Why do people tell you not to put your bird on your shoulder?

Written by Sal Salafia, Certified Avian Specialist, Founder of Exotic Pet Birds Inc.

After having raised thousands of birds for clients over the years one question comes up more frequently the others. Why do I hear I should not put my bird on my shoulder?

The answer is actually different than one may think. Often people assume it’s because of a dominant issue that may develop. I personally don’t believe that to be the situation. Birds love to be as high up as they can climb because they are prey animals. They are instinctively prone to get in a position that they can survey the entire area and quickly disappear if needed.

The biggest reason that experienced bird handlers tend to tell less experienced bird handlers to keep birds off their shoulders is that once up on your shoulder you lose a great deal of control over your bird. We know why the bird loves the vantage point of being up on the shoulder, but if you are trying to remain in control over your pet while it’s out, that simply is the worst place to accomplish this.

Up on the shoulder the bird can quickly retreat to behind your neck if they decided to and this often ensues a game of scooting between your shoulder blades.

What issues does this cause?

First: What this game does is teaches your bird that you cannot retrieve it when you want to. Second: It often becomes a game of cat and mouse where you end up swatting to retrieve your bird. This often frantic motion triggers the prey instinct to give the bird the sensation that it is in danger.

There is always that chance too of your bird having very close access to your face which has many delicate features of your body accessible to a beak can that can hurt you. Ever wonder why a pirate used to wear an eye patch?!

Unlike many older school trainers, we believe that given lots of time and work with your bird, if the time comes that you want your bird to sit on your shoulder it’s perfectly fine. This should only really be done with a bird that you have a great deal of trust and practice with the command of step up with. If your bird has 100% obedience with the command and you have found success doing it more power to ya! That said, we recommend against it to beginners as we want to see you set for success! If for some reason you do let your bird on your shoulder and you find that game beginning where you can’t get your bird to step up immediately for you - don’t continue letting the bird sit on your shoulder. Like any training consistency is key. What you repeat daily you will train to become normal practice and this includes bad behaviors. Enjoy your Avicultural journeys!