Hi there.
I have a 16 month old sulpher crested cockatoo. He was a very affectionate loving cockatoo - constantly wanting hugs and kisses and absolutely loved head scratches - the second I would get home he would be on me demanding attention. In August I went on holiday for 2 weeks and had a friend looking after him - staying at my place and feeding etc so he was in familiar territory. When I returned from my holiday I was greeted by a cockatoo that didn't want a bar of me. Would not allow me to get close to him or touch him. At first I thought he was having a tantrum because I had gone away for 2 weeks without him. But it's been 4 months, and while we have made some progress - I can get near him, I can give him kisses on his beak as long as I hide my hands and approach him slowly, if he sees my hands move he flees. He no longer climbs onto me. He still carries on and makes a ruckus if I am not paying him attention but then won't let me get close to him. I can get closer if I stand on the outside of the cage and make kiss noises and then he will come to me but again flee if he sees me move my hands (I have to keep them behind my back). Any ideas as to what is going on here would be much appreciated - also any tips on how to get back the relationship we had previously.
It is noteworthy that about a month ago I had to take him to the vet due to a broken blood feather. After this visit to the vet he was back to his old lovey dovey self and for 2 hours straight was on me and demanding hugs and kisses - no issues with my hands at all - until he got over the trauma of it all and seemed to remember he's annoyed with me.
Help?