Making friends with Rocky

[Darwin'sgirl]

Okay, I know I need to be patient, but I'm wondering how long it might take for Rocky to step up for me. He's 21 and I'm his 4th owner which makes me kinda sad. He was more than happy to step up when I picked him up, but of course as soon as he realized that I was taking him to a new home he wouldn't let me touch him. My 13 year old son has had a lot of time with him, (he's on fall break) and he has danced with Rocky and today Rocky stepped up for him and they watched Tv for about an hour. Rocky will gently take food from me, but if I ask him to step up, he lunges at me, so I've just backed off and just stand and talk to him. My other birds that had also had several homes before me liked me from the beginning, so I guess I'm a little disappointed, although I do know this is to be expected. Any suggestions about making friends with Rocky?

 

[MonicaMc]

It could be days, weeks or even months. I know with Noel, my cherry head (RIP), it took a long while to get him used to me... back then, I didn't know any better and was using flooding techniques, so to say the least, I got a lot of bites! But once I figured out how to understand him, things got better. Wish I would have known then what I know now about positive reinforcement.

 

[Mike]

Share a bite of something with him. Take a bite of something he likes while standing in front of him, then offer it to him.

 

[birdofparadise]

I think all you need in this situation is time. It dosen't sound like you've had Rocky for very long. My Green-wing macaw was very scared when I first got her; I've had her for two weeks now and every day she gets crankier. It seems as though birds go through several phases when they live with someone.

Are you intimidated by Rocky's beak? He could sense that and it may cause him to not want to step up. I know Macaws can sense even a little fear, and they can react with lunging and bluffing.

 

[WannaBeAParrot]

Watch your son interact with him and try to discover what is different from how you interact with Rocky. Speed of movement, pitch of voice, height, volume, how much talking, what he's doing during their time together, distance between them, color clothes, position of hands. Maybe you'll find a clue that will help get you more "in" with Rocky.

Also, just wonder - is one of you wearing glasses? Sometimes it's as simple as that. Or even something like you keep a towel on your shoulder and your son doesn't. Watch for the subtleties.

Lots of luck. You'll get there. Be patient.

 

[Darwin'sgirl]

Thanks for all the advice. I have wondered if it's my glasses that bothers him. I'm off the next 2 days and I'll really try to see what is different with how Ethan interacts with Rocky. I'm also going to try eating in front of him and sharing with Rocky. He's doing really well considering that his life was turned upside now for the 4th time.