Handling a bird by the neck

[cottontiel]

I've been watching some Parrot Wizard videos because his birds are so interesting and beautiful! Sometimes he will handle his birds by grasping them around the neck, usually to flip them on their backs. I didn't really think much of it but the people in the comments section always go off saying that it is abusive. Is it?

Here is a video for reference:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97nVb9DKPr0"]Rescue Green-Winged Macaw - Progress After 6 Months of Training - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Christinenc2000]

I am not a fan of this guy. I would never grab my B & G like that. If you keep reading you will find out this is only his second bird. So Ask yourself what makes him such a expert
Also why would you want to do that ?

 

[Scott]

Is this self-appointed expert confused between the handling of a mammal and a delicate parrot?

Mother felines and dogs may grasp their young by the neck, but handling a parrot similarly is heinous abuse.

Birds have incredibly delicate skeletal systems for more efficient flight. Downside is they are NOT robust. While the "trainer" may perceive himself as careful, any errant move by the victim could cause a tragedy.

 

[cottontiel]

Far be it for me to ever correct a more experienced bird owner than I on how they handle their birds... but I wouldn't feel comfortable even trying to hold my bird this way. I get anxious even thinking about possibly hurting his delicate neck. That area is only for scritches to me.

 

[Christinenc2000]

Far be it for me to ever correct a more experienced bird owner than I on how they handle their birds... but I wouldn't feel comfortable even trying to hold my bird this way. I get anxious even thinking about possibly hurting his delicate neck. That area is only for scritches to me.

THAT is what I want you to ask yourself every time you read or watch anything. HOW much does that person know. Dude I can throw up some videos but that does not mean I know jack. You need to research and then check out who you follow. Its your bird make sure you do what is best. When in doubt do nothing and ask questions

 

[cottontiel]

Far be it for me to ever correct a more experienced bird owner than I on how they handle their birds... but I wouldn't feel comfortable even trying to hold my bird this way. I get anxious even thinking about possibly hurting his delicate neck. That area is only for scritches to me.

THAT is what I want you to ask yourself every time you read or watch anything. HOW much does that person know. Dude I can throw up some videos but that does not mean I know jack. You need to research and then check out who you follow. Its your bird make sure you do what is best. When in doubt do nothing and ask questions

Hmm... will do. So glad I have this forum!

 

[Birdman666]

I don't know that it crosses the line to abusive, but have them step up for me AND THEN flip them over on their backs using their feet.

This bird did not appear to be upset or in distress when he did it. I don't think it's abusive, but it's not the preferred method as far as I am concerned.

 

[Christinenc2000]

Sorry I see red when it comes to this guy. I researched so much when I adopted BB. One thing I found is you can train and keep things natural to them. Grabbing by the neck is not natural and shame on him for this

 

[Kiwibird]

The one and only time you should ever hold a bird's neck is if you are restraining them in a towel and need to control head movement to prevent biting (and that is more the upper neck/back of the head). Even then, you MUST also be holding and supporting the body as to be able to hold the neck safely and without exerting excessive pressure on it. Birds necks are extremely fragile, and I cannot fathom why anyone would ever grab a bird like that (and for no good reason either!).

 

[Allicastery]

That CANT be comfortable...Picking a macaw THAT big up by only its NECK? I can only imagine how uncomfortable that feels. I understand they are made to be light so they can fly but COME ON! It still has a good pound or two (I have no idea how much macaws weigh lol) of stress on the neck!

 

[Allee]

This is just my personal opinion, I think the Parrot Wizard demonstrates very well how NOT to treat a bird. As Christine mentioned, use common sense when researching, anyone can be a self-proclaimed expert. If something sounds wrong, it probably is.

 

[Dinosrawr]

The only time I think you "should" pick a bird up by the neck is in case of emergency if the bird is small enough to be supported with your hand in the process. And even then, you have to know how to secure the head safely and gently enough so you don't cause any damage, and there's obviously better ways to approach it than that.

While I respect a lot of the training the "Parrot Wizard" has accomplished with his birds trick-wise, he's far, far from an expert in parrot behaviour (you need a PhD for that!). Being a trainer and a behaviourist are two very, very different things. I know I used to follow him, but the more I learned the more I realized he's really not all he cuts himself out to be. So I'd follow his training techniques with a critical mind and be wary of the advice. Behaviourists like Barbara Heidenreich are much, much more qualified, certified, and experienced.

 

[cottontiel]

Thanks for your input guys.

I haven't followed any of his training stuff, I literally just watch his videos that display his birds behaviours like snacking on corn. Though if I REALLY want my bird fix I'll watch Mr Max the cockatoo.. heehee.

 

[Birdman666]

Sorry I see red when it comes to this guy. I researched so much when I adopted BB. One thing I found is you can train and keep things natural to them. Grabbing by the neck is not natural and shame on him for this

Well, you already know my opinion of Mr. Wizard...

It's certainly not something I would do.

But I have seen vets and groomers do it, so I personally don't think it goes all the way to the "abuse" side of the scale.

I think "frowned upon," "less than ideal," "not especially enlightened..." those terms all fit.

But then, I'm not a Wizard, so what do I know!

 

[RavensGryf]

Well, you already know my opinion of Mr. Wizard...

It's certainly not something I would do.

But I have seen vets and groomers do it, so I personally don't think it goes all the way to the "abuse" side of the scale.

I think "frowned upon," "less than ideal," "not especially enlightened..." those terms all fit.

But then, I'm not a Wizard, so what do I know!

I agree word for word here Mark .

 

[Brittany741]

I have seen this method used by far more experienced vets but only in the case of restraint for medical attention.

Having said that, Dan stands on my hand and I wrap my hand from behind his back with two fingers around his chest and he does acrobatics like that. He is also a Caique and VERY playful and loves to be thrown about while squealing sounds of joy.

Each bird is different with what they like versus tolerate. I've had many birds enjoy hanging from my hand with only their beak before trying to pull up and grasp with their legs. This really should be initiated BY the bird, though. My foster cockatoos were especially like this with being handled and loved flopping around like rag dolls to their backs, being held like a baby.

 

[Regan]

Poor baby you can see he doesn't particularly like it... He stiffed up every time the hand went near his neck and when he was in the air.

 

[Anansi]

I don't know that it crosses the line to abusive, but have them step up for me AND THEN flip them over on their backs using their feet.

This bird did not appear to be upset or in distress when he did it. I don't think it's abusive, but it's not the preferred method as far as I am concerned.

See, here's my problem with Parrot Wizard teaching that maneuver. Yeah, as Mark pointed out, his bird's don't appear to be in distress. They're used to it, and trained to accept it.

But he's teaching it like this is what everyone should be doing. So Joe Newbie comes along, watches the video, and tries it with his brand new ekkie. Or amazon. Or macaw.

Surprise, surprise. It doesn't go so well. Can you picture that maneuver with any good sized bird who has no idea what you're doing and freaks out? Take a bird with a long neck like an ekkie. If he starts flipping out while you're holding him by the throat and not supporting the body, it just might end tragically.

Presenting it as the proper way for all people to handle their birds is just irresponsible of him, in my opinion.

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[Allee]

I don't know that it crosses the line to abusive, but have them step up for me AND THEN flip them over on their backs using their feet.

This bird did not appear to be upset or in distress when he did it. I don't think it's abusive, but it's not the preferred method as far as I am concerned.

See, here's my problem with Parrot Wizard teaching that maneuver. Yeah, as Mark pointed out, his bird's don't appear to be in distress. They're used to it, and trained to accept it.

But he's teaching it like this is what everyone should be doing. So Joe Newbie comes along, watches the video, and tries it with his brand new ekkie. Or amazon. Or macaw.

Surprise, surprise. It doesn't go so well. Can you picture that maneuver with any good sized bird who has no idea what you're doing and freaks out? Take a bird with a long neck like an ekkie. If he starts flipping out while you're holding him by the throat and not supporting the body, it just might end tragically.

Presenting it as the proper way for all people to handle their birds is just irresponsible of him, in my opinion.

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Very well said, Doc! I wholeheartedly agree!

 

[JerseyWendy]

I had seen this particular video before, and it elicited a VERY STRONG NEGATIVE reaction on my part.

NOBODY should try this at home - ever! Or elsewhere for that matter.

PROPERLY and CAREFULLY restricting a bird by holding the head/neck area is completely different than what this dude is 'demonstrating'.