That's too funny with the long pants!cindy wrote:Funny my dog when younger was afraid of our legs if we had long jeans on. We got her in the summer so we were wearing shorts, come cooler weather and I put jeans on she would bark at my legs...it was to funny. It took a little bit for her to realize it was ok!!!
I agree Ursula certain clothes, even a towel wrapped around wet hair can throw birds off a bit.
I would personally not withhold food to get them use to me as soon as I get them. Some birds especially ones from a show that have been in crowded cages, moved around, have had a hand in and out of the cage catching other birds and themselves, people rushing by them, noise...they may have not eaten well during that time and may be very stressed. They need to be left alone in their new environment to calm down, adjust, eat and rehydrate. Plenty of time afterwards for them to adjust to a new owner.
But it's true, animals get so used to your entire appearance. They take in the whole figure, not just your face. I think the flappy dark clothing might remind them of big predator birds. Not sure about the red though...
And I agree, I wouldn't withhold food either! Patience is key IMHO. Using treats is fine, but to completely starve them even a few hours can be dangerous for their health.
They are not too bad if I come up to their cage slowly and talk quietly to them, but no matter what, once I put my hand it there for anything - they just spook. I love their little "honking sounds" but they just are not calm like other species of finches. I had tried putting one in with a couple of male gouldians several years ago, but it did not take long before she was bossing both the boys around, way too much!