If you’re trying to pet a bird you don’t own, understand that it may need to get to know you before it becomes comfortable with letting you pet it. It may be better to visit with the bird and gain its trust before attempting to physically touch it at all. If you do own a bird, understand that not every bird will eventually warm up to petting. Some just do not enjoy it, instead preferring their personal space. If you find this to be the case, you should not try to force it to enjoy being pet. Instead, it’s much better to try and find other ways to bond with your bird, such as teaching it tricks or letting it perch near you while you work.
Is the bird extremely stiff and staring at you as you approach? Is it trying to move or lean away from you, or pushing you away? Is it attempting to bite you? All of these are more or less obvious signs the bird is uncomfortable with what you’re doing, and you should stop. [4] X Research source Is the bird turning its head a bit, or even bowing its head on your approach? Is it closing its eyes? Is it ruffling or fluffing up its feathers a bit? These are signs that the bird is relaxed, trusting, and comfortable with what you’re doing. Which is good!
While this isn’t the case for every bird, they also tend to prefer being petted on the head and neck more than anything anyway, because those are the only spots they can’t reach by themselves. So, it’s generally better to just stay above the neck. Everyone is happier that way.
