Hey Carol, should give it a try. Not hard to get them spoon or syringe train. Just about every bird I have had learned to eat from spoon , drink from a glass or cup, and a few was ok with syringe.
I have always stressed in past that repetition is the key. Birds learn and understand from repetition. When you break it, that's when they forget how it's done, what it means, how to say it and etc...repetition is very important in maintaining a birds memory and learning curve.
Sure birds can be afraid of the spoon, the bowl, the cup the syringe. You may not succeed the first several days of introducing it, but you start fresh the next day and the next.
Before you know it...the bird will take that first step forward and try it.
Be the example, birds watch you, they study you, they study your expression and excitement. Try the syringe yourself, show expression of how good it is. Same goes with spoon , cup, what ever.
Birds tend to try and accept things if they see your please and happy with it. They also watch other birds. If one likes it, the rest want to try it.
Poppers a was difficult at first with both syringe or spoon. But about 5 days she was trying both...... again repetition. You may not succeed the first few times or days...but you get there eventually.