Parrot breeding: Here are 10 tips for living better with a parrot
Breed parrot
When you want to pick up your parrot, make sure that it also shares this desire, paying special attention to its body language.
All pets, including parrots, have moods and desires. You should give your parrot the power to make decisions whenever possible. Speak softly to him, inviting him to come to join you.
If he doesn’t seem inclined to do so, then ask yourself if it is really NECESSARY to pick up your parrot at this time. If the answer is no, do not insist and try again at another time.
If on the contrary you absolutely must take it without further delay, I advise you to attract it to you by using the command of the short distance recall. Follow the method suggested HERE to teach him this command.
It is not recommended to use the “mount” command which will invade your parrot’s personal space at a time when he does not want to be disturbed.
Parrot care
Parrot breeding: Always have a calm attitude when handling your pet parrot. If you are upset, angry, or in a hurry, he will notice it.
Parrots are very empathetic, the parrot can absorb our emotions, like real sponges. If you are calm, he will do the same for you.
If, on the contrary, you are angry or elated, he is at great risk of becoming aggressive, overexcited, and/or biting you.
Cockatiel mother feeding her children
SOURCE: African Grey Parrot Pet
Parrot in hand
Parrot breeding: Avoid letting your parrot access your shoulder or your head.
Naturally, all parrots will be inclined to choose these places, quite simply because they prefer to perch high up as they do in their natural habitat.
However, I advise you not to let your parrot do it, at least until you have developed a relationship of absolute trust with it.
Not because a parrot perched on the shoulder will be more dominant (this is a myth), but simply for the sake of safety.
Effectively, when your parrot is on your shoulder or your head, you cannot see its body language and therefore will not be able to react to it effectively.
If something suddenly frightens or angers him, you may end up with a bite to your face.
Take my word for it, an earlobe, a pierced lip or nose, it happens very quickly and not only to others! If your parrot lands on your shoulder or head, remove it by using the short-range recall command or by luring it somewhere else with the target.
When your parrot is on you, always remember to offer it good support for its legs.
For example, one cannot expect a large cockatoo to be comfortable on just one finger of the hand! If you have a large parrot, first bring it up on the palm of your hand, then let it land on your forearm.
If it is a medium parrot, you can present it with your palm, the side of your hand, or two fingers. For a small parrot, a single finger will be quite suitable.
At all times, you must make sure to give it horizontal support, not tilted. On the other hand, parrots of any build will generally like to rest on your legs if you are seated.
Parrot scaring
Never take your parrot by force, by pushing its stomach with your finger, by taking its legs off the perch, or under threat by scaring it with a towel.
If you absolutely must take it without further ado, I recommend that you attract it to you using the short-distance booster command.
Parrot breeding: Do not make sudden movements when your parrot is on you or near you.
We don’t always realize how terrifying and unsettling a hand that gestures while speaking or an arm that suddenly moves while walking can be truly terrifying.
Certainly, a parrot has good claws to hold onto you firmly, but there are still limits to the jolts it can withstand before falling!
Likewise, some people mistakenly believe that moving their arm or hand up and down to make their parrot flap its wings is a game they enjoy.
This is rarely the case since your parrot has no control over the situation and the flapping of the wings is simply an instinctive reaction in an attempt to rebalance without suddenly falling to the ground.
Never hold your parrot on you by force, for example by pinching its legs with one of your fingers when you have it in your hand.
Parrot breeding: Avoid taking your parrot by grabbing it by the back.
It is the predators who act this way with them to eventually make them their feast, so your parrot may react aggressively to this gesture that he will instinctively interpret as a threat to his life.
Never force your parrot to go on a visit, or on a family member that he does not like.
The relationship you share with your parrot is unique and it doesn’t take a few hours to build. He has learned to trust you gradually, and so must everyone else. Respect his rhythm.
If you like to sit in bed or on a sofa with your parrot, especially avoid letting it snuggle up under the covers or in your sweater.
In doing so, you stimulate its reproductive instinct and desire to make a nest. Also, always be careful not to doze off.
Unfortunately, there are several stories of parrots who died accidentally crushed by their master while sleeping.