Being cage- protective is very common in traumatized birds. If the bird will not step up in the cage, don't push it. One option is to put a playstand very close to the open door of the cage, put some food and toys on the playstand, then walk away. Let the bird decide when, or IF it wants to come out today.
As a Veterinary technician as well as a wildlife rehabilitator, I have worked with many birds with head and spinal injuries. Birds have an amazing ability to recover from these injuries.
Biting, hissing, lunging, and excessive screaming are all signs to watch out for. Fear – While not all birds are outwardly friendly, if your bird suddenly becomes timid and avoids being handled, this could be a sign that your feathered friend is stressed.
Most birds having suffered an impact trauma can be simply scooped up with both hands. Handling must be firm but gentle, as careless handling may cause further injuries. A towel might become useful for larger birds and can be thrown over the animal, which will help to secure the bird.
Teach your parrot a signal that means you would like to touch him. An easy way to do this is to wiggle your fingers a little bit right before you reach to touch his head. Your bird will quickly learn that wiggling fingers means the opportunity exists to get a head scratch.
More than 70% of birds die of head trauma instantly or within minutes. Of those that survive, the majority suffer a concussion. Many suffer internal bleeding, severe bruising and/or shock. Some are left with a fractured wing, clavicle (collarbone), sternum (breastbone) or other incapacitating injury.
According to psychologist and ecologist Gay Bradshaw, PhD—who established the field of trans-species psychology—captive birds experience Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from prolonged, repeated suffering.
So birds certainly possess the capacity to mourn—they have the same brain areas, hormones, and neurotransmitters as we do, “so they too can feel what we feel,” Marzluff says—but that doesn't mean we know when it's happening.
TAMING A FRIGHTENED BIRD
It works, but you must exercise patience. DO NOT rush it or it only won't work. It took me about two weeks from stage 1 where the bird would fly to the other side of the cage if I came within two meters of the cage, to stage 2 where the bird would happily step onto my hand from the cage.
Some birds just don't like human hands on them; they love to hang out and play with their people, but prefer not to be physically touched. Other birds might view you as a potential mate, so you should limit physical interaction, especially during hormonal season.
Physical hugging or scratching around the head is acceptable, but scratching, stroking or petting your bird around the back, rump, and hind end may cause sexual stimulation. Redirect your bird's attention towards other toys and healthy interactive play with you, the owner.
Many times, a parrot changes its behavior toward its owner because it is no longer comfortable with that person. Something happened that is confusing the parrot, and this changes its reaction to its caregiver. This then changes the person's behavior toward the parrot.
If you are not providing them with the companionship they need, they will totally be afraid of you. If you keep giving them mixed signals, you will have them confused. Be consistent in how you handle your parrot and offer them the companionship that they need. Build trust with them so that they are not afraid of you.
The bird will generally take 4 to 6 hours to recover from shock if there are no other major medical issues or injuries sustained – if it doesn't – seek advice. While the bird is in shock, don't force it to eat or drink.
Keeping the bird in the dark helps reduce stress, and a source of heat can help with shock. You can wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place it inside or next to the box, making sure the bird can get away from the heat if it wants to. If it begins to pant, remove the heat source immediately.
As a prey animal, they are more prone to constantly scan their environment for threats, real or perceived, as a way to survive. Humans hands are often only experienced when they are coming in quickly to grab, hold, feed or inspect a young bird and this can trigger startle responses.