A lot of interacting with parrots is understanding their communication styles and how to approach them. It's a good point that they are oral: their beak is an important tool and as sensitive as a fingerttip. I let Gavin 'beak' me because it is affection, but I let him know when it's too hard. You have to be able to be nibbled a bit and know how to set limits around them...and of course, some parrots *do* bite. Hard. Ow.
A lot of 'em, both of mine included, adore the skritchin', especially on the jaw and face. :) To pet a willing bird, blow gently against the grain of her feathers, then gently stroke them against the grain. The bird will fluff and get blissy.
How much a bird likes to be touched depends a lot on the individual and the species, though. (There are no 'breeds' of parrots as such, other than the English budgie, and different species of parrot can be as unlike in disposition as a dog and a cat). African greys are known for being less inclined to be petted, and cockatoos for being VERY touchy-feely...although they are the most difficult parrot to keep for many other reasons. Parrots really are wild animals and to really keep them well and enjoy them, the potential bird owner really needs to get a good intuitive feel for how they think and what they need, through study and hands-on experience. :)
A for 'tiels...well, my Lady is an airhead but she's sweet and I love her. :) Illucian's Aya is insanely sweet, probably the most 'pet me pet me now' parrot I've ever met. That said, they aren't my favorite parrot either, though part of it is because so many of them are poorly socialized and cared for.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2007-07-21 09:01 pm (UTC)A lot of 'em, both of mine included, adore the skritchin', especially on the jaw and face. :) To pet a willing bird, blow gently against the grain of her feathers, then gently stroke them against the grain. The bird will fluff and get blissy.
How much a bird likes to be touched depends a lot on the individual and the species, though. (There are no 'breeds' of parrots as such, other than the English budgie, and different species of parrot can be as unlike in disposition as a dog and a cat). African greys are known for being less inclined to be petted, and cockatoos for being VERY touchy-feely...although they are the most difficult parrot to keep for many other reasons. Parrots really are wild animals and to really keep them well and enjoy them, the potential bird owner really needs to get a good intuitive feel for how they think and what they need, through study and hands-on experience. :)
A for 'tiels...well, my Lady is an airhead but she's sweet and I love her. :) Illucian's Aya is insanely sweet, probably the most 'pet me pet me now' parrot I've ever met. That said, they aren't my favorite parrot either, though part of it is because so many of them are poorly socialized and cared for.