Being patient pays off!

**Cheaps** · 03-24-2012, 10:55 PM

It took 2 1/2 years and a painful molt, but recently Ham has let me rub her head and neck with my bare fingers! As most know on here she has never liked hands. Now however she actually expects a little head rub every night and the great thing is she lays her head against my chest and closes her eyes while I do it, and even vibrates. Awwww!

During this long time I never forced contact on her but let her set the pace. So for any newbie who thinks things should be done and dusted in 4 days, develop a longer timeframe and both of you will be happier.

**Marrie** · 03-24-2012, 11:25 PM

Yay happy for you

I am still working on my tiel and it has been two years. They take a long time to fully trust.

**sweeties mom** · 03-25-2012, 10:09 AM

Good for you and Ham. no matter how long it takes, its well worth the wait, I'm working on my 2 sun conures. My female is very trusting and loves head rubs, my male is getting there, but still not sure to trust me or not. There is no hurry, I have nothing but time to give them both. Keep working with Ham and keep us informed how your both doing. nice to meet you, I'm Robin.

**BridgeyRoo** · 03-25-2012, 10:42 AM

AWWWW Ham

Yay for you and Ham!

Enjoy the demands now!

**boomer girl** · 03-25-2012, 10:52 AM

I am thrilled for both you and Ham! Now she will be demanding head rubs from you all the time which I know is what you always wanted to do.

It is great to see you back here Cheeps.

**Cheaps** · 03-25-2012, 11:44 AM

The only problem with your birdy getting clingy is that you have to pry them off of you when you need to step outside.

Next goal is getting her used to me actually handling her wings and body.

**boomer girl** · 03-25-2012, 03:47 PM

The time will come... or hopefully she wont be like Mango and not want to be put up and bite you no matter what you do.

**Marrie** · 03-25-2012, 07:37 PM

Dreanna, Mango sounds like my baby

he bites me if he doesn't wanna go ... but it's so cute when the birds get clingy, well, except when you're in a hurry.

**boomer girl** · 03-26-2012, 10:50 AM

I wished Mango had a beak the size of a tiel when he clamped down on you. With Mango's big beak it is more like a vise holding your finger and you just hope he dont bite down any harder out of fear your finger wont get bitten off.