Phobic Too

Question
Hello,

I have a Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, he is getting close to 1 year now, and most recently he has developed this very strange phobia of hands. Just all of a sudden he will NOT come near hands. If he sees them he FREAKS out and will even dive bomb face first off the cage to get away from them. He is fine as long as he doesn't see hands or exposed arms, and will come to you and give kisses, but there is absolutely no handling him.

I've talked to people on some MSN groups that I know and they asked if anything in the room has changed....but nothing in the room is different, nothing about me is different or my boyfriend who also handles him. I also have a CAG and an Umbrella 'too and have NEVER had any problem similar to this, nor seen anything like it with past birds (with the exception of untame birds).

I got my Lesser just after he was weaned. Unfortunately he was battered by his cagemate (apparently a Bare Eyed Too) and had his tail and all flight feathers plucked out. Not sure if that information will help anything at all..

Just wondering if you have some suggestion as to what I can do? I work full time and so does my boyfriend so finding time to work with him and take care of my other pets is quite trying, but I do NOT want to give up on him, and rehoming is my absolute LAST resort!

Thank you in advance!
Sarah & Sammie (LSC2)

Answer
THANK YOU for not wanting to give up and being dedicated to see this through no matter what.  So many bird owners decide when the going gets rough - quit!

It's very, very easy to make a bird cage bound when the start displaying actions like this, but now more than ever, he needs attention 'out' of the cage and with your hands.

The first suspicion is that someone hurt him. One pop or strike and it could have done this. Perhaps at a vet visit or groomers?  A visitor? Hard to really tell.

Regardless, it's important to re-establish a good relationship with hands.  Make sure that they hold favorite treats.  Offer them (treat inside) lightly closed fisted and open slowly to reveal the surprise.
Never come down from 'above' with a pet or scritch - make sure you come from the side or below, with lots of warning and soft reassurance.

Remember - birds need to learn what's negative after just ONCE. In the wild, they may not get a second chance.  Re-teaching them that what they've now imprinted as 'negative' (or dangerous) will take 100x's more time than the 1 x it took to learn - but it will be worth it.

Check back with me with how you're doing

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