Cockatoo bonding

Question
Hi Diana
I am a fairly experienced bird owner having an Amazon for 21 years and many small species.  I recently purchased a Rosebreasted Cockatoo and am very pleased.  I have one issue with her.  She seems to be afraid of my hads for some reason.  When I approach her she will fly down to the ground, then I can pick her up.  Being that she is new to the household, I could understand her being timid, however when any other member of the family approaches her she immediately puffs up her head feathers looking for a scratch!  I am trying not to be dramatic and am taking it very slow, she will even approach me if my hands are behind my back, but she is always on guard looking for them.  Any idea what I could have done? or what I could do to help her oversome this?

thank you!
Celia Barlow

Answer
Hello Celia and thank you for your question.

It could be a number of things that your bird doesn't like.  A lotion, soap, even the color of a nail polish or a piece of jewelry that your bird doesn't like and is on the lookout for.
Tr to to hand feed her some treats and see what her reaction is.  Maybe switch lotions or soaps, remove your nail polish or jewelry and see if you can pinpoint the problem.


I am sorry that I couldn't be of better help, but I will also ask around and see if anybody I know could also come up with an answer.

Good luck and God Bless.
Dianna