Does the "dirty look" work on your bird?

[MomtoPercy]

I have read so often that when your bird does something naughty, like bite, you should give him a "dirty look" which will show him your displeasure.
I've been told my whole life that my face is like a mirror so I'm sure I do "the dirty look" without even trying when Percy lunges (he rarely bites me these days thanks to MonicaMc's advice ) at me.
Do you think that they *really* get it? When I am displeased with Percy he does indeed seem somewhat contrite but it could just be because I turn away from him and take my treats with me! LOL! I always go back with a minute or two, I can't bear to leave him thinking I'm cross with him.
Anyway - what is your opinion on the dirty look?

 

[Abigal7]

Never, tried the look. Currently I say be good or be nice when he is trying to play with my nail or finger and he will stop and look at me. So far it seems to make him remember not to be too rough. I sometimes sit my bird down if something scares him and walk away and let him come to me. Captain Jack is scared of a little black kong, the camera, and a empty toilet roll so far. I think he is less scared of the camera now though.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Whenever Kenji bites me a little too roughly I turn away, then look over my shoulder back at him and say "Scary". Often when Kenji falls off a perch, or has a traumatizing moment he will say scary. By using a word he can identify with he totally understands that him biting too hard is "scary" for me.

Rosie gets dirty looks Sometimes, but I've been doing it less. It seems like whenever I try it she only returns her own dirty look right back at me!

 

[strudel]

I'm always raving on about non-verbal communication so yes, I'd say it would convey something, hopefully what you want it to. It probably won't be just the look itself, but your whole body language and "vibe". I tend to go for the sad face and the "oh, that's not nice" rather than "dirty looks" which might come across as aggression or punishment, but I've no "official" reason for that, it's just how I feel about it. All of my "no, no I don't wants" are in a "disappointed" tone rather than a "knock it off, you little ratbag" tone. Inside, I'm swearing and cursing and calling you names, on the outside it's more upbeat than I'm really feeling.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Rosie gets dirty looks Sometimes, but I've been doing it less. It seems like whenever I try it she only returns her own dirty look right back at me!

LOL!! They are too clever for us! :54:

 

[Kinny]

Oh yes, it works every time. lol

 

[TessieB]

Of course body language works. That's the reason some species have elaborate dance routines to attract mates. If the 'look' does't work, I'll add my version of the 'scream'-a verbal warning to back off.

Works on the hubby, too.

 

[Kinny]

Hahaha TessieB. I just growl deeply and my birds go into an "O.O Oh.. she's serious! :O" sort of state. lol

 

[Kalidasa]

Lol sometimes it works, in the past the look came with a verbal deep booming "NO!". They can also tell when you mean it, when you sort of mean it, and when you're too tired to care. Now if I say no he just looks at me and says it back, which of course makes me laugh. Brats all of them, spoilt rotten brats!

 

[Birdman666]

Yep.

Freezes them right in their tracks... every time!

Works better on parrots than it does on children around here...

I think because so much of a parrot's language is non-verbal. Especially an amazon... they pick up on things like that immediately. "Uh-oh! Mom's pissed!"

I once gave my little cognitive dusky conure the look, and he stopped what he was doing, looked up and said, "Oh, $hit."

 

[Birdman666]

Of course body language works. That's the reason some species have elaborate dance routines to attract mates. If the 'look' does't work, I'll add my version of the 'scream'-a verbal warning to back off.

Works on the hubby, too.

Oh, yeah, we know the "significant other" look...

"Uh-Oh. Honey, I have no idea what you are mad about, but I can explain..."

Now if I can just find "the look" that works on teenagers...

 

[BruceV]

If I give Simba "the look", he gives it right back as if to say, "yeah, bring it, fool"

 

[Birdman666]

If I give Simba "the look", he gives it right back as if to say, "yeah, bring it, fool"

This is one of those Macaw things...

We're still figuring out whose gonna be top bird around here.

Once it's you, "the look" will work better. Unless it's him... then YOU'LL be the one getting the look!

Just kidding, of course....

 

[MomtoPercy]

Now if I can just find "the look" that works on teenagers...

LOL! "The look" used to work on my son when he was younger but these days, it is met with a "Whaaaat? What did I do?!" and his most hurt and innocent face! Save me from teenagers!

 

[MomtoPercy]

LOL Birdman and Bruce! I don't get "the look" from Percy...yet. I do get a "chirrup, I'm so cute and what the hell is up with you, crazy human?" look though...

 

[Birdman666]

My red lored amazon has a playstand that is exclusively her spot...

Any other bird comes near it, they get "the look."

Ignore "the look" and they get "the CHARGE!"

I've had to step in front of THE CHARGE once or twice... to protect everyone from themselves. It's not pleasant.

 

[Birdman666]

Now if I can just find "the look" that works on teenagers...

LOL! "The look" used to work on my son when he was younger but these days, it is met with a "Whaaaat? What did I do?!" and his most hurt and innocent face! Save me from teenagers!

MINE JUST ROLLS HER LITTLE BEADY EYES AT ME... AND SHRUGS.

"Don't MAKE ME embarrass you in front of your friends! Cuz I'll do it, you know!"

 

[getwozzy]

"the look" doesn't work on chili...she looks at me all sweet and innocent and says "what?!" lol

It does work on my son though

 

[strudel]

I don't get "the look" from Percy...yet. I do get a "chirrup, I'm so cute and what the hell is up with you, crazy human?" look though...

"why aren't you handing me my treats, mum?" "where's my present for today?" Percy doesn't need to give you looks, he's got you dancing attendance on him 24/7

 

[MomtoPercy]

Percy doesn't need to give you looks, he's got you dancing attendance on him 24/7

Embarrassingly, I have admit that you are so right! :09: