My parakeet wont let me pet him.

[kiwi.ar123]

I have a green parakeet, he is about 8 months old. He is used to me but he wont let me pet him or touch his back. I try to pet him but he tries to bite me and he seems scared of me sometimes but most of the time he is fine with me. What can I do to stop him for getting scared?

 

[RavensGryf]

First, birds aren't like dogs.. They have strong wild instincts as a non-domestic animal. Many birds do not like being pet on the body. Especially after a bird grows up and reaches maturity, which yours is almost there.

As a general rule, it's not advised to touch along the back, as it "may" cause sexual urges and frustration and unwanted behaviors. I can pet Robin on the back and anywhere without consequence, but he is the exception to the rule, and I'm very fortunate in that. Most birds won't give you the chance in the first place.

When he is acting scared and biting, it's because you are pushing past his comfort zone. He is telling you you're moving way too fast.. trying too much too soon. It can take many months of consistency day after day of working with a bird who is not real tame. Then, after many months or a year, you determine if this bird just isn't interested in being a tame pet. Not all budgies are. Some are, some aren't, and we should respect our little ones for who they are, not what we want them to be. Good luck.

 

[Christinenc2000]

Hi Welcome to the forum. Your parakeet is very pretty. Would love to see more pictures. How long have you had him ?

 

[texsize]

I have my own theory about petting birds on the back.
I mostly agree with what RavensGryf said but I would add some things.
I think Female birds are more likely to allow petting on the back but It may "stimulate" them into breeding mode.
IMO this is why male birds will resist petting on the back because the um how should I say this, don't wish to be mounted, they are boys.
My son got into the habit of petting one of my cockatiels, she ended up laying a clutch of sterile eggs. because of this we have avoided petting and just stick with scratching around the head and neck.
texsize

 

[Flboy]

I have had my Jojo for a year and a half, and I can rub her beak, roughhouse her, and flip her upside down. But she will not let me touch her back or rub her head.

 

[BIRDIGIRL]

I have one girl (Peter Pan Quaker)who loves all kinds of handling and petting and cuddles etc but I dont pet her on her back lest she start to lay eggs which I'd rather she did not do and I have a boy for about 4 months now (Mr Biggles a White Fronted Amazon) who is ever so willing to have a playful relationship with me and learn tricks but who doesnt want to be petted or touched. I so wanted to touch Mr Biggles and pet him and I started inventing ways of stealing a quick little scratch or a touch here and there avoiding his beak and the nip I could see coming but I soon saw that he wasnt comfortable with it so I started to accept a bond of friendship on his terms and we have tons of fun together without scratching and petting ...one day perhaps he will allow a scratch or a pet when he is comfortable enough to do so but even if he never wants to be scratched or petted we have an amazing bond that grows daily and I wouldnt swop him for the cuddliest Parrot out there. Get to know what your parrot enjoys doing and play with him, the scratches and the petting arent the be all and end all of a relationship at least I dont think they are...what really matters is that you and your parrot relax and enjoy each others company and have fun together thats what bonding is really all about