You Can Affect Your Bird's Behavior Through Touch
by Mary-Beth Korutz-Killian
Spring 2004
that can actually change negative behavior patterns and help the healing of illness and injury.How to make Touch work for our Birds
The key is to use two feathers in the beginning, as your bird will accept feathers more readily than your hands and fingers. If you can, it is a good idea to use feathers that have been molted from the very same bird that you will be working with. If you are unable to do this, then try and use feathers that are the same color of the bird you will be working with. Large Tail or Wing feathers work best for our purposes. Also, make sure that the feathers you are using are not from an unknown source which could be carrying diseases.
On the quill end of the feathers, attach a long cotton swab or Q-tip with clear tape or medical adhesive tape. This will help you make the feathers into a wand.
Place your bird on a sturdy T-stand. Make sure your birds eyes are no higher then your chest.
The Session Your sessions should be short (about 5 minutes). Once you and your 
bird become comfortable with this procedure, then gradually proceed to a little longer session. Do not force your bird to sit through a session if he is feeling uncomfortable or apprehensive. By forcing the session your bird will become uncomfortable and will be defeating your purpose. Always end the session when your bird is feeling relaxed, even if this means only one minute of touching.
Slowly stroke a feather onto your other hand in front of your bird, while toning softly with your voice gooooood birrrrd. Then stroke the two feathers together, in front of your bird, while toning softly gooooood birrrrd. Repeat the stroking of the two feathers together, toning while you do, until the bird seems comfortable and relaxed. Next, stroke the perch with the feathers. If he strikes at the feathers, don't jerk them away ...simply go back to the beginning.
When your bird finally relaxes make sure you tone, goooood birrrd.
When he is comfortable with the feathers stroking the perch, it is time to touch each foot simultaneously with your feathers and tone, goooooood birrrrrd. He may pick up his feet while you are doing them; if so, you can do a few clockwise circles on his toes (circle starts at 6 o'clock and goes clockwise passing 6 again and ending at 9). You can do these circles on each toe and then on the legs .....always toning when the bird is accepting. gooooood birrrrd.
Your bird will become more comfortable and accepting each time you have a session. You will be able to work up to doing other areas that he is open to like his wings, always using both feathers to work both sides of the body simultaneously and remembering to always tone, gooooood birrrrd. Eventually you will be able to just use your fingers to do the touching....but it must be extremely light pressure. If you are unable to use your fingers, don't despair, just revert back to the feather wands.
Take this special time to rejuvenate your bird, as well as extending your bonding time together. You and your bird will become extremely close and trusting of each other.
References:
Linda Tellington:Tellington Touch
Dawn Eischen: Affecting Bird Behavior through T-Touch