How to Hold a Parrot

When it is time to trim your parrot's nails or feathers, you will have to hold the parrot in such a way that you do not harm it during its grooming. It is very easy to hurt a parrot if you do not hold it properly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pick up the parrot using a towel. Place the towel over the parrot's back and pick it up. He may start squawking, but this does not mean the parrot is in pain. It means that it does not want you to pick it up that way.

2. Place one hand lightly around the parrot's head so that your finger and thumb rest on its cheeks. Hold the other hand around its feet. Do not put your hand around the parrot's neck or stomach. The parrot's stomach will need room to expand while he breathes.

3. Rub its stomach lightly if the parrot is squirming and squawking a lot. This will help it calm down a little bit.

4. Allow the parrot to sit on your arm or finger. After you finish trimming its nails or feathers, allow it to sit on your arm or finger until it is comfortable being around you.

5. Give the parrot a treat after it has had his nails or feathers trimmed.

Tips & Warnings

• Hold your parrot every day. The more you hold it, the more comfortable it will become with your touch.
• Never squeeze the parrot, you could hurt it. If you are hurting the parrot, it will probably try to bite you.

[gypsywitch]

on 7/24/2009 Easier said than done. I have a cockatoo that you can come try your theory on, trust me, you will rewrite it after a visit to my home!