Trust being gained

[rae]

I've been super busy lately and haven't been on here. For the most part I haven't touched a computer in several days. I have spent my time with Basal and several books when I have free time.

OH has a computer desk that is quite large and has a top shelving and cabinet. I thought I would see how Basal might like it since it would put him over everything. He is starting to gain flight from where his wings were clipped but he can't get there on is own yet. I was relaxing on the bean bag in the floor near his cage and suddenly I had a bird coming towards my head; after he spent some time checking things out up there. I disregarded this as a fluke but after a bit I put him back and sat back down. After some running around and churrtling he flew to me again. He has a wide range from there so he could have just chosen to go to the floor or try for his cage (I believe he would have gotten close).
This has to be a show of trust for him. It made me very happy.

Now, he still isn't playing with toys, but still isn't good with change so I've left the same toys for weeks now. When I clean I put everything as close to the was it was as possible.

But just wanted to share some progress with this timid bird.

[OP]

That is brilliant. It shows he wants to be with you. He will play with the toys when he's ready. Well done.

[steve05412]

That's great news for you both

[ffiscool]

excellent.. Bailey took ages to play with toys..

it will happen...

[rae]

I took the risk of doing a check up style hold. I'd like him to get used to this for regular checking on his feet/wings/beak.
Since he was never handled before I haven't done this much. He struggled and actually bit a little hard (he's pretty gentle, even with that).
I only did this for a minute or so, offering calm compliments and all the right things to hopefully get him used to things.
The strange thing is afterwards he seemed more ok with being on my shoulder than he has been. I went to make tea and he accompanied me the entire time.
Maybe this is shock or maybe after being handled and not eaten or hurt he realized in some small part that I'm not a monster. He even made the beak grinding noise while on my shoulder.

[Hezz]

This is the best news ever, for the two of you! Check ups can save heartache, and it really does help to have the bird used to being handled. The only thing is you will need to do this on a regular basis; they do forget.

Can I share my own little achievement from this morning? I haven't been able to give Spyro a scratch since he got airborne again after his broken leg, but this morning, for some reason, instead of getting him onto my finger to bring out of the cage for his morning smooch (they all get one ) I got him to step into my hand as I do for gentle holding, started running my fingers over his cheek feathers and lo and behold he lent in and fluffed his feathers out for me, for a good minute of more, even while the others were going for their early morning, first thing laps of the house!! Thank you, Spyro.

[suesbird]

Good boy Spyro and Basal. Pippin has just started venturing about the cage and playing with toys at 17 weeks.