Hates walking on surfaces (beebee)

[Beebee0221]

Hi y’all! I have a male bee bee parrot and I’ve had a hard time getting him to stand or walk on any hard surface. He hates being on the floor and countertops. I know he’s just afraid. Any suggestions?

 

[wrench13]

Me Im not a fan of parrots on floors. Unless you keep it like spic an span every day or multiple times a day, too much dirt, etc for them to pick and and maybe eat. PLus a tiny parrot like a bee bee too easy to miss him and step on him. FOr counter tops, its a matter of desensitizing him and using treats to coerce him into venturing onto the counter top. Always remember slow and sure is the way with parrots, whose rate of acceptance of change is GLACIAL compared to our quick monkey brains.

And beebees can be stubborn to boot.

 

[Beebee0221]

Me Im not a fan of parrots on floors. Unless you keep it like spic an span every day or multiple times a day, too much dirt, etc for them to pick and and maybe eat. PLus a tiny parrot like a bee bee too easy to miss him and step on him. FOr counter tops, its a matter of desensitizing him and using treats to coerce him into venturing onto the counter top. Always remember slow and sure is the way with parrots, whose rate of acceptance of change is GLACIAL compared to our quick monkey brains.

And beebees can be stubborn to boot.

Good points. Thanks again!!

 

[CraigH]

My CAG loves floors. (I expect most ground feeding parrots will). I also never worry about dirt—it’s kinda what ground feeding is all about. Perching birds, OTOH, will have a natural inclination to avoid such things. I wouldn’t worry about that either.

I’d advise to let the bird do as much of what it prefers that’s safe and healthy. (No wires to chew on, open toilets to fall into, etc.) natural behaviors are the best for both physical and emotional health. Don’t sweat the rest.

 

[Henderbird]

I really like wrench’s suggestion on desensitization.
It’s an important thing for parrots that’s also talked about a lot and should continue that way!
Parrots are prey animals so it’s true that they will (some more than others) be afraid of almost anything new. Or anything unfamiliar to them.
That could be humans AND objects. Even experiences.
Every time your bird gets near the countertop, reward that desired behavior with a high value treat!
As gradual progression is displayed, reward more and lots of praise along with good experiences on those surfaces. Like scritches, yummy food, or having foot toys to play with.
So all in all, reward desired behavior while also making the experience of floor and countertop time an enriching thing.

 

[Beebee0221]

I really like wrench’s suggestion on desensitization.
It’s an important thing for parrots that’s also talked about a lot and should continue that way!
Parrots are prey animals so it’s true that they will (some more than others) be afraid of almost anything new. Or anything unfamiliar to them.
That could be humans AND objects. Even experiences.
Every time your bird gets near the countertop, reward that desired behavior with a high value treat!
As gradual progression is displayed, reward more and lots of praise along with good experiences on those surfaces. Like scritches, yummy food, or having foot toys to play with.
So all in all, reward desired behavior while also making the experience of floor and countertop time an enriching thing.

Thank you!

 

[Beebee0221]

My CAG loves floors. (I expect most ground feeding parrots will). I also never worry about dirt—it’s kinda what ground feeding is all about. Perching birds, OTOH, will have a natural inclination to avoid such things. I wouldn’t worry about that either.

I’d advise to let the bird do as much of what it prefers that’s safe and healthy. (No wires to chew on, open toilets to fall into, etc.) natural behaviors are the best for both physical and emotional health. Don’t sweat the rest.

He is a perching bird! That’s a great point. He’s just being instinctual. I think I’ll set up a purge on my island so he can watch me make breakfast for him.

 

[Beebee0221]

He is a perching bird! That’s a great point. He’s just being instinctual. I think I’ll set up a purge on my island so he can watch me make breakfast for him.

Perch*

 

[Beebee0221]

Me Im not a fan of parrots on floors. Unless you keep it like spic an span every day or multiple times a day, too much dirt, etc for them to pick and and maybe eat. PLus a tiny parrot like a bee bee too easy to miss him and step on him. FOr counter tops, its a matter of desensitizing him and using treats to coerce him into venturing onto the counter top. Always remember slow and sure is the way with parrots, whose rate of acceptance of change is GLACIAL compared to our quick monkey brains.

And beebees can be stubborn to boot.

Yes, good point. He’s very stubborn. Yet so sweet! Thanks!

 

[CraigH]

Perch*

I'm thinking that's exactly what your Beebee will appreciate and groove on.