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Do’s and Don’ts To Petting Your Bird

Follow these tips the next time you pet a bird

By Liz Wilson, CVT, CPBC

Petting Birds 
Courtesy Terri & Gale Pauken, Michigan
First introduce your bird to strangers before you allow them to pet it.

DO assess your bird’s body language before trying to pet it.

DON’T try to pet your bird if it pulls back, runs away or tries to bite you.

DO speak to your bird first before just reaching out to pet it.

DON’T let strangers pet your bird without first introducing them to the bird and making sure the bird is comfortable with them.

DO set aside some quiet time for petting sessions.

DON’T pet your bird down its back or tail.

DO stick to petting your birds head.

DON’T take it personally if your bird doesn’t want to be petted.

DO try and earn your bird’s trust through patience and understanding.


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Do’s and Don’ts To Petting Your Bird
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Reader Comments
One thing I've realized is that birds are all different! Some do not really like to be petted--although they are content to sit on your arm--and some love it.
Am, Foracre, IN
Posted: 6/5/2010 1:57:03 PM
My Umbrella Cockatoo loves to be petted and rubbed all over...she spreads her wings for me to massage her body...a real "love sponge"!!
Pat, Sanford, FL
Posted: 6/4/2010 11:18:31 AM
interesting article. some ideas need to be explained as to why, or why not. my little parrotlet loves for me to pet her, especially her head and neck ares. she also is comfortable with me massaging her little feet. so cute.
Janet, Henderson, NV
Posted: 4/23/2010 5:52:09 AM
Yeah mine likes to get petted down her back too and likes for me to spread her wings. She actually spreads them herself wanting me to carress them. I don't know why they would say don't do that o.O
Victoria, Indianapolis, IN
Posted: 12/9/2009 4:55:53 PM
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