Advice on gaining trust

[meau94]

So I've had my Alex for nearly 3 years. The first time I purchased him, he was extremely aggresive, but after a week he seemed to warm up to me very quickly. Apparently putting him on my shoulder and feeding him parrot porridge with a spoon. Feeding him some snacks, and just in general spending a lot of time with him worked. He even gets excited for me to pick him up as soon as I get back home from work.

Though the only thing is that I only feel like he 'half' trusts me. When he sees my hand, he is willing to jump onto it, but if I move my hand anywhere above his feet, he suddenly really freaks out. I can barely touch his beak with even my finger as he would suddenly move his whole body away in panic mode. I also don't want to force anything on him as I don't want to lose any current trust. I don't know if this behaviour is considered normal from an Alexandrine. Any advice?

 

[GaleriaGila]

Let's wait for the Alexandrine experts to weigh in, but, off the top of my head, that all sounds pretty great to me. Parrots are such exotic creatures... they're not even mammals... what a privilege just to have them accept us in their presence... wow. I think you have made wonderful progress. Truly I do!

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Some birds are just not the touchy-feely type. My Amazon will allow me to do just about anything with her. Beak wrestle,stroke her back,allow me to pull gently to extend her arms..head skritches etc. Then there are other times she JUST DOES NOT want to be touched

BB the 'tiel (as far as I know,tiels aren't suppose to be touchy-feely either) however,just LOVES for me to cup his little body in my palm,give him kisses all over,head skritches...they can be like us..moody at times


Jim

 

[Raixalotto]

Alexandrines aren't usually real into being petted and similar - though there are exceptions. Usually they prefer to hang out with you, and go around the house with you