So I brought home a new (12 year old) Galah cockatoo from a bird expo that I went to in Madison Heights MI. I had been looking for a bird for awhile. He was affectionate through the cage and seemed to really enjoy head scratches.
After a stressful day getting him home, he is settling in his new home. The travel cage I had was quite small but moving him to the larger cage proved rather difficult as he did not want me to handle him and he wouldn't come out on his own.
Today he is settling in.... there is much more to tell. However to start he still really enjoys head scratches through the bars or if I stick my hand in, he will move a few inches towards me to get the scratches, and does the same for my 9 year old son.
I know that he still needs time but, Any tips for gaining his trust to eventually get him to step up and come out? I bought a nice perch for him outside of the cage when he is ready.
He has begun eating and drinking, and even fresh veggies that I gave him tonight - seemed to like the green leaf lettuce and pea pods but no to broccoli and carrots.
After a stressful day getting him home, he is settling in his new home. The travel cage I had was quite small but moving him to the larger cage proved rather difficult as he did not want me to handle him and he wouldn't come out on his own.
Today he is settling in.... there is much more to tell. However to start he still really enjoys head scratches through the bars or if I stick my hand in, he will move a few inches towards me to get the scratches, and does the same for my 9 year old son.
I know that he still needs time but, Any tips for gaining his trust to eventually get him to step up and come out? I bought a nice perch for him outside of the cage when he is ready.
He has begun eating and drinking, and even fresh veggies that I gave him tonight - seemed to like the green leaf lettuce and pea pods but no to broccoli and carrots.
If he absolutely is afraid, just spend some time sitting near his cage while doing other things so he can see you're fine, and try talking to him a lot and being friendly. He will become curious. Also try offering tasty treats at the entrance of the cage, and don't stick your hand all deep in there. He needs to know that's his safe place. GL!
