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[RavensGryf]

I'm kind of torn as to whether or not I should continue to let Raven on my shoulder now. He doesn't always like to be on me, but he's always on Don. If he proves to be too temperamental after puberty, that could be potentially dangerous like his zon cousins. I know people let mature male zons or male Pi's on their shoulder, but I hear you about that. If he gets really used to shoulders and then has to lose the privilege, I'd feel bad for him.
The Poicephalus parrots forget it. Their unpredictable nature along with displacement biting and hanging on like a pit bull makes them bad shoulder bird candidates!

I once read about how Old World parrots typically have a harder stronger bite for their size than New World parrots generally speaking. I think the explanation had to do with the diet, and how more of the new world birds ate softer foods that didn't require quite the same amount of beak strength. I've also noticed that Old World birds like Lovebirds and Poicephalus have a proportionately large head and beak for their body size.

 

[Birdman666]

Every amazon I've ever had has been a shoulder bird, despite "the rule" that says they are unsuitable shoulder birds.

All 8 of them...,

Sally and Pecker were my ear muffs.

 

[Kiwibird]

Every amazon I've ever had has been a shoulder bird, despite "the rule" that says they are unsuitable shoulder birds.

All 8 of them...,

Sally and Pecker were my ear muffs.

Lucy was a shouldered bird, in fact, I trusted her to preen on and around my face. Kiwi, not so much. His mood can change in a split second and theres just no need for him to be up there. My hubby will let him up on his shoulder sometimes, but he adores my husband, whereas he merely likes me:20:.

new world birds ate softer foods that didn't require quite the same amount of beak strength.

[With some effort] Kiwi can crack almonds and filbert nuts. Thats something that factors in to how close he can be out of the line of sight to my much softer, fleshier face In all seriousness though, I do think old world parrots had different evolutionary hurdles to adapt to, and are quite different than their new world cousins in many ways...

 

[RavensGryf]

I do think old world parrots had different evolutionary hurdles to adapt to, and are quite different than their new world cousins in many ways...

I agree. Another intersting thing I noticed about Old World parrots (which is mostly what I've had), is that they typically have a more (many times much more) subtle body language. I've either experienced or read many times about Greys, Toos, Pois for example striking out unpredictably. Maybe there is either such a subtle body language that it's easy to miss, or it's evident only moments before the strike, not giving our reflexes enough time to get away.

Another thing, Robin has been known to lure me in by asking for a neck scratch, then BAM! turns his head around fast and bites hard! I've read a couple times about Greys doing the same thing. Tricksters! :16:

I'm not as familiar with the New World parrots first hand, but their more clear body language is appreciated.

 

[LadyJemima]

LadyJemima are you ok ? Still going to adopt ?

I won't be auditioning to be a nail polish model this week. Other than that, yes, I'm fine. And yes, I would still like to own a parrot.

I feel for you - hope you still love your parrot after that!

She's not my parrot, but I do still love her. I gave her some applesauce a few minutes later to show her that I forgave her.

Poi's will definitely do the 'latch on and not let go' you have to pry them off your bloody flesh.

Haha, how'd you know? The index finger was the first target, and by trying to pry open her beak (which was very difficult), I ended up with superficial wounds on two other fingers. Finally called for help, and the owner got her off--and got bit also. But she really is a sweet, sweet bird.

 

[Christinenc2000]

lol @ nail polish model. Seems most owners have great humor . Glad to hear it

 

[Birdman666]

[
[With some effort] Kiwi can crack almonds and filbert nuts. Thats something that factors in to how close he can be out of the line of sight to my much softer, fleshier face In all seriousness though, I do think old world parrots had different evolutionary hurdles to adapt to, and are quite different than their new world cousins in many ways...

MAGGIE BITES ABC BLOCKS IN HALF, AND IT'S EFFORTLESS.... 1-2 inch thick wooden blocks. Crunch, crack!

SAME BIRD STILL LICKS MY EYEBALLS!

And THAT is why we bite pressure train!