Is there a hands free way to...

[Newbsi]

have your parrot on your chest? Gollum is not allowed on my shoulder. But she likes for me to hold her against my chest. If I am on the computer or doing something that requires two hands... I have to put her down and the she jumps on my hands and it is just a battle lol. I was wondering if anyone has come up with a solution? Advice?

 

[itchyfeet]

If I take my hands off, Henry just hangs on for dear life! Good luck!

 

[Newbsi]

LOL. I had a visual

 

[itchyfeet]

I don't know Senegal's well at all, they're extremely rare here, but are they somewhat cuddly? If she had like a snuggle sack, and you're on the computer, would she stay cozied up?

 

[Bandespresso]

I have a -ahem- chest shelf so I have never had a problem with Espresso on my chest hands-free. A backwards hooded sweatshirt maybe?

 

[Newbsi]

The backwards hood is a awesome idea! I will have to wait for cooler weather though!

She is cuddly... when she WANTS to be. In the mornings she is really cuddly. Its like after being in her cage all night she wants loving for a while, it take priority over food for her actually. But when she is sweet, oh she is sweet.

 

[henpecked]

I use a "neck perch" something i came up with when i needed to have my hands free. lets see if i can post some pics and vids. If you have trouble making one, let me know and i'll send you one.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7J2JDPAUeo"]Capt and Jake.wmv - YouTube[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLtlsZ_g-3U"]Neck Perches 001.MOV - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Newbsi]

That looks awesome. I had bought one of these and thought maybe I could fix it so it works like thatBird Swings: Polly's Pet Sandy Swings

 

[DexMom]

I'm not sure how allowing the parrot to perch on your chest, right near your face, is any different than allowing them to perch on your shoulder. I thought the reason you would not allow a parrot to sit on your shoulder is because they have not yet earned your trust to be out of hand around your face and head. Perhaps I misunderstood the whole reason behind restricting the shoulder.

 

[Newbsi]

I'm not sure how allowing the parrot to perch on your chest, right near your face, is any different than allowing them to perch on your shoulder. I thought the reason you would not allow a parrot to sit on your shoulder is because they have not yet earned your trust to be out of hand around your face and head. Perhaps I misunderstood the whole reason behind restricting the shoulder.

My ear was bit the first night I had her. I do not trust her where I cannot see her. She could only reach my face if I bend it down. If she reaches up, she might be able to get my chin. Anyhow, my reasoning behind no shoulder is that she cannot be trusted there. She doesnt even try to go there anymore. I have no problems getting her to step up anytime (knock on wood lol).
I really hate having to put her in the cage when I want to do something. That is where she ends up because I set her down and she flies right back to me. She is VERY NOSEY! lol

 

[henpecked]

First of all,,, you shouldn't allow any bird you don't trust near your face. That said the hen zon in the vids has been my best friend for more than 45 yrs. Think we know each other pretty well. Second, you can't read a parrot on your shoulder, can't see them. On the neck perch you can see them and read them. Of course you can also raise your chin and have the bird out of your face. The picture with the 2 OWAs is of 10 wks old babies, who don't bite anyway. I do find the neck perch handy ,in my situation, for doing chores, computer, etc. I can even bend down/over without the bird having to reposition. It works for me, besides, the OP asked how to have the bird on her chest hands free.

Dexmom, common sense has to prevail, if you can't trust a bird on your shoulder then i don't think you could trust it on a neck perch. BBut you would have more warning on a neck perch, imo.

 

[DexMom]

I can see how being able to see what they are doing while perched on your chest, versus being out of sight while on the shoulder would make a difference - no sneak attacks. I would still hesitate to allow my parrot that close to my face in either position at this point, but we're still getting to know each other.

 

[dhraiden]

Mochi enjoys being on shoulders - anyone's, really, LOL. She gets to be on a shoulder when she's good and well-behaved. She's on hand when we've a hand free. Sometimes she crawls about while I'm at the computer, but always settles back on shoulder. Occasionally nibbles my ear softly, never bites.