Allowing your parrot on your shoulder might seem charming, but it comes with serious considerations. In this post, we explore why many avian experts advise against shoulder perching, highlight the risks to both you and your bird, and share practical training tips to help you set safe, healthy boundaries. By understanding your bird’s individual behaviour and needs, you can make informed decisions that support a trusting and harmonious relationship.
Many parrot owners adore the idea of having their feathered companion perched proudly on their shoulder. It is often romanticized in media, conjuring up images of pirates and their loyal parrots. However, in reality, allowing your parrot on your shoulder can pose significant risks — both to you and to your bird.
The most effective way to prevent your parrot from biting your face while on your shoulder is, quite simply, to avoid allowing your bird on your shoulder in the first place. Does this mean you should never let your bird perch there? The answer is not strictly black or white. Nonetheless, most avian behaviour specialists and experienced parrot owners recommend against shoulder privileges, especially without careful consideration and proper training.
Why Many Experts Advise Against Shoulder Perching
There are several reasons why professionals discourage this practice:
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Perceived dominance: When a parrot sits on your shoulder, it may feel as though it is in a position of authority over you. This can lead to behavioural issues, including increased aggression and territorial tendencies.
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Limited visibility: You cannot easily see your bird’s body language when it is on your shoulder. Body language is crucial for interpreting your bird’s mood and intentions. Without this, you may miss subtle warning signs of discomfort or agitation, which can quickly escalate into biting.
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Proximity to your face: A parrot on your shoulder is only centimetres away from your face. A sudden bite to this sensitive area can cause serious physical injury and emotional distress.
Knowing Your Bird: The Deciding Factor
Ultimately, whether or not your bird can safely sit on your shoulder depends entirely on its individual personality, training, and trust level. If your bird tends to be nippy or unpredictable, it is safest to avoid shoulder perching altogether. In these cases, the risk of a serious bite is too great.
In my personal experience, I follow a strict guideline with my own flock. For example, Blossom is not currently allowed on my shoulder because she does not step down when asked. My general rule is that my birds may enjoy shoulder time only if they come down immediately upon request. Kiwi and Edward, for instance, respect this boundary and step up willingly whenever I ask, making their shoulder time a positive experience for both of us.
Blossom, on the other hand, has a harder time understanding personal space. Although she has never bitten me and loves to be close, she struggles to comprehend why she is sometimes not allowed on my shoulder.
At present, my focus with Blossom is on avoiding situations where she might end up on my shoulder. If she does manage to get there, I use target training to guide her down safely. Thankfully, Blossom has been responsive and attentive to these cues, which has made the process smoother.
Practical Tips for Shoulder Training
If you are dealing with a bird who bites or refuses to step off your shoulder — similar to Blossom — there are several strategies you can employ:
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Maintain a firm hold: If your bird attempts to climb up your arm, hold their feet gently but firmly to prevent them from advancing further.
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Provide distractions: Offer a favourite toy or another engaging object to keep their attention away from your shoulder.
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Establish and maintain a routine: Consistency is key. Sporadic training sessions can confuse your bird and make it harder for them to understand their boundaries. Regular, predictable training helps reinforce desired behaviours.
Final Thoughts
Shoulder time is not an absolute “no” for all birds, but it requires deep trust, thorough training, and unwavering consistency. Each bird is unique, and it is essential to assess their temperament and habits carefully before allowing them such close access to your face.
I hope these insights and tips help you make an informed decision for you and your feathered companion. By approaching this topic with patience and mindfulness, you can foster a safer, happier relationship with your bird.