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How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

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How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

Postby Michael » Fri Jul 30, 2010 9:35 pm

How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

This is a review of ways to ask a parrot to step up, especially oriented toward beginners wondering how to pick up their parrot. This is not an article about training step up but rather teaching people that don't know about parrots how to approach an already trained parrot. Make sense? Enjoy the article and be sure to check out the supplemental video as I share all the techniques I've come to learn about holding parrots.
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Re: How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

Postby JadeW » Fri Jul 30, 2010 9:56 pm

This is an excellent article and is definitely going to help me when handling my bird or other birds. Thank you for taking the time to write it. :)

One question I have is if you would still discourage pushing up on the birds breast? I've read that it puts them off balance and can possibly damage your relationship.... Sorry I sound like such a complete beginner :oops:
Michele and Cas <3
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Re: How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

Postby Michael » Fri Jul 30, 2010 10:11 pm

I say it's ok for a well trained parrot that is just being uncooperative but definitely not ok with an untame parrot that has no idea what you are doing. Positive reinforcement approach is definitely better.
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Re: How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

Postby ginger » Sat Jul 31, 2010 1:42 am

Great information. I plan to use that type of grip on my thumb from now on. I never even thought about that before you showed it here. Explains why I've had a few nips. ;) I have never seen the neck hold before, but I really like that. I plan to try it on Sammy tomorrow. He's my "easy" bird. I can do just about anything to him already, so he's a good bird to practice on. Thanks for taking the time to create this video.
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Re: How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

Postby Kim S » Sat Jul 31, 2010 4:01 am

Very good article Michael. It does sound weird that something like this isn't out there already.

Just one little addition to the 'forced' step up when handling an untrained parrot. When it is sitting on a perch or some other area you can reach its feet easily. Approach the way you mentioned, but instead of pushing the belly you hook your finger under one of its toenails and move up slowly. The toe will move with your finger and the parrot will automatically step up.
this way you avoid the scary off-balance feeling.
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Re: How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

Postby Michael » Sat Jul 31, 2010 6:16 am

That's ok for like a baby or a very tame yet untrained to step up parrot. You're not going to be doing that to a vicious neglected parrot though.
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Re: How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

Postby lainmai » Sat Jul 31, 2010 6:58 am

This will help me out TONS as of Wednesday. Thanks Michael !
Owned by 2 Parrotlets (Minoru & Midori) and 1 Senegal (Tobi)
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Re: How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

Postby tropicalluv89 » Sat Jul 31, 2010 10:52 am

Thank you Michael for sharing your knowledge. I fee privileged to have stumbled across your youtube videos, which led me to your blog. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you :D
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Re: How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

Postby tacotaco » Sat Jul 31, 2010 10:55 am

job well done.
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Re: How to Hold a Parrot - Step Up and Grab Methods

Postby Kim S » Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:24 am

Michael wrote:That's ok for like a baby or a very tame yet untrained to step up parrot. You're not going to be doing that to a vicious neglected parrot though.



True, I should have mentioned that. ;)
I had in mind a young handraised parrot and its first owner.
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