my bird never steps off my shoulder HELP!?

[echolover123]

my irn never steps off my shoulder and always start biting me when i try to take him.
whenever my bird comes to me the first place goes is my shoulder. I dont want him to go on my shoulder cause
i heard it was bad for birds to go on shoulders
Can anyone help me PLEASE!?

[adreane]

hmmm......I'm not an expert on weather they should be on shoulders or not but I have a couple ideas that might help. It is natural for birds to want to be at the highest possible place so shoulders are a popular place to be and some just like to stay there. I would try repeating on the shoulder then off the shoulder over and over until he knows he must step up when the hand comes close. Also try giving him treats when he steps up on your hand from your shouder. I hope this helps.

[echolover123]

ill try that thanks

[Shane7285]

Hi there

If you are having trouble with the bird on the shoulder, I would say don't let it on your shoulder till you have solved this problem.

The best place to start is to practice step ups from a playstand, cage or benchtop to your hand, and between hands etc. Praise and give treats when you can have the bird step up without biting (note they will use their beak to test stability of the hand as well so don't mistake that for a bite). Once they know that command, then you can practice coming off the shoulder. The main thing I find with my guy is if you move your hand at a steady pace towards him, he will step onto the hand without any trouble. Just not too fast or it freaks them out.

Regards

Shane