Bonding with Coco

[Thelly]

I've had Coco for just over 2 weeks now and she's gone from being in a cage 24/7 for 13 years to being out from 7am to 7pm. She has settled in great. The only thing is that I am too scared to offer her my hand. She takes food from my hand with no problem but I am scared of trying step up. She bit me hard and made me bleed when I put her in the travel cage to bring her home. I show her the back of my hand and she puts her head down like she wants a tickle but I can't bring myself to follow it through. Any advice on how to overcome my fear of her. When will I know that she is ready for a scratch?

 

[Spiritbird]

If she is lower her head for you she is waiting for the scratch. She will also feel your fear so try to do this when you are more calm.

 

[suebee]

as spirit says lol but just give a fast head rub for now i am not sure if grays are the same as sene's but nuts eyes flash when she is really ready for one, when her eyes stay as they are she's kinda not bothered

but i do not think coco will bite you as hard again, as like you said she has settled and your not pushing her to do things, so in this case she is asking you to do something for her

nut looks funny when she demands a head rub, she kinda bows an juts top of her head towards you

 

[AMR500]

perhaps try having your hand rest on her play pen or area, farthest away from her and let HER COME TO YOU! I did this with Bela. I did not try to rush him, or force my hand in his direction. I rested it well out of his range of comfort and just waited patiently and talked softly. I did this for several days with him not even coming near me, but after 15 minutes I would stop and leave. A little later I would go back and try again. After a couple days, Bela started edging closer and closer and final one day he put his foot up on my hand. I just sat there still (didn't move my hand) and he took his foot back off and I said good boy and left him be. Eventually he got to the point where he's come over and climb right on... it's all about time and patience.. and it will definitely help you with your nervousness too (by learning patience ;D)

 

[Thelly]

Thank you so much for your help. I will try leaving my hand on the end of her play area. I have all the time in the world and I don't care how long it takes, I just don't want to let my fear affect her. I'll start tomorrow and keep you posted.