My IRN, Ricky is just over a year old. I really love him and it would be nice if I could pet him. I know some love to get neck scratches and I'm really envious. His biting is pretty sparatic he seems to like if I pull my shirt over my hand before I pick him up I think he feels more secure with his grasp. But am I dreaming to think he would like to play and cuddle with me or is that something they might learn over time.
Thanks for any feedback.
Petting an IRN
Moderator: Mods
some birds don't like to be patted at all and some only like it in certain spots. I cant pat indie below his head at the front , only on his back. I find that if a bird of mine doesn't like me to touch them at first it is easier to have a towel or something similar over my hand, get the bird to step on and then when it feels right bring the bird up to your chest and gently cover the back of the bird with the towel. This way I can show the bird what it feels like to have scratches and get them used to it gradually. The best time to do it is when they are molting and get itchy. It also helps to talk to them Eg say scratch scratch when you do it, so they don't just see a hand coming.
Scratches
My guys don't like being scratched but they are very affectionate. They like to preen my hair and my face. They will give me parrot kisses (pressing their beaks against my lips). One of them likes to gently mouth (for want of a better term) my finger and to have a good chat with my toes. They hide under my ponytail is they are scared or want some quiet time. They love to sit on my knee and preen. Not being able to scratch or pat them is not too bad when I consider how they interact with me in other ways.