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My bird doesn't like being touched

Discuss the methods and techniques of clicker training, target training and bonding. These are usually the first steps in training a young parrot.

My bird doesn't like being touched

Postby Cockatieltrainer » Mon Jan 30, 2012 1:35 pm

can anyone help me?
my cockatiel doesnt like to be touched and he bites. nothing is working at the minute :( :cry:
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Re: My bird doesn't like being touched

Postby GlassOnion » Mon Jan 30, 2012 3:04 pm

If some random stranger started shoving their hand in your face and smothered you, how would you react? You'd probably be pretty pissed. Don't try to touch him, just sit beside him, give him treats, and let him come to you. Forcing will not work. It took my cockatiel about 6 months to enjoy being scratched.
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Re: My bird doesn't like being touched

Postby liz » Mon Jan 30, 2012 6:01 pm

I had Myrtle for nine months before I could touch her head. I started by touching her feet with one finger and telling her "tickle tickle" before I did it. Now she even lifts her wings so I can kiss under them.
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Re: My bird doesn't like being touched

Postby allirho » Mon Jan 30, 2012 7:45 pm

Hi there CockatielTrainer,
I have to agree with GlassOnion, it's very intrusive and probably annoying for the bird to have you keep trying to touch it.
Even my budgie, who was hand fed and very tame when i first got him, doesn't appreciate me or anyone else reaching in to grab/touch/pet him without a little warming up.
Even now I always bring my hand to my bird's beak and wait for him to come to me and let me know if he wants to be pet or scratched. He usually fluffs up and rubs his beak or cheek against my finger to let me know that he does want to be touched or else, if he wants space, he will not approach my hand and I know not to force him.
Take your time, don't be too eager to touch the cockatiel. Talk to it softly and offer it lots of yummy things to eat. Eventually the bird will learn to trust you and enjoy being touched.
Good Luck!
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