I have 2 parrotlets; both are about 4 months old. They are caged separately. The little female chose to come home with me, and has turned out to be the sweetest thing who loves to come out to visit, cuddle and groom. I purchased the male 2 weeks ago, to be a companion to the female because I'm away at work all day.
He was supposed to have been hand-fed but he seems to be fearful of fingers/hands/arms. I've been working with him and he enjoys being talked to and will take a sunflower seed from my fingers but will not make contact. They had been kept in separate rooms with the door shut.
This morning, I moved the male's cage out to the living room to sit beside the female's. They chirp to one another now but their first 'meeting' was hate at first sight. Hopefully they will become friends and will be able to fly loose together at some later date while continuing to be housed separately.
Am I being too impatient with the progress the male is making? Is there something I can do to let him know that I'm a friend and that he's not in danger? Will he learn friendliness from seeing the female being handled? I suppose that he could be just a more standoffish character, and that's fine, but I'd hate to miss him becoming a good pet if I can do something to help.
He seems well settled and does not seem nervous at all. He eats very well and is not disturbed by me cleaning his cage, removing and replacing his food & water dishes but will move away from my hand/arm.
Thank you for any ideas or suggestions you can offer.
Barbara