is laying on the desk/table close to him not moving does he ever approach and try to 'groom' or give a manicure?

Auggie is fine with hands, but still cautious if they are approaching him.

Perhaps if you just held a treat a few feet away from him without moving your hand and let him come and grab it... perhaps this would get him more comfortable over time.

HRH Di · Jan 27, 2010

He does come close to my hands often...when I'm using the mouse, to "help" me crochet, things like that. He will take treats from my hand but there is some pinning going on at the beginning.

He's never tried to groom my hands, although other birds I know are absolutely positive that finger nails are meant to come off.

I'll focus on keeping them more still for him and hopefully that will help. Thanks!

Auggie's Dad · Jan 27, 2010

Human hands are crazy wild unpredictable things - especially when they start coming towards a bird. Take things very slow, let him get comfortable with non-moving hands, then very slowly moving, etc.

HRH Di · Jan 28, 2010

I think Max is reading my posts. Last night for the very first time (except when he bit off one of my new acrylic nails), he "tasted" my fingers. He did try to remove a couple of fingernails - because we all know that they really should come off. I really didn't do anything differently that I have been doing.

Still not letting us pet him, but I'm encouraged.

Thanks for the tips, I wanted to make sure there wasn't some other trick that I didn't know about.

Ecclipse · Jan 29, 2010

Hi, this might seem silly but how long are your nails? He might be scared of the length or the smell of the acrylic - they are also shine and may be reflecting light when your hand moves towards him. I cant paint my nails or have them long when I handle Hugo. It makes him nervous. When Hugo is on my shoulder I bring my hand to his beak from below up, not from above him - he gets scared even now if I do that. He tells me now by lowering his head for a scratch. I hope this helps. You said that he bit off one of your acrylic nails - maybe he doesnt know that they are part of you and that you bond with him using them. He may think its a chew "toy". I may be way off here but just wanted to share with you how my bird reacts. Good luck.

HRH Di · Jan 29, 2010

Ecclipse - I thought of that. I haven't had these that long - about 2 months. When I first got them, I had polish on them and it did kind of freak him out since he doesn't like red. Since then, they've been the French manicure style. I have been debating about taking them off because of the upkeep and general funtionality.

Thanks for the suggestion. It's an easy choice between a manicure and my Maxi-Max.

Ecclipse · Jan 29, 2010

Glad I could help - maybe Maxi is still nervous after the first fright. Try curling your finger in so that you touch him with your knuckle. It looks different and maybe he would be more willing. Coming from below up to him really helped Hugo as they are naturally scared of things coming from above - hawks, eagles etc - your fingers are still scary. Work with him when he is on your shoulder, Hugo is always happier to be touched when he is my shoulder than when I reach out to touch him when he is on his playgym or cage. Please let me know how it goes - good luck!!!

Fear of hands

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