My baby Pineapple is about 6 months old now and he still doesn't have the slightest interest in head scratches. He loves to cuddle, but screams bloody murder (well honks actually lol) when I try to touch his head. Is there anyway I can get him to warm up to being touched on his head? I know he likes it because I've been able to do it a few times, but there can't be any distractions and he has to be tired lol How to I work on him to trust me around his head?
Temperment question about a baby
- Thread starter KAYREX
- Start date
SoCalWendy
New member
Not all birds like head scratches. He is clearly warning you about his dislike. You should respect his space and never force the issue. Watch his body language carefully he will tell you when he is uncomfortable about something.
SilverSage
New member
- Sep 14, 2013
- 5,937
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- Parrots
- Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, Maximilian’s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
First, is there a reason you are so set on doing this? Some birds just don't like some things. Second, is he molting early? Molting can lead to discomfort. One of my green cheeks (a 'pineapple conure' is a green cheeked conure. Green cheeked is the species, pineapple is the color. Pineapple is actually a combination of the yellow sided mutation and the cinnamon mutation) also is snugly but does not allow head scratches, and is very vocal about it, when she is molting. Unfortunately this leads to her pin feathers lasting an extra long time since she is terrified of other birds. We have to be sneaky about it. We lulu he r almost to sleep. She lays on her back in our hands and looks dead. Then we slowly work our way up and gently work on the worst of he pin feathers, but the second we make it uncomfortable, she is wide away and irritated.
If you MUST touch her head, train her to accept it using treats. Use the clicker method, ideally, but be sure you understand exactly how that works before you try it. Touch him for just a second, reward, etc. begin to touch the head for longer periods, to move your fingers a bit, etc, always rewarding. But understand you will just be training him to accept it, not to like it. If you don't have a reason he needs to accept it, then why bother? Also, be careful with the cuddles. I know it is hard with GCCs but watch the hormone triggers! Stay away from his back end, watch for nesting behaviors, etc or you may end up routing your snuggle buddy into a jealous mate.
If you MUST touch her head, train her to accept it using treats. Use the clicker method, ideally, but be sure you understand exactly how that works before you try it. Touch him for just a second, reward, etc. begin to touch the head for longer periods, to move your fingers a bit, etc, always rewarding. But understand you will just be training him to accept it, not to like it. If you don't have a reason he needs to accept it, then why bother? Also, be careful with the cuddles. I know it is hard with GCCs but watch the hormone triggers! Stay away from his back end, watch for nesting behaviors, etc or you may end up routing your snuggle buddy into a jealous mate.
