Need Some Advice

Winston1Smith2 · Apr 28, 2010

As you know I banned Cracker from shoulder to help correct some behavior issues (mainly biting) I have had with Cracker. I think the ban worked in that I have not been bitten as frequently by Cracker. Most of the time I get bitten by Cracker now is when I want him to do something he does not want to do. Anyways about two days ago Cracker managed to get on my shoulder and started to preen the back of my neck. I did not remove him although I admit I was a little nervous given his prior history of biting. Again, today he went on my shoulder and began to preen the back of my neck and started making those happy clicking noises. My question is do you think it is mistake to allow Cracker back on shoulder? I want to lift the ban on my shoulder and see what happens. I think by allowing him to preen the back of my neck it is making the bond between us stronger.

Spiritbird · Apr 28, 2010

It sounds like Cracker got your message. If when on your shoulder now he is not biting I think it would be ok. If the biting starts back up then it is the ban again and again if needed. That is the way he will learn. He loves you.

parrotqueen · Apr 28, 2010

Well said, SB.

WS, I think he understands now. Congratulations! Positive reinforcement is the best way of training, and that is basically what you're doing. When he gets better about his biting and moodiness, he realizes that he is rewarded with the shoulder. Just keep the training consistent, and you're good to go.

I wish you all the best!

HRH Di · Apr 29, 2010

Positive reinforcement is the best way to teach your parrot. Just like a child - and we've all read/been told that some parrots are as intelligent as human toddlers - they will want to please the people they love. They need boundries or they'll been that screeming 2 year old in the grocery store, but rewarding them when they do exhibit a desirable behavior is, IMHO, the best way.

Preening is a good sign. It's a very social thing that parrots do. He wants to make sure your "feathers" are clean and in good order.

antoinette · Apr 29, 2010

You and Cracker sure are bonding, hardly any more biting, that's great.
Just like a toddler, they must know what is acceptable or not. Of course they will challenge us, at times. When wrong doing, they must be reprimanded "time out".
Continue with him on your shoulder, on a daily basis, show him you are enjoying it, giving lovies and scratching his head. If this is done only now and again, Cracker might get so excited, and start biting.
If he challenges you, and tries to bite, reprimanded him.
Ps.... maybe Cracker is trying to show you HOW TO PREEN LoL

antoinette · Apr 29, 2010

You might find this link very interesting
Some general shoulder tips and advise

Avoiding Problems With Parrots On Shoulders

Winston1Smith2 · Apr 30, 2010

Thanks for that great link Antionette. I had to laugh when reading that article because I was doing exactly what the article said not to do. I was allowing Cracker to use my arm as a runway. I will still allow Cracker on my shoulder, however, I will keep him on my arm for about a half hour and only allow him on my shoulder when I place him there. You always give such informative links!

antoinette · Apr 30, 2010

Winston1Smith2 said:
Thanks for that great link Antionette. I had to laugh when reading that article because I was doing exactly what the article said not to do. I was allowing Cracker to use my arm as a runway. I will still allow Cracker on my shoulder, however, I will keep him on my arm for about a half hour and only allow him on my shoulder when I place him there. You always give such informative links!

Glad you found the link helpful. I love going into different links, so much we do not know, and so much to learn.

Auggie's Dad · May 1, 2010

Sounds like it's been addressed well, but I'll add one thought: moderation.

I had a very similar situation with Auggie. He was banned from being on my shoulder, in my shirt (his favorite place) or anywhere on me other than my lap or forearm.

After a while he earned his privileges back. But they are privileges, make sure you stay in charge of deciding when he can and cannot be on your shoulder - and stick to your guns.

Need Some Advice

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The Key to Bonding with Your Parrot

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