Quiet time trust building.

[Cowtown]

Saturday and Sunday I took Abby into the bedroom and closed the blinds to make it a little less bright and closed the door, trying to make the room quiet.

Abby and I got on the bed and I just let her walk around. After a few minutes I started moving my hand closer to her an inch at a time.
Finally getting my hand next to her wind, I gently rubbed her wing and moved to her chest and under her beak, she did not try to nip at me. I am so proud of her . During this I talked to her and praised her.

I had her on my chest and she even closed her eyes. I tried to get a picture but when I got the camera she woke up..
I tried to scratch the back of her neck and she did not want me to, so that will take some more quiet time trust building.

Her are a couple of pics..

Mike

 

[Quantumcat]

Well done! It seems like you and Abby are building a relationship.

Scarlett used to try and bite us if we so much as touched her anywhere, but now (six months later) we can pat her anywhere and she doesn't mind. She even seems to like being stroked on the back of her neck between her wings and on her chest under her chin.

 

[Spiritbird]

Awww sounds so nice. Rosie does not like to be touched on her body so we have little training sessions. I say the word touch very softly and then lightly touch her but not on the wings as this can promote mating behavior. She understands now when I say that word she will be softly touched.

 

[Bobby34231]

I just wish so many others would be patient and take their time as you have, the rewards are so much greater when you do , keep up the good work Mike

 

[antoinette]

Mike you have done us all so proud, you are being patient and persevering.
Taking one day at a time, inch by inch, touch by touch. Abby sure is beginning to trust you, by laying on your chest, that is definitely a good sign.
Some birds don't like their necks being scratched, in time she may let you, or alternatively, you have to find another spot to scratch
Keep up the great work, thanks for always keeping us updated.

 

[Cowtown]

Thank you all for your kind words and especially your support.
I have learned a lot about what to do and not to do from ya'll and this great forum.

Abby and I thank you so much..

Mike and Abby..

 

[HRH Di]

Woot! Just in time to get her to be your Cowboys watching buddy.

 

[Bobby34231]

Woot! Just in time to get her to be your Cowboys watching buddy.

How Bout Them Cowby's

 

[wolfsnaps]

I am so happy for you! I am going through the whole building trust thing too and I GET IT! LOL COngrats!

 

[SharonC]

Awwww...Good for you and Abby!

 

[wildheart]

I dont think there is ANYTHING more rewarding than being trusted by a bird/animal! Some people just do not get it and end up with birds/animals that just tolerate them (and then they call the bird/animal tame).

Being trusted is really an experience that you feel from deep inside.

Thanks for sharing the experience and keep us updated Mike.

 

[Cowtown]

Just a quick update. Abby and I have been spending time alone. I have extended the time to 45 minutes twice a day the last 2 days.
I can really tell a change in her. She is not nipping at me when I get her to step up from her cage. When we are in the bedroom she will sit on my chest and **** her head all different ways as I talk to her. She will walk around the bed and likes to sit on a pillow and flap her wings. She still has not 'talked' while we are doing this. But she sure is jabbering away when she is in her cage. Also it seems she is more energetic she climbs all over her cage.
I am going to order her a larger cage tomorrow.

I am really enjoying bonding with her. I am going to miss not being with her and the rest of the animals when I go back to work.

Mike

 

[SharonC]

I'm so glad it's going well, Mike!

 

[antoinette]

Mike you are being a tremendous guardian to Abby. You ask, you listen carefully to what advise is being offered, and follow it through.

About going back to work, make sure Abby has enough toys to keep her occupied and stimulated. Make a cd with you talking, saying the words she is learning at the moment, in this way she is learning and will think you are nearby.
Just imagine when you return home, how excited Abby will be to see you.
You know the rules, send a pic of the new cage

 

[Cowtown]

Thank You. I will make a CD.

I will post a link to the type of cage I am getting..