IndianRingNeck.com

Hello,

My vet told me that I shouldn't carry my IRN, Sherbert, on my shoulder because most birds he has known of that had behavioral problems were usually shoulder birds. I couldn't imagine not carrying him on my shoulder. We have both grown to enjoy that. Has anyone else here been told that? And what do you think of it?

I don't want Sherbert to have behavioral issues, but I don't want to give up the shoulder rides.

Also, Sherbert took a daily bath when he was in the pet store within minutes of getting a water dish put in his cage, but since bringing him home he seems to have no interest in a bath. Any advice?

Thank you!
SherbertsMom

Hello

I agree and disagree with what your vet told you about letting Ringnecks on your shoulders. So my only recommendation will be this. Only YOU know your parrot and will determine if it’s a shoulder pet. If your Ringneck is prone to biting ears, which can be painful, then I would not recommend it. When I am really busy and I don’t have time to really interact with my parrot, I strongly believe my shoulder makes a good babysitter. He just rides around for hours on my shoulder even though I don’t have time to really interact with him. So it’s good for that.

Behavioral problems only occur if the parrot refuses to set off when asked to. If you find your fingers at war with your parrot’s beak while trying to remove him, I would not keep him on my shoulders for a while and practice step ups. I know they can get a little nippy when they don’t want to cooperate; however, just follow through until your parrot obeys orders. Usually owners that have parrots with behavioral problems, make a big deal about negative characteristics and only reinforce unwanted traits. So be careful how you deal with each situation.

Also about bathing your Ringneck. Take him in the shower with you. As ODD as this may seem it’s very enjoyable for Ringneck. To your Ringneck, it’s like “bathing time” for the flock. Just don’t use soap on him/her and keep the water warm. Don’t force him under the water either, just go about your shower and before you know it, your Ringneck will open its wings and tail, which means shower time. Gently hold him close to the spraying water and let him decide how much to go into the water. Make this a routine and before you know it, you might have a bird that will hog the shower. Mine Do.

Hope this helps and happy New Year!

I.C.