Hello all,
I have a 4 year old ducorp's cockatoo named Willow who has been with me since he was 7 months old. Previously in the years past, Willow would willingly step up out of his cage, but starting last year, he has become quite reluctant to step up out of his cage. He used to also thoroughly enjoy cuddles and scritches, but refuses to have hands touch him anymore. However, he loves being out with the family and dance when he does decide to climb onto my shoulder (which is quite rare). I used to force him out of his cage to be with us, which I now realize is a huge no no, and is most likely responsible for the reluctance of leaving his cage. Below are typical daily behaviors for Willow:
ā¢ He talks through his cage, saying his favorite phrases
ā¢ He does not bite, but will lean down and gently nudge your finger away with his beak when asked to step up from his cage
ā¢ He will climb out of the cage, but refuses to leave it. When I leave the room, he screams for me to return (which I try to ignore, and re-enter when he quiets down). It seems apparent that he is fond of my attention. When I do re-enter the room, though, he immediately goes right back into his cage.
ā¢ He shows apprehension whenever a hand is placed too close to him, and attempts to flee unless a treat is offered
I have been working with him a few times a week, just sitting next to his cage with the door open, and allowing him to be in control of what he does. It just makes me so sad that I can't get him to be with me and hang out around the house anymore.
I don't want to force him to step up, and I don't want to force him to do anything he is uncomfortable doing. I just feel lost as to how I should approach this situation, as I read so much conflicting information online.
Willow was taken to the vet a few months ago and is completely healthy.
Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks!
I have a 4 year old ducorp's cockatoo named Willow who has been with me since he was 7 months old. Previously in the years past, Willow would willingly step up out of his cage, but starting last year, he has become quite reluctant to step up out of his cage. He used to also thoroughly enjoy cuddles and scritches, but refuses to have hands touch him anymore. However, he loves being out with the family and dance when he does decide to climb onto my shoulder (which is quite rare). I used to force him out of his cage to be with us, which I now realize is a huge no no, and is most likely responsible for the reluctance of leaving his cage. Below are typical daily behaviors for Willow:
ā¢ He talks through his cage, saying his favorite phrases
ā¢ He does not bite, but will lean down and gently nudge your finger away with his beak when asked to step up from his cage
ā¢ He will climb out of the cage, but refuses to leave it. When I leave the room, he screams for me to return (which I try to ignore, and re-enter when he quiets down). It seems apparent that he is fond of my attention. When I do re-enter the room, though, he immediately goes right back into his cage.
ā¢ He shows apprehension whenever a hand is placed too close to him, and attempts to flee unless a treat is offered
I have been working with him a few times a week, just sitting next to his cage with the door open, and allowing him to be in control of what he does. It just makes me so sad that I can't get him to be with me and hang out around the house anymore.
I don't want to force him to step up, and I don't want to force him to do anything he is uncomfortable doing. I just feel lost as to how I should approach this situation, as I read so much conflicting information online.
Willow was taken to the vet a few months ago and is completely healthy.
Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks!
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