Loves the Glove

[annebrooke@md.metrocast.n]

I am new to your group and to cockatiels..have been fostering 2 males since October1st. Ernie seems to go from angry and biting to loving me with no real discernable differences in body language I or my hubby can pick up on. He has just started to come to me initially on my towelled hand and now with tight cotton stretchy gloves. He seems completely fine, but if I slip the glove off he bites. Needless to say I keep my gloves on when handling him. His friend Bert was apparently severely clipped when small and is terrified of everything and everyone. I have been patient and do not push him. I want to give them the best I can and have read books,been to cockatiel/parrot classes,contacted my coordinator and now am reaching out to the cockatiel community.
Has anyone run into the glove issue? With a cockatiel? And do I just continue to wait and be patient with Bert? (Oddly enough Bert will take millet from my hand). And yes, Bert who is terrified of EVERYTHING was the one clipped at youth not Ernie who loves the glove and towel. (He used to love my red moccasin shoes, I think he had a crush....has moved onto a gloved hand!!!) I stay away from the arousal zones and he LOVES his head and jaw scratches. They really are sweet little birds and I thought throwing this out may garner some new info or ideas/suggestions.

[Marrie]

Sounds like he may have had some bad experiences with hands and associates them with whatever bad memory, but once you "hide" your hand, he is OK. Usually it's recommended to not pick up birds for things that stress them out with your hands, cause sometimes they can associate the hand with the bad thing (vet, trimming, a stressed untame bird being picked up to go back into a cage, etc). Just work with him slowly getting him accustomed to your hand without a glove - keep it "in view" but not close, then closer as you can with him still being comfortable, treats can help. It takes time to make them reassociate something bad with something good, birds have long memories, which is why humans should always be nice to their little fids and it's so sad when they aren't!

Just be patient and try to coax Bert out of his shell. Treat bribes can help, but patience and understanding are keys to helping any rescue.

[annebrooke@md.metrocast.n]

Thanks, Marie. I feel you are right and patience,time and consistency are key.