i used to have a rescued cockatiel and 2 parakeets who had been mistreated before i got them. i got the keets to a point where i could touch them, though they never sat on my finger or anything..... the tiel was outright hostile if you tried to touch him but i learned that if i sat next to his cage and talked & whistled to him, he would whistle and sing back....... we formed a fragile bond that way. i had to rehome him when i lost my home and it broke my heart, even though he went to good people. i've always wanted a parrot, maybe a senegal (i knew one once and he was super duper sweet) but can't afford one right now. for right now i have 2 rats, a mouse and a rabbit and they are wonderful to me. pets are amazing at lifting the spirit, i don't know how anyone can do without them......