Coming out of shell but scared?

[MutatedFungi]

Okay so my Australian King Parrot is trying to come out of his shell, and seems like he wants attention (moving closer to me, when I change food, water.)

Even got on my arm, yesterday by his own accord YET freaked out shortly after.

Is it normal behaviour to want to be so close to even get onto my arm, then freak out?

I'm going at his pace but it's a bit confusing when he sends mixed signals like this.

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[chris-md]

I can't speak for king parrots but he's still unsure so I'm not surprised to hear this. It sounds like you're doing exactly what you need to do, nice and slow at his pace. Keep up the good work.

 

[Flboy]

I agree, you are on a roll!

 

[MutatedFungi]

It's just so weird to see him want attention, yet be so scared at the same time.

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[Scott]

Seems like a tug-of-war between the desire to socialize and basic defensive instincts. Parrots are very much prey animals, the target of predators. Progress will depend on prior socialization and the species.

 

[Loko]

I like what Scott said, I agree completely. The bird is settling in and beginning to trust you, but instinct is saying *danger!*. You just need to continue working with him and dont do anything that would take you a step back as far as trust as this is a fragile process, and youre on a good start to winning him over. Below is a good read, and also remember, some birds that werent hand raised or not handled regularly when young are going to take a lot of time and patience to come around to trusting weird moving branches like hands and arms, and some will never be fond of them period, though in time with proper training they should be at least merely tolerated in case of any emergency. In your case however, I think he will come around well and in a few months of trust building he will be on your shoulder or hand and asking for scritches.

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html