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nicky
Just hatched
Joined: 20 Jul 2006
Posts: 46
Location: South Africa |
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Hi,
This may be a stupid question but Im wondering why its so bad to have your parrot on your shoulder. When ever I take my 1 year old grey out of his cage he always goes straight to my shoulder and seems happy there - I have heard this is bad as they should not be above chest level as they are more in control that way.
Is it that bad to have him on shoulders?  |
Friday July 21, 2006 1:56 pm |
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chispleeze
Flier
Joined: 14 Jul 2005
Posts: 475
Location: Upstate NY |
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Nicky, I think it depends on the bird. If you can trust him 100% then I don't see a problem with it. But as he matures more you may find that he thinks he's more dominant when on your shoulder. If so you're at risk of a bite on the face when least expected. Not necessarily out of meanness, but if they perceive you (their person) in danger, get startled, etc. it's a natural reaction for them to bite at their "mate" to get them to flee from danger. I used to have a lovebird that was on my shoulder all the time. Unless the phone rang. I'd have to put her down before answering or else she'd bite me on the ear if I tried to talk while she was there. Guess she thought the phone would "get" me.
My little Senegal is on my should all the time. But Smokey I would never allow there because she's too unpredictable with me.
 Just remembered the time I took in a Timneh. Because Smokey loved hubby so much he just let the other bird right on his shoulder too. "Radar" promptly turned and chomped right down on the top of his ear!!  Hubby screamed and flailed (I DO think he over-reacted a little ) and would never let that bird on his shoulder ever again.
Robin |
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Friday July 21, 2006 4:17 pm |
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Chaquita's Mom
Experienced flier
Joined: 29 Jun 2005
Posts: 1028
Location: Pennsylvania, USA |
I totally agree with what chispleeze said  |
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Saturday July 22, 2006 4:45 pm |
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Cathy
Kamikaze pilot
Joined: 02 Apr 2005
Posts: 6673
Location: Omaha, NE USA |
That was very well said Chispleeze! I've read it explained before in different words, but it took me quite awhile to really under the concept.
Some people always have their birds on their shoulders, I've just opted to never allow it from the beginning, in case things went bad, it's better to not allow the habit rather than try to break it later on. |
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Saturday July 22, 2006 5:32 pm |
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nicky
Just hatched
Joined: 20 Jul 2006
Posts: 46
Location: South Africa |
Thanks for the advice!
I was never really sure what to do, when i bought Trego from the breeder - who has many Greys they immediately told me to let him on my shoulder and they handle their Greys that way. Thats why I though it was fine. I havent had any problems so far, other than if I answer the phone with him on my shoulder he does get irritated and nibbles the phone or my hand or ear.
I guess the difficult part now is to try and get him to rather sit further down, as he is used to always going to my shoulder |
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Monday July 24, 2006 8:02 am |
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Cathy
Kamikaze pilot
Joined: 02 Apr 2005
Posts: 6673
Location: Omaha, NE USA |
You know, I guess I would never tell anyone they
shouldn't
let their birds on their shoulders, that's just a personal choice, depending on the bird, the handler, & the whole situation.
But, like I said, I've just opted not to let any of mine up on my shoulders & now they don't even attempt, unless they are startled by something, then they will try to get to higher ground |
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Monday July 24, 2006 12:08 pm |
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Jrmno1
Flying tumbler
Joined: 28 Aug 2005
Posts: 2310
Location: Ohio, USA |
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I think to it all depends on the bird. Personally I don't trust our amazons on the shoulder.......but Misty our cag I feel comfortable with there. So far she has never bitten anyone....even the people she totally dislikes. Willow our little sun conure always hangs out around my shoulder.....while Chichi the green cheek conure would love to but I don't let him much as he likes to nip my ear. Also our little cockatiels ride on the shoulder. Our greenwing thinks she needs to shoulder ride but I try to keep her off......she's very mild mannered but I could just picture that big beak tearing into my face if she ever got spooked or something. So I guess it just all depends on the bird.
We travel with our birds a lot. We have a car perch...but it is always my husband and I together so I can moniter any problems. If we have more then two with us someone has to go in the carrier. I must say I have read that our way is not the best.......that you should always have your birds in a carrier when in the car. 
I hope you enjoy your little grey. My Misty is a sweet quirky grey who hates showers and attacks bells and only wants to be petted when its okay with her.....and she greets us everyday when the lights go on with "Good Morning" |
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Wednesday August 2, 2006 12:08 am |
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