Appropriate touching of a parrot: advice needed

[SydneysMommy]

My new Brownhead is about 4 or 5 years old, male, named Jack. He seems to be afraid of my SO (also male) but adores me already and we have him less than a week. As soon as he sees me, he puts his head down for cuddles and will even nestle himself under my chin for more contact and kisses. I want to make sure I am making a new friend, not a lifemate!! I believe i read i should avoid touching him under his wings, and of course his belly and that region.
How can i tell that I am bonding with my bird appropriately?
A little background, my bird was owned by a couple for 4 years, when their child became seriously ill and Jack was lacking attention, so they returned him to the woman (storeowner) who sold him to them years before. He was back in their store for 3 1/2 weeks when we met him and felt sorry for him. He was hiding behind a cage, but he did well on our hands and we took a chance with him. Now he runs from my boyfriend but is fine, even affectionate with me. The storeowner did say he liked the man he lived with previously. My boyfriend is working with him slowly to get him to be comfortable around him as well.
Thanks!
New Nervous Mother, Lisa

[CALVINS MOM]

Hi Lisa - I believe they are in the "African" family of birds, although I could be wrong. The Africans do sometimes have a tendency to bond to one person or one gender. Always remember, too, that consignment birds sometimes come with a lot of baggage and/or issues and the stories behind them may not necessarily be true. Give him time and patience. Even if he does not bond to George and only bonds to you, that's okay since you have given the poor little guy a wonderful beginning of the rest of his life.

[cfulhage]

The only place you should avoid touching your bird is their back. That being said, I often place my hand on my grey's back if I dont' want her to take flight when she's on my hand. Just be careful not to stroke or pet their back.

Belly is fine, although my fids don't like to be touched there. And under the wings should pose no problem. It's good for a bird to be used to getting touched all over in case of an emergency- an injury or something to that effect.

One tip for you and your boyfriend: Find Jack's favorite treat. Then, let only your boyfriend distribute it. Eventually Jack will come to realize that his most favorite thing comes from this person!

[SydneysMommy]

We found his food weakness seems to be millet spray. Good idea to have George give this to him as a treat. We didnt buy any because he is a finicky eater and we are trying to get him to accept pellets rather than the seed mix he was on, since I think its healthier for them. But as a treat? GREAT IDEA!!
Keep the tips coming!!
THANKS SO MUCH!!

[The Outlaw]

Touching them on the back, tail and under the wings can really start sexual arousal.

[CALVINS MOM]

Uh oh. I've been a bad birdie mommie all these years. I touch my birds everywhere!

[kimtoo]

me too!

[Carolsclan]

me too .....

[kensbuns]

Touching on the back, under the wings and such should be limited during hormonal times. Other times are ok!!

[SydneysMommy]

How can you tell when the bird is hormonal? We are fairly new parents