Shoulder Dilemma

[Xraysrrad]

Hi Guys,
Only had Bodhi for about a month. He knows step-up, step-down, turn-around, and give me kiss. So far, very pleased with his progress.

But.....once he gets on my shoulder, all deals are off! Is this typical? Even if he gets on my daughter's shoulder, he refuses to leave on his own accord and has to be bribed with his favorite foods.

Ideas?

Thanks in advance!
Robin

 

[EdgesofTwilight]

I have the same problem with Cosmo. He does not behave on my shoulder. He'll bite my ear, not too hard, go after moles on the back of my neck, and just unruly. Otherwise he's pretty good. So for now until he is not allowed up on the shoulder. I guess some birds are not shoulder birds.

 

[Chihuahua]

I am having this exact problem and haven't found any real answers. He screams and bites my finger if I need to remove him. Otherwise he steps up like a pro. Even bribing will not get him off my shoulder. Tried a perch and he screamed and attacked it. I might have to stop letting him on my shoulder.. shame really. I like having him there.

 

[proudbirdmum]

He probably feels in control when he's on your shoulder. It is a common observation in many species of birds- being on shoulders/heads=misbehaving. Advice I've gotten from videos (Barbara H) and vets is just don't let them get there in the first place. As soon as he lands- step up and relocate/ laddering.

Hope that helps

 

[Kyoto]

I can't let Kyo on my shoulder either, unless she is being really good and is super calm. Otherwise, someday I'm going to lose my ear.

 

[dogslovepeace]

Sgt. Pepper is doing the same thing! She will not come off when I'm ready for her to. She becomes a little aggressive as well. I've stopped letting her up there for now.

 

[RavensGryf]

The media (tv, etc) over the years has portrayed that a parrot's typical place with a human is on the shoulder. In reality, some birds are not good candidates. Especially ones who show markedly different behavior up there, or don't do the 'step up' command reliably and in a variety of circumstances.

 

[Chihuahua]

I tried offering my arm instead of a finger because he was not stepping up earlier, it sure worked but he took it as an invitation to climb up to my shoulder and bit the crap out of me when I tried to stop/block him...

 

[ruffledfeathers]

It doesn't hurt them to lose shoulder privilege. Even a bird who is usually good on a shoulder needs to know it is not just his/hers for the taking, but basically a privilege to be enjoyed for special times. (something about standing on my head I feel is 'rude' as weird as that sounds, so I don't allow it, but I do allow shoulder when he is willing to do it politely. If not, then no shoulder time.) Gilbert is usually good but occasionally will be bratty and then he loses his shoulder time for that day. (then he tries to suck up, like 'oh I was only kidding, i'll be good, I swear', LOL....we aren't crazy, they are like children, haha)

 

[Xraysrrad]

Thanks all for the responses and information.

I didn't know if I was doing something wrong!

Robin

 

[ZephyrFly]

I only have this problem when trying to put my gcc away, otherwise he's only (now that he's learned to chew gently on my ears... I find it relaxing, he's amused, win win now). He doesn't bite but he climbs just out of arm reach behind me when i'm near his cage to put him away and refuses to step up.

 

[chris-md]

I only have this problem when trying to put my gcc away, otherwise he's only (now that he's learned to chew gently on my ears... I find it relaxing, he's amused, win win now). He doesn't bite but he climbs just out of arm reach behind me when i'm near his cage to put him away and refuses to step up.

My red throated conure used to do something similar. When she was super relaxed She'd sit on my shoulder and sleep, supporting herself by gently holding onto my ear with her beak. Loved it!

 

[Shoegoo]

Its a domination thing. Its best not to let them start.

 

[thekarens]

Its a domination thing. Its best not to let them start.

It has nothing to do with domination.

 

[Chihuahua]

dominance theory is complete bull in dogs and i am inclined to believe that is the case for birds too... it was created by people who want to overpower their pets instead of being equals in a partnership

 

[Rockford]

dominance theory is complete bull in dogs and i am inclined to believe that is the case for birds too... it was created by people who want to overpower their pets instead of being equals in a partnership

Way OT but
Actually it's not complete bull. The problem is that people don't understand the difference between it and being a bully. And dogs want a partnership, but they don't want to be equals, they want to be given direction. They want their place in our world to be defined for them.

That's all I'm going to say on the matter.

 

[Rockford]

Quite often a bird that refuses to step up onto a hand will step up onto a stick (after it's been trained to do so) because they know they can't bite the stick to get what they want.

 

[Blancaej]

My African Grey tends to not step up to get off my shoulder BUT will get down onto a perch and very rarely refuses to do it when I ask. He does know if he misbehaves, he's coming off weather he likes it or not and no shoulder time.

He is a bit quirky, but if he doesn't listen, he doesn't get the privilege. He has learned after years of training NOT to pick at me! LOL!

You also have to realize that you are always taking a risk when letting a bird perch on your shoulder of sustaining injury. I'm willing to take the risk, but make sure you are aware accidents can happen. They could slip and fall and grab your face to hang on or if they are startled they may bite you on the face! Just keep that in mind and make sure that allowing them on your shoulder is something you really want to do and you understand the risks involved.

 

[Chihuahua]

I have stopped allowing Orion on my shoulder and our time together is much more pleasant.. no more fighting and screaming and exasperation.

 

[Flboy]

Risk?? In case any of you missed this:
http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/52871-7-hours-emergency-not-fun-day.html