Pictures Nervous Moluccan cockatoo

[Laney Miller]

I have had Sir Huggins for 3 years now I thought after some time he would learn to trust me. Well I am the only person he trust but not so much. He's happy left alone on his tree stand. Sometimes he'll come sit beside me for some head rubs. The Vet said that's just who he is "a very nervous being" We've come a long way he doesn't bite me anymore (yaaayyy) Any advise?

 

[Tiel Feathers]

Aw, he’s a cutie! Sorry, I have no advice, but getting head scratches and sitting near you sounds like he enjoys your company, and not biting anymore is awesome! Just think what your relationship will be like in three more years!

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

I just have to say that picture is dangerously cute, and Sir Huggins is the best name ever!

I am sorry I don't really have advice ( I just couldn't resist commenting on that,)but I think you must be doing an amazing job already. Time, understanding, patience, and love

 

[Clueless]

3 years isn't long in birdie years. I think you're doing fabulous!

 

[iamwhoiam]

Welcome to AA. Sir Huggins is very cute. It's my opinion that cockatoos are fairly weird. The good thing is that you have made a lot of progress with him. If he doesn't bite any more and comes and sits beside you so that you can scratch his head then that does show that he trusts you and is comfortable with you. Don't know about Moluccans but I know that smaller 'toos are generally very independent. My Goffin's trusts me but she doesn't generally want to hang out with me for very long. She would rather go off somewhere else and do her own thing.

 

[greys4u]

Love the pic with the fluff ball peeking out under Sir Higgins! You and he are doing just fine, he is starting to trust you which is a plus. So just do what you are doing

 

[Clueless]

Love the pic with the fluff ball peeking out under Sir Higgins! You and he are doing just fine, he is starting to trust you which is a plus. So just do what you are doing

Oh my gosh, I didn't see the little bird there!

@Laney Miller

How did you get that photo?

 

[Smbrds]

Accepting head rubs is a good indication that he's warming up to you on his terms and is comfortable. He'll warm up at his pace and I agree @Clueless 3 years isn't quite long. You will be able to have lots of time with Sir Higgins. He and M2s are magnificent beings.

 

[iamwhoiam]

Oh my gosh, I didn't see the little bird there!

@Laney Miller

How did you get that photo?

I just looked at the thumbnail and didn't see the conure either. Had to click on photo to see it.
Very cute photo.

What is the conure's name?

 

[Fritzgerald16]

Love the pic with the fluff ball peeking out under Sir Higgins! You and he are doing just fine, he is starting to trust you which is a plus. So just do what you are doing

Welcome! That picture is adorable!
Like everyone else, it sounds like you guys have an awesome relationship! My macaw comes over and asks for scritches maybe 1 time every six months or so.

 

[Halo]

Only advice I have is to spend as much time as you can with him. Talk to him a lot and when trying to pet him come from below to the top. Btw picture adorable.

 

[Monica]

From that picture, he looks like an umbrella, not a moluccan.

It may help to teach him how to forage and work on some new behaviors... i.e. clicker train him.

 

[Danita]

Make sure everything is predictable and he has routine. Or if you are going to have to do something, tell him what you are doing.
Like "I am going to clean your cage now" "Can I pet you?" You get the idea, then those become verbal cues.
Poor guy, sad when they are nervous.

 

[DQTimnehs]

The fact that he has an open band could point to him being wild caught. So the trust he has is really quite remarkable if that is the case. I would have that band removed at his next vet appointment as it can be dangerous if it gets hooked on something.
Yes that pic is adorable!
And yes he looks more white (Umbrella) than pink (Moluccan).
Just keep going at his pace and what he is comfortable with.