can't pet my parrot!

[fluteguy]

hi~this is my first time coming here and i do need some advice for i have no experience to keep a parrot before. i have a one-month-old cockatiel for around a week, she's a quick learner and she can step up on my hand now, but whenever i try to pet her she would avoid or bite me. so what should i do now? i wanna pet her so bady!! (i'm a chinese so excuse my english and i'll appreciate your advice!!!)

 

[Mayden]

You've only had her for a week, take it slow, she will be nervous. You've taken her from all that is familiar to a new home, with new people, she needs time to adjust and appreciate that you're not a big scary person, but someone who will provide love.

If you don't slow down, you'll cause damage to the trust that's already there (stepping up). Be patient, you will soon have a friend for life.

 

[mtdoramike]

Most birds don't like to be petted. So please don't get your feelings hurt if your bird never allows you to pet her. But Like Mayden says, it's only been a week so slow your roll and spend as much time as you can interacting with her.

 

[halogen]

I agree, just give her time. Also, if she does get to let you pet her, don't pet her back or wings, as this is a gesture between mates. I only pet my cockatiel's head, which she didn't let me do until I'd had her for about two weeks.

 

[chippy]

Yes, PLEASE slow down and do not try to force the issue... your bird needs to get to know you and learn to trust you and that takes TIME.

 

[Pajarita]

LOL - I've heard of tiels that like to have their head scratched but never met one and none of mine ever did (and I've had a lot of them!).