upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

"Let me start by say that some of the comments were uncalled for and strongly worded without knowing enough detail."
Please fill me in on what details were missing for justifying you to allow your bird on your shoulder in public.

"A travel cage is bookmarked, and when I can afford one"
Have you ever taken a bird to a vet? It can be very expensive. What are you going to do if your bird gets injured and needs care asap? Bookmark a vet when you can afford one? Even more reason NOT to put him in danger.

Honestly, what did you expect in return when you posted about you and your bird? Did you expect high five's and thumbs up all the way? I post on this site, and other bird sites for the sake of the birds. Sometimes feelings get hurt, but the bottom line is the safety and well-being of the birds. When people offer you advice, and you turn around and say thanks, but I'm going to continue to do what I do, what do you expect people to think about you?

Chancet64, nothing personal, I've never met you, but when someone corrects you, don't take offence. It's for the birds sake, not yours. Your house, your birds, your rules, no one is telling you what to do, only suggestions. Don't ask if you don't want to hear it. I only know about you by what you write. I'm sure we would get along if we met, obviously we have some of the same interest.

How does a parrot qualify for a service animal? I've heard honest people having a bird as a service animals, and I've heard others get their animal qualified for taxes, write-offs, etc. This question is not aimed a Chancet64, so don't take offence. I honestly ask because I don't know.

I will address both responses at the same time - the risk is to me. I have been severely bitten by him already, several times. I am aware that he can take my ear off, and I know what he did to my hand/arm. I also started out as pre-vet and worked as a vet tech for 5 years, albeit many years ago, but animal behavior likely hasn't changed. I've been bitten by dogs, attacked by domestic and feral cats, and I've seen parrot attacks first hand. I have a feral colony of cats now, and trapping/handling those boogers is a nightmare.

"Did" your comment about "what did you expect...." is a good example of what I took offense at. I'm not blind to the words of encouragement and recognition from you that I have formed a bond with Paco, but there were also moments that seemed to have a very different tone. And perhaps it's that I have a different style of education and teaching - rather than approaching it as I am the expert, I try to find out what someone already knows/does/wants to learn about. You did stop just short of calling me stupid.

There are people who take their birds out. There are people who free-fly or use flight harnesses regularly. The bird store I use has birds and their owners in it all the time. They do nails and wings 2 nights a week and offer all kinds of help. I've used them as well. Rather than using the tone of "what if..." then listing all the things that could happen, the question could be posed of "have you thought about this?" Or, "these are things that can come up in public that can really startle a bird..."

I came here looking for a balanced perspective, not "a high five and thumbs up all the way." I also came here looking for a place to ask questions like "is it normal for an Amazon to like, even seek out, foot massages," and "is it normal for a bird to nibble your ear, then lick your face when you turn to him?" or "what are some other ways to facilitate him going to a pellet diet, b/c I've tried the suggestions given so far, and they ain't workin'!" My most recent one is if they REALLY are smart enough to demand to sit on you when you're crying, then alternate between being big goofballs and nuzzling you.

And the travel pack I have book marked is one of those backpack things. The one I found is $70 or $80. Last month I bought him the over-the-seat car perch, which was $50, so I have to wait on the backpack.

So, I hope that clears my perspective up. We DON'T know each other, so I think that calls for an especially careful tone and delivery.

And I forgot to address your Delta Society question - he wouldn't be a service animal, but a pet therapy animal. I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (therapist) so I could integrate it into my work. I already use him with patients, at the nursing homes where we have patients, and in the grief counseling that I do with those left behind.

He is a calm bird now. There are those who say it is because I'm so calm with him, and pretty even tempered overall, but I also am coming to think it is his innate nature, despite being one of the "hot three." And he GENUINELY seems to love to be out and about and around people, maybe because his former home was not good at all.

"the risk is to me". You seem to make this about yourself. I responded to you in hopes of protecting your bird. Again, I post and ask on these types of sites with the birds safety and well-being taking priority. What about the risk to the bird? I apologies that my tone is not of the sweet nature. For someone that describes themselves as an "even tempered" person, you tend to take offense quick. Never have I described, or thought of myself as an expert. The more you post, the more you seem to add to your knowledge or experience with animals. I don't believe you have enough experience with parrots to recognize a bird that has a sweet overall nature. I used to think chopped steak was the best in the world, until I tried other cuts of meat and was able to compare. I don't believe you are the only reason this bird is as sweet as he is.Give credit where it is do, somewhere along this birds life, he was loved. Just because you understand furry animals, does not mean you understand birds.

Yes people free-fly, people take their birds outside. Most do this in a safe manner. When you witness a trained bird in free-flight, what you are seeing is the end result of much dedication. They make it seem easy because they are good (the trainers). They have experience, they understand their bird, and know how to manage a diet for training. What you don't see is the mistakes and errors that the trainer has experienced.

So you have less than one yr of hands on parrot experience and already you use the only bird you've ever owned around patients? What would do when (I hope it never happens) he decides to clamp down on the hands of an elderly? Are you experienced enough to read the signs of a parrot before the attack? Will you know what to do after the attack? Will you be able to explain to people who want answers what went wrong, or will you just give parrots and the people who work with them bad publicity? I wouldn't walk into a cage with a tiger and a trainer who has less than one yr experience with tigers. Even if he has many yrs experience with other animals. Would you?

"You did stop just short of calling me stupid." I am not assuming you are stupid, I should be more clear. The act of allowing a bird on your shoulder is stupid. The act of putting an animal in danger is stupid. Something I wouldn't expect from a former vet-tec.

You and your vet seem to think that your bird sees you as his girlfriend. This is not a good thing. With all the attention you give, what will you do when that love he shows you turns into frustration because you cannot fulfill him like a mate will? This is when problems will occur.

You have a colony of feral cats, and one bird. Does this bird feel comfortable in this situation? "Have you thought about this?" You have experience with dogs and cats, Would 1 cat feel safe in a home with feral dogs?

Everything I write is based on my experience or what I have learned. No, I am not an expert, and I have room to improve. I can admit that, and accept suggestions to better improve the safety of my birds. Even if they come from strangers, regardless of their tone. I don't take it personal when someone points out something I am doing wrong.

I should stop suggesting to you, obviously this is turning into a personal level. I apologies to this board and their members for letting this discussion escalate.