It does sound like she has already come a long way. I have known both cuddly cockatiels and ones that would prefer "no touching". Sometimes patience will win out and they will calm enough and feel comfortable enough to have scritches but some just do not like them and there is really no way to force them or train them to like them.

Is your bird scared of towels, cloths etc, or is she one of those that will gladly crawl up under a towel if you are holding it. If you can get her to accept being held in a towel (without scaring her or having to chase her with it) it can be a lot easier to get them to accept scritches. We currently have in two quakers that are extremely cage territorial. If you let them out of their cage they will climb to the top and you can coax them onto your hand, during this they will in no way accept any form of petting, scritches etc. But both seem to love being held securely (not tight) in a towel with just their head peeking out and then they will both accept scritches on their head and even lean into your hand for more scritches. I don't know why this is but if she will accept a towel after a little coaxing and patience you may be able to get her to cuddle. Getting her towel trained can be a big plus as well for future vet visits so they won't be quite so tramatic.

I've had birds my whole life and have worked with all types in a rescue unofficially for 13 years and officially for 7 years. So I am still definitely not an expert but have had experience with a bit of everything LOL!

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