You’ve seen it in movies and on TV: a pirate with a parrot perched on his shoulder. Maybe you’ve even seen someone walking around town with a parrot sitting on their shoulder. It looks like it would be a fun way to keep your feathered friend close by but is it really a good idea?
There are a few things you need to consider before putting your parrot on your shoulder. First does your parrot like being handled? Some parrots do not enjoy being touched and may bite if you try to put them on your shoulder. If your parrot does enjoy being handled be sure to approach them from the front or back not from the side as they may feel trapped and lash out.
Once you have determined that your parrot does enjoy being handled you need to consider their claws. Parrots have sharp claws that can easily puncture skin. If your parrot is nippy their claws can cause serious damage. Be sure to trim their nails regularly to prevent them from doing any harm.
You also need to be aware of your parrot’s wings. If your parrot is not used to being handled they may flap their wings furiously in an attempt to escape. This can result in them hitting you in the face or eyes which can be extremely painful.
Finally you need to consider your own safety. If your parrot is prone to biting their beak can cause serious injury. Parrots are also very strong and can easily knock you off balance.
So is it really a good idea to put a parrot on your shoulder? It depends. If you are sure that your parrot enjoys being handled has trimmed nails and won’t try to escape then it may be a fun way to keep them close. However if you are not sure about any of these things it is probably best to keep your parrot on their perch.
How do you put a parrot on your shoulder?
Gently cup the parrot with your hand and bring it up to your shoulder.
What is the best way to keep a parrot calm while putting it on your shoulder?
Talk to the parrot in a soft calming voice while you put it on your shoulder.
What is the best way to hold a parrot while putting it on your shoulder?
Use one hand to support the parrot’s breastbone and the other hand to support its back.
What should you do if the parrot bites you while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot bites you try to remain calm and wait for it to let go.
If it doesn’t let go gently pries its beak open with your fingers.
What should you do if the parrot starts squirming while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot starts squirming gently hold it closer to your body to help keep it calm.
What should you do if the parrot starts flapping its wings while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot starts flapping its wings gently hold it closer to your body and try to calm it down.
What should you do if the parrot poops on you while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot poops on you gently remove it from your shoulder and clean yourself off as best you can.
What should you do if the parrot starts nipping at your ear while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot starts nipping at your ear try to remain calm and wait for it to stop.
If it doesn’t stop gently pries its beak open with your fingers.
What should you do if the parrot starts clawing at your hair while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot starts clawing at your hair gently hold it closer to your body to help keep it calm.
What should you do if the parrot starts preening your hair while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot starts preening your hair gently hold it closer to your body and try to calm it down.
What should you do if the parrot starts trying to get away while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot starts trying to get away gently hold it closer to your body and try to calm it down.
What should you do if the parrot starts pecking at your shoulder while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot starts pecking at your shoulder try to remain calm and wait for it to stop.
If it doesn’t stop gently pries its beak open with your fingers.
What should you do if the parrot starts making loud noises while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot starts making loud noises try to remain calm and wait for it to stop.
If it doesn’t stop gently cover its head with your hand to help muffle the noise.
What should you do if the parrot starts flapping its wings wildly while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot starts flapping its wings wildly gently hold it closer to your body and try to calm it down.
What should you do if the parrot starts to panic while you’re putting it on your shoulder?
If the parrot starts to panic gently hold it close to your body and try to calm it down.
If it doesn’t calm down after a few moments you can try gently stroking its back until it begins to calm down.
