Timbersmom Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 I'm so excited! I've had Timber (rehomed TAG) for about 5 weeks now. He has let me scratch around his head a bit with the bars between us, but not when he was out of the cage. Today he was sitting in his doorway. He seems to like that since he can dart back into the cage if he feels the need to. I touched his beak, which I've been doing most of the time he's been with me, and he didn't jerk away or act like he was going to bite. So, I decided to try touching the side of his neck. He let me scratch around his head for a solid two minutes! Doesn't sound like much, but it's a big leap for us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CLB Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 This is great news! I understand that it is a huge step and feels great to make some progress. Enjoy, I am sure there will be more to come. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWIX Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Congrats, the love just started Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danmcq Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Your patience and love is paying off. Timber could not have landed in a better home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbersmom Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 Thanks for the responses. It's so nice to be able to share with people who understand! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Doesn't sound like much, but it's a big leap for us Yes it is a big deal for those small steps equal success, its just another peg in the cog that will bring you closer to bonding with Timber and establishing the trust that must be earned, you are doing greyt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oblivion Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Doesn't sound like much, but it's a big leap for us Any of us with an aloof/rehomed bird knows JUST how huge this is. A little warning - this may be all you get for a bit, so don't lose hope and don't push too hard. I had similar moments with my Spencer (also a rehomed TAG) months ago which have not yet been repeated. Even after having him for over 2 years now, he very much prefers bars between us - then I can grab his beak, feet, pet him, etc. I'm not trying to be discouraging at all. Quite the contrary, I'm letting you know just how SPECIAL Timber clearly thinks you are. Best wishes going forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbersmom Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 I have actually read many of your posts about Spencer (and other threads about rehomed birds) and appreciate them. They give me an idea of what to expect. I have to say I'll be disappointed if Timber doesn't let me pet him again soon, but not really surprised after reading everyone's experiences. I watch him scratching his neck with toys, peanut shells, etc. and think "I could do that for you!" It's funny how secure their cages seem to make them feel though. I actually got a much larger, nicer cage for Timber, but he has no interest in it at all. In fact, when I put it beside his current cage, he won't even come out of his cage, much less try it out. Fortunately, the one he is in is large enough for him so if he never makes the switch to the new one that's OK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8oh8faka Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 This is the best feeling every! When your grey starts to trust and open up to you! My coco finally started doing this after a few weeks after I got him at only 6 months. Congratulations!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffNOK Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 I have a one year old hand fed CAG and she doesn't allow any touching aside from beak kisses, nose rubs on her beak, or the occasional foot touch. What you have experienced is very much a "big deal". Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbersmom Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 Well, we had another scratch session last night so it wasn't a fluke! I knew from reading that some birds never want scratches so didn't want to get my hopes up. I'm sure we aren't out of the woods yet with trust. I haven't made any attempt to get Timber to step up since the first few days (he knows what step up means but doesn't want to do it). But, woohoo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerial.2000 Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Marco realllllly likes them scratches right before bedtime and she will hold her head down for 30 min lol as long as Im scratching maybe its just cuz shes too worn out to fight me off LMAO ... but that is the BEST time I get lovings from her! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oblivion Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Funny, I could tell that last night Spencer WANTED his neck scratched, but he just wouldn't allow it. Turkey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbersmom Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 I know what you mean! Sometimes they just seem to look at you with longing (maybe that's just what I want to see) and it breaks my heart. Aeriel, lucky you and lucky bird! I have a question also. While I was scratching around his neck area last night he started preening his chest feathers. I'm assuming that is a good thing (sign of relaxation) but wanted to make sure it doesn't mean something negative (like sexual interest). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kins2321@yahoo.com Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Absolutely, Timber preening is a sign of relaxation. You are doing GREAT! Always compliment Timber how pretty he is when preening. Sophie has always liked that. Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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