it has been a little over two weeks since Herk came into our home. he has been quite a handful at times, but i think it has mostly to do with my decision to separate him from his friend, Ellis.

i decided to split them because 1) Ellis was not into Herk as Herk was into him, 2) Herk always seemed to be be preoccupied with protecting Ellis and it hindered my interaction with Herk himself, and 3) if these two ever become adopted, i don't want them to be very bonded with eachother. it will make finding an adoptive home for both birds quite difficult.

since moving Ellis (this was done last weekend), Herk was mostly calm and quiet. i did think he would start screeching for Ellis, but that wasn't the case. Herk has, however shown a dislike towards my husband, because Herk saw a bond forming between my husband and Ellis. my husband has been having a harder time approaching Herk to give him food in his cage - Herk will climb onto the side of his cage closest to my husband and try to lunge for his fingers. it could also be the level of energy emanating from my husband. he just needs to calm down a bit.

Herk has also tried to do a few fly-attacks at me and has bitten me on the outer edge of my right hand. not the worst bite i have ever received, but it did draw some blood. i have realized that now that Herk is alone (he is still in quarantine!) he may feel a little more exposed and unsure. i am pulling back and approaching him slower and offering more ambient attention from afar, working my way slowly nearer to him and his cage when he starts exhibiting calm behavior.

Tonight, no attacks or bites. i spent an hour just reading a magazine near the door to his room and occasionally talking/mumbling to him. he would return the favor some times and discuss the day's events (see the movie my husband made below - unfortunately he had the camera flipped on its side....grrr!). once he started to preen himself, i placed a piece of almond into a container and offered it to him. he took it happily and i praised him for being a good bird. no aggression at all. im glad....one good step towards gaining trust. i may start doing some target training with him. not sure if he is ready yet for this, but i will try.