Two week update!

[Francie Mae]

Hello everyone! Tomorrow will be the mark of our second week with our 5 month old cockatoo, Grim He’s getting more comfortable with us, and we’re learning new things and wondering about others.

Grim still does not like to have a hand raised in his direction, even if slowly, so we haven’t been able to pet him (we’re being sure to avoid stroking him on most of his body to avoid worsening hormonal behavior when he gets to that age). We’ve made some progress with getting him to step up, but he very much prefers to step up onto our shoulder. The lady who had him before us told us that it’s better to have your parrot on your arm, for the sake of avoiding injury , yes, but also because she said that if the bird is on your shoulder, they feel dominant over you—but I’m not sure if that’s true? We’re just happy that he’s starting to feel comfortable with us, so we’ve been letting him step up wherever he feels is safest. Should I approach this situation differently?

In terms of biting, he’s a little ‘nippy’ but has not truly bitten anybody since that first day. He nibbles incessantly on our clothes if he’s on someone’s shoulder, but I haven’t done anything to discourage that because I know parrots will chew on anything and everything, and that’s just how it is, but is there actually something I *should* be doing? I also read about young parrots ‘bluffing,’ so I’ve kept a careful eye on how he uses his beak around us. As I mentioned, he likes to lightly pinch as he explores, but I haven’t done anything because I don’t want him to see that it gets a reaction. I assume that he naturally knows that if he bites hard it’ll hurt, right? Like I don’t have to yelp or cry out like I would if a puppy bit me?

Also, Grim is a chatty boy!! He loves to say hi, or at least try to. He only screams when he wants attention (usually the second someone leaves the room), but we’ve been ignoring him. After a little bit he’ll stop screaming and start saying hi, and at that point we go and interact with him. I read that positive reinforcement is best for communicating with birds, so we don’t ’scold’ him for being loud, we just don’t reward him until he’s calm.

In summary:
1. Grim only wants to step up if it’s onto our shoulder. Should we continue to allow him to do this, or discourage him stepping up unless it’s on our arm? When he’s on our shoulder, he likes to put the top of his head against our cheek.
2. He’s been nibbling on clothes; I’m comfortable with mending shirts and such when the need arises, but is this something that I actually should be discouraging somehow? We got him to step up only because he was interested in our clothes, or at least that was what he seemed interested in. He also likes to run his beak through our hair lol.
3. When he’s a little nippy, even though it’s light, I don’t react. My only response is maybe walking away. Should I continue to approach the situation this way?
4. Does he know that biting hurts, or does he have to learn somehow, like how puppies and kittens learn from the reactions of their litter mates? Basically do I need to give *some* indication that he hurt me or is silence really the best way?
5. If he steps up and doesn’t nip us or anything like that, should I give him a treat (shelled almond) when he goes back to his perch?

Thank you for taking the time to read, I hope everyone is having a lovely day Here’s a picture of our lil guy eating basil (which is not usually part of his chop):

 

[DonnaBudgie]

It sounds like you're doing great with him. The only thing I'd be concerned about is the shoulder sitting. It's really risky to have a parrot that isn't 100% trustworthy so close to your face. You can't read his body language there to avoid a bite. I'm not sure how to train him to sit on your forearm instead but that would be my goal.
I have little experience successfully training parrots so I defer to other members on thar issue.

 

[TiredOldMan]

1. Grim only wants to step up if it’s onto our shoulder. Should we continue to allow him to do this, or discourage him stepping up unless it’s on our arm?

Would be best if he stepped up on your hand or arm. As long as he isn't aggressive on your shoulder I would continue to let this happen. Remember sometimes they bite when startled to warn you of whatever startled them so keep that in mind.

2. He’s been nibbling on clothes; I’m comfortable with mending shirts and such when the need arises, but is this something that I actually should be discouraging somehow? We got him to step up only because he was interested in our clothes, or at least that was what he seemed interested in. He also likes to run his beak through our hair lol.

This is normal and can be gently discouraged over time. Don't rush. It's best to designate "bird clothes" to wear when interacting to keep wardrobe expense down.

3. When he’s a little nippy, even though it’s light, I don’t react. My only response is maybe walking away. Should I continue to approach the situation this way?

I've always used a calm "no" or "gentle". Also shunning works well but everyone needs to be onboard. You place them on a neutral surface such as a chair back and turn your back to them. Don't look at them or talk to or about them for 1 minute or more. Don't place them on a stand or in their cage for this.

4. Does he know that biting hurts, or does he have to learn somehow, like how puppies and kittens learn from the reactions of their litter mates? Basically do I need to give *some* indication that he hurt me or is silence really the best way?

Whatever you do don't make a commotion. They like excitement and drama and have been known to bite to get the excited reaction they enjoy. Like I said above a calm "no" or "gentle" works for me.

5. If he steps up and doesn’t nip us or anything like that, should I give him a treat (shelled almond) when he goes back to his perch?

If he steps up then treat. If he goes back to his perch when asked then treat again.

It sounds like you are really doing well for the very limited time you have been together. It takes a long time for both you and the bird to build trust and understanding between you.
Cockatoos are a little more difficult to read due the inability to see their pupils and their energy level. But they are so worth the time to get to know.