Is it OK to shoulder a parrot?

[Abigal7]

I do not have a large bird like a macaw. I let my conure sit on my shoulder. I had to stop her playing with my glasses once. Lucky for me she stays focused on my hair. I can understand being leary of allowing a big bird on your shoulders. None of my small birds did anything to harm my face. Of course I never let a bird on my shoulder that wasn't calm, friendly, or wouldn't step up on my hand.

 

[Kiwibird]

Shouldering is a hot topic of debate amongst parrot owners. It really boils down to just how much you trust your bird not to rip your face off. I grew up with 3 parrots, but I only ever allowed the female zon on my shoulder. She was very bonded to me from the time I was a baby, and I did/do trust her to know her boundaries. Unfortunately, I couldn't steal her from my mom when I grew up and moved away, but she's is still the only bird I've ever met I could trust like that One of my parents other birds (a male goffin cockatoo) taught me the hard way very young about shouldering a bird you don't trust. When I was about 4, I let him run up my arm and onto my shoulder/back. He promptly grabbed hold of my cheek and just hung there until my dad pried him off (in his defense, I wasn't very big or stable and he couldn't get a good grip so he grabbed what he could).

My adopted zon Kiwi is absolutely not allowed on my shoulder. He was neglected in his 2 (known) prior homes, and is hyper-reactive/aggressive when he gets scared or uncomfortable. He's made a lot of progress behaviorally since we got him 5 years ago, and really seems to have a sweet personality under his "hard" exterior, but I don't think the damage of his past will ever be fully corrected. I will likely never be able to trust him around my face and eyes because of that.

 

[bkparrot]

I have two Jardines and a CAG. The CAG is not allowed on my shoulders as she likes to nibble and cannot always keep her balance. Of the two Jardines, the older one (5) will just hang out or snuggle. The younger at 8 mos is exploring and likes to nibble on everything. He gets a couple of minutes and off he goes. I never allowed my macaws on my shoulders as I cant see what they are doing. My GW was a rescue and you couldnt touch him. On a good day he would take a treat from your hand. My B&G was very sweet and trusting and she would be happy to just hang out with you.

Like others - its upto you and your comfort level.

 

[kc_y0]

I let Audrey on my shoulder. She loves to sit there and it makes it easier to pat her lol

 

[LoveMyParrots]

Yeah.... I am happy to shoulder my cockatiels any time, they has NEVER bite, ever! Since I raised them from little chicks and they trust me 100%. As with Ozzie, I think he is too naughty to be shouldered, and since he is still young, he likes to nibble on everything.

Maybe I can shoulder Ozzie while wearing a safety face shield. Lol

 

[terry52449]

Shouldering your bird is a relationship you have to develop with your bird. It is a privelege to be on your shoulder so don`t let them abuse it. My U2 knows she must face me and not to put her butt into my face or she is off my shoulder.

 

[bacemt]

I think someone mentioned this, but I was just talking to someone whos large parrot ripped her lower lip in half, whch required a hospital visit and sutures.

She said she just turned her head and the bird must have got scared for whatever reason and bit right on!

I shoulder my parrotlet, but thats because he is so tiny, he could probably still do damage to an eye, but not like larger bird. He mainly hangs around the back of my neck and preens me.

 

[LoveMyParrots]

I think someone mentioned this, but I was just talking to someone whos large parrot ripped her lower lip in half, whch required a hospital visit and sutures.

Ouch, that would really hurt!

 

[BeakersBro]

Pickle is on my shoulder all the time. He does get angry at my gaming headphones though XD

Same

My mother trained him to only sit on her left shoulder so she has full use of her right arm and he sticks with this for everybody now.

That's weird. Beaker only wants to sit on my left shoulder too. On long car drives, it gets tiring and I try to put him on the right, but he immediately goes back to the left.

 

[94lt1]

Our keets and our sun conure are shouldered...Seminole our yn amazon... she's too easily excited, Monte, our scarlet macaw...not a chance.. uh uh, no way. He's still got his moments of not being able to be trusted...and if its a matter of mine or anyone else's eyes... or a shouldered bird..

The eyes win every time.