Table of Contents
Introduction
It’s normal for pet owners to want to interact with their parrots physically, but it’s crucial to know how to pet a bird properly before you do so. Since parrots in particular are extremely sensitive creatures, it’s normal for them to react to touching if you move too quickly with some degree of dread. Approaching your parrot with care and patience can increase the likelihood that they will accept your touch.
Here’s how to approach petting your bird in 5 simple steps:
1: Give Your Bird Time
Give your parrot some time to adjust if they are new to the household before attempting to pet them. Birds need time to adapt to change, so forcing physical contact on them while they’re still figuring out whether or not their new surroundings are safe will damage your bond. While some parrots need weeks or months to acclimatize to a new home, others do it quickly.
2: Understand Your Bird’s Body Language
For signs that your bird is ready, observe its body language. When you open the cage, does your bird easily approach you, or does it hesitate and remain in a corner? Do your parrots exhibit attention when you reach out with a hand, or do they retreat (or ignore you entirely)? When they’re ready, a parrot who wants to be petted will come over to you. A bird that appears more intent on actively avoiding your hands should not be petted.
3: Approach Your Bird Slowly
When you approach your bird to pet them, go slowly and patiently. Talk to your parrot for a while to make it comfortable with your presence before abruptly stretching your hand into the cage. Before attempting to pet their bird, some pet owners have success giving it a few snacks or a foot toy.
4: Start With the Beak
Allow your bird to contact the palm of your hand with its beak. If your pet bird doesn’t approach you, reach out and delicately touch or stroke the beak. Once your bird is comfortable being stroked with the beak, you can move your hand from the beak across the head to the nape of the neck. Since caressing past the neck is associated with breeding, avoid doing so. Most birds can develop behavioral issues as a result of being petted on the wings, back, chest, and legs. However, you are welcome to pet the bird’s head at any time, including the beak, cheeks, and top of the head.
5: Be Patient and Don’t Get Discouraged
Above all, don’t panic if you follow the proper procedures and your parrot still doesn’t enjoy being petted. Instead, follow your bird’s lead and take things slowly. Then, after giving your bird more time to realize that you’re a trustworthy person, try again. Recognize that every bird has a unique personality and that some are warier of people than others. Many birds have a hard time adjusting to new human interactions, which might be especially true if you’re not your parrot’s first owner.
Finally, be aware that some birds just dislike being touched. It’s not a given that a bird will enjoy being petted even if you know how to do it. If your bird looks resistant, don’t lose up; instead, think about lowering the pressure and focusing on touching over months or years as opposed to days or weeks.
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