Fear of Hands & Punishment

[@ParrotPlayhouseChannel]

I am so glad you made this video. Everything in this video was spot on! Breaks my heart when someone uses water as a punishment.

[@KaylahDemi]

Parrot Playhouse I use a spray bottle for my cats, but for my bird? Only for baths. Noooo way will anybody spray him as "punishment." Just no :(

[@mollyjane2547]

KaylahDemi Jackson Galaxy is like the WingsNPaws of cat behavior :) He has lots of tips for getting a cat to behave without spraying them. Spraying them can cause all the same unintended behavioral problems that can be caused when you spray a bird. Your cat could be developing other behavioral problems or issues with trust when you spray them, but Jackson galaxy has gentle training methods for cats that guarantee your cat won't unintentionally develop other problems.

[@mollyjane2547]

Parrot Playhouse especially since birds have to prepare their airways before coming into contact with water. If they don't properly prepare their airways they can breathe too much of the mist in and get pneumonia! So not only is it cruel on a moral level, but it can cause serious health problems as well. Punishment also often causes other behavioral problems to crop up because you're creating a situation for your bird where their confidence and feeling of security is diminished. They are being hurt by the person they're being expected to be around a lot of the time. The person spraying them eventually becomes an ever present source of uncertainty and stress. The bird may behave the way you conditioned them to because of spraying them, but underneath the surface you have a bird who has been traumatized into behaving that way- they can start plucking their feathers, acting out vocally or banging their toys aggressively, or doing other undesirable behaviors as a result of the constantly building stress.

[@KaylahDemi]

Molly Jane My only real cat issues come about because my younger cats bully my older cat or one cat'a actions set of a chain of explosive events. My oldest cat has my priority as she is nine and has hip problems and simply shouldn't deal with the stress of having another cat bully her, much less a few to bully her. However, I can't just dump my other cats and "rehome them" because that is just as wrong of me. Instead, I try to create "safe spaces" for them and give them their distance from each other. My only regret, sadly, is how much they all love me and my girlfriend. For example, when up to 5 cats try to pile in a room to get attention, to stare at my bird, etc, they wind up right on top of each other. They have a two bedroom apartment with an upstairs and downstairs, and they pile into one small, cluttered room. I then can't leave my room to tend to other things without stepping over one and having her hiss and run, which makes another skitter across the floor in fear and race downstairs, which makes the other two who hate each other since a misunderstanding long ago become on edge, so they have a stare down and beef up against each other. We separate them, me taking my oldest cat on to my lap and not letting her see the other cst. But then ding! ding! ding! kitty number 5 comes in and fights with cat number 3 and then there's yelling from us humans and rushes to separate them. I don't like to spray my cats. I just don't, I don't want to. But often times, a shake of a spray bottle can avoid a fight, avoid a three-cat problem, avoid (hopefully) more stress than would have happened had I not sprayed them, or "threatened" to (shook the spray bottle, set it down in between cats having a stare of as a warning). This is MY FAULT for having this many cats. This is MY FAULT for expecting solitary animals to get along like pack animals would. I understand that and I would like to take full responsibility for that. If I, after four stressful years, and one super stressful year, can manage to find a way to avoid spraying them, I will. I'll check out that KZbinr and try to give them a real honest try to their techniques. I only want the best for my animals and if I can avoid any negative reinforcment, I would like to learn how. Thank you for taking the time out to respond to my comment.

[@isaacthecold3802]

@@KaylahDemi I use water for little baths aswell

[@bryanleewenjie]

Thank you WingsNPaws so much for this video. I am the one who asked that and I'm so honoured that you actually made a whole video to discuss the matter. You continue to inspire me as a teacher. I'm one myself in high school too. Thank you once again! Look forward to more of your videos.

[@ousamashikfa]

Im 2 years late but I'm curious, how's your bird now? Did this work for you?

[@MT-tx7bu]

I know someone like that, who does have parrots, but honestly, treats those parrots like trophies. He lugs them around, pushes them at you and thinks he is the sole expert on birds. I just got my Quaker parrot and I will not discuss anything with him. I want to be kind to my bird and teach him to be kind as well. I'm not in it to show off my bird, but to simply create a great relationship with him and have him feel confident and loved. Thank you for your videos. Love them

[@TattooedGranny]

Fantastic advice. I have kept birds for 40 years and I m about to adopt my first rescue…a 36 year old DYH who is scared to death of hands. Had been kept in a cage his whole life so I imagine anytime he needed care or trims he was yanked out and terrified. I have spent every day the rescue is open for the past week working on his fear. I sat quietly by his cage that first day with the sight of my hand making him open his beak in fear if I asked him to step up or if I even touched the bars of his cage. I always retreated. I began giving treats. He began coming for the treats. Then he began the occasional light touch of my fingers especially when enjoying a banana I was holding. Each day there has been progress. He loved getting spray bathed. Parrots have distinct behaviors of discomfort and I respected those signs…have never been bitten by this bird and find him gentle and sensitive. Today he begged for head scratching and could not get enough. He also tried to step up but got scared and backed away after pawing me three times with one foot. I wish people would take your advice and go at the pace of their bird. Each one is an individual just like people. When my guy steps up I will not yank him out of his cage…I will let him step away when he wishes. We are already forming a bond. He has been at the rescue for a year and only recently began singing again. He is beginning to trust me after only a week…think about that. Have patience with your birds…they are wicked smart,they watch everything you do. Anyway…thanks again for such a thoughtful, gentle training video. You think like a bird…lol.

[@jnl3564]

I used your tips on my hand shy amazon and it only took one week of feeding him treats under my hand. Now he loves being scratched on the head and has way less anxiety about hands. It was so easy and painless for both of us. Thank you!

[@angelshaven8920]

CONGRATULATIONS ON 50,000 FRIENDS! You and Smokey are amazing! I love your gentle way with Smokey.

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you so much! Smokey and I both appreciate the support you've given us on all our videos!

[@wajihasohail8367]

i also have an african grey.... can u plzz tell me that how i teach my bird to talk .... plzzz tell me

[@wajihasohail8367]

i also have an african grey.... can u plzz tell me that how i teach my bird to talk .... plzzz tell me

[@Forthebirds463]

I like your gentle approach to training. You are so kind.

[@megsutube1815]

Thank you for giving me something new to try. My bird has never let me scratch his head because of hand fear. I love your gentle training methods. Thank you!

[@tunes4698]

Thank you man . You don’t even know how much this will help me

[@bammcguee5047]

I agree, I have had my blue and gold for 20 plus years. She was in a small cage in a pet store. I would visit her, she started calling me mamma. I wanted to give her a better life. I knew nothing about birds. She went on drives with me and such. We were closer in the first few years. She needs more attention, that I just can't give.. Then someone thought I took good care of my bird, and gave me their African Grey. They had her for five years and never took her out of her cage. They thought she was a male. She laid 3 eggs a few months later, so my 2 females do not like each other.handing her a treat she has bitten me several times. The last time she got a vein. She is out of her cage until she sleeps at night. They are my babies, but I am getting older

[@mollyjane2547]

Tip- if your bird is particularly scared of hands, you can start off putting the treat way closer to the bird than your petting hand is and "close the gap" as they get more comfortable. Put the treat close enough that they won't hesitate too much to take it. If the bird won't take the treat, your petting hand is too close for now and you need to increase the distance between the treat and the hand.

[@wingsNpaws]

Great advice!

[@starlakelsey2782]

very helpful! I am guessing you are a really good teacher. Lucky kids and parents.

[@wingsNpaws]

I hope I am! Thank you for your comment!

[@tenillemitchell1611]

Awesome advice. Thank you. I too have a lovebird. He’s still quite young and not fond of the hand. Can’t wait to try this with him 😊

[@Nifemi_ag]

yea

[@princessnotnow]

Congrats on 50k! Also thank you for assuring me my slow and steady "hand training" is probably the right way. Most videos act like all birds are immediately loving/dont go thru a change as they mature. He was a loving baby, 2nd year he ended up hating touching, and finally I'm able to slowly reintroduce my hands. Your channel has been a real reassurance that my slow and steady approach is the right one for my bird. Most forums go for the direct and agressive and my bird never enjoyed that. Than you so much!!!

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you! I'm sure your bird appreciates you taking it at a slow and steady pace. Training is never a race and it is so uncomfortable for me to watch people who are so aggressive with their birds because they have to "show who's boss".

[@ParrotPlayhouseChannel]

Congratulations on 50k subscribers! ❤️🐦

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you so much!

[@mushious]

This is a highly informative video. My cockatiels are quite shy around hands, I'm going to give this a try and see how I get on.

[@wingsNpaws]

Just make sure to take it very very slow!

[@marleypr]

Are they tamed? I really need to know

[@ihatebulliesilovebullys2240]

I love your videos. You are a true lover of animals because you respect them! So many don't understand that each animal has its own personality and has fears and dislikes that are both instinctual as well as unique to that individual animal. Smokey is precious and you've done a terrific job building your bond with her.

[@turtle3797]

I’m so glad I found this channel

[@fortunateadventures3664]

Congratulations🎉 on reaching 🎊50,000 plus subscribers whoop whoop💕Your Awesome 👏

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you so much!

[@donnaclark972]

DITTO here!

[@melissabellovary9567]

Very helpful video. Thank you. I like this simple stand you have. I am looking for one like that.

[@t-171]

About 6 weeks ago, I adopted a one-year-old CAG; he was terrified of people and flung himself to the opposite end of the cage, screaming if someone went too close or moved too quickly. Now, he sings and whistles (imitating the whistle my family uses to call our dogs) when I'm at home but in a different room to him and, two days ago, he let me give him his first head-scratch! I've heard him call my name, my domestic worker's name, and he sometimes says hello and also sang the first 4 notes of Beethoven's Symphony no. 5 in C minor, Op. 67. I've also been told that he said the name of one of my dogs. And I could swear he once asked, 'How are you?' He also imitates our cockatiel, Keizaal (who's a sweetheart, but isn't weaned yet and gets a bit vocal when (s)he wants her/his fledgling food.) My CAG, Azura, does have a tendency to not quite bite so much as grab a person's fingers if said person does something to make him unhappy; it's not painful, however, just a gentle (as in it doesn't mark the skin) grab that he uses to push their hand away. Only thing that I'm a bit concerned about is that he likes to sort of gnaw on fingernails and also bite holes into clothing - but I'm just going to rewatch your videos relating to biting and try to prevent those things happening. So, ja. I just wanted to thank you for making these videos and tell you how helpful they've been.

[@elenalatici9568]

I loved watching this video. Your advice and your demonstration of how to get your bird to accept head scratching. is wonderful. I don't have a bird. I've never had the right conditions for having one. I love birds. wherever I lived I always found a pet store that sold only birds. I would hang out for hours. My favorite bird is a Cockatoo. I would love to have one, I have several virtual Cockatoos. Your Smoky is a sweetheart. That "expert" is insane. When I was training my baby stallion he nipped me all the time--because that's what baby stallions do. Never ever did I punish him. Everyone at the stable where I had him thought --and told me-- I was crazy. I was using clicker training. I'm in Italy where it's about 50 years behind. when it comes to training horses. When the bird you reference gives up, it's learned helplessness which leads to depression . A nightmare .

[@CVersailles]

Good advice, and superbly demonstrated. I understand the lovebird is a female... I don't have much experience with lovebirds, but I had a female budgie who did not enjoy head scratches and did not let her partner preen her except when she was brooding her eggs! The females in these small species can be VERY "difficult" sometimes and prone to "phobias"... In these 2 species (budgies and lovebirds), the females are often chronic egg layers (and cockatiels come next on the list for such hormonal disturbances). Rescue female budgie Soleil had obviously been hand-fed and reared and she was not afraid of hands in the least. She was just "somewhat phobic" about certain issues, so I did not insist on that kind of contact. She did not want head scratches but she liked to do recall exercises: I tried my best to keep to the things SHE liked. Some birds are naturally affectionate, others not.

[@jamesabber7891]

Thank you for your many good videos on parrots. This one was really useful for me.

[@KaylahDemi]

What really gets me is when he says "if you spray your bird in the face with water, eventually they will stop biting you not because they're learned to overcome their fear of hands, but because they've learned they can't escape from you and give up." At 5:40

[@ashfox2012]

What really gets you about it though 😂

[@narinesarkissian8464]

I love and respect the passion you have towards these delicate creatures. I've always been a dog owner, but only recently invited a lost love bird into our home. We reached to the point of her flying onto our hands, shoulders, to just talk to us or enjoy our company, that was a big progress. However, whenever a hand approaches, she bites (quite painfully!). She just isn't getting used to touch. and she likes to chew hard on our skin once she lands on us. How do we get her to stop that? and how to get her to get used to being touched? (she flies, didn't quite feel that it was necessary to have her clipped). Please advise.

[@creative-cv7650]

Thank you man i am learning i bought mine 2 weeks ago and she is 14 years so she has been fighting but using your skills i am winning thank you man

[@karenpeatey6226]

U r such a lovely trainer Thanks 4 sharing

[@charlielauenborg5087]

Blessed be, this is such a good video! I am not yet an expert on bird keeping and is looking to get my first big parrot soon. Have worked with them at a shelter and empathy is really a key element when handling them. They are not dogs, they are way smarter and you need to care about them and read them and love them to get good results. A bird might be well-behaved, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's happy and it certainly won't be if it's pressured.

[@DlikeDagmara]

Respect from the bottom of my heart :). The things you say, could help a lot of people raising their children ;).

[@mohammedseedat4453]

Love your videos!! They have been helping me every step of the way with my newly acquired African Grey. Thanks so much

[@SAHamel_]

Jon, you are an excellent teacher, love the way you give examples.

[@Ingebx]

My african grey only loves head stretches at certain times and only on her terms which I’m fine with, but she absolutely LOVES kisses on the head. When it comes to her back she hates getting pet with hands and she always turns around when I try to pet her there. But she loves when I give kisses on her back. I can literally put my whole face between her feathers and she doesn’t mind it at all. Which shows that she trusts the face but not necessarily the hands all the time. She does want to step up most of the time but changes her mind mid way and gets nervous and wants to get off. I always try to put her back on the cage but then she doesn’t want to. it’s like she wants to sit on the hand but also doesn’t. I think it’s because she wants to trust but is very indecisive and the confusion makes the whole situation frustrating for her. Which is why we have her step up on a swing when she wants to move around the house. She is very curious and loves exploring. I do practice hands with her allot and as long as my bird is comfortable I’m happy (Excuse the English. It’s not my main language)

[@wingsNpaws]

I could not tell that English isn't your first language; it was great! Thanks for being so descriptive, I can totally picture what your bird was doing in my head based on your descriptions. My suggestion is to ask your bird to step up onto your hand and immediately praise him and reward him with his favorite treats. Then, let him step right back on his perch. Repeat this process over and over each day for about 15 minutes, each time waiting a little longer before you return him back to his perch. Don't move your hand and don't walk around with him when he gets on your hand yet. This will slowly teach him that it's okay to step up onto your hand and if he ever gets scared, he has the option to always step back down to "safety". I hope this makes sense. Let me know how it goes!

[@rebeccaelliott4261]

My conure HATES water bottle showers! He gets all puffy it’s so cute lol. We tried it when we first got him as something fun but he was not down for that lol. Oh well! Sink shower it is! Yeaaaa.... Poco is also not down for head scratches. He’s starting to be ok with beak touches (soooo much progress!!!) so we offer him a sunflower seed for a gentle beak boop. With the funny side effect of learning to say come here! He just started to accept an extended beak boop without an open “about to chew a chunk off of your finger” kind of beak for the bribe of a yummy sunflower seed. Woo hoooooo!!!! Congrats on 50K

[@wingsNpaws]

My next video is on... showering! Stay tuned, I'm really excited about this next one.

[@phoeline]

Try scratching the beak when you have your fingers on it, both our conures love it!

[@sarajohansson]

Thank you so much for this video. This is helping me so much with my new baby parrot.

[@wingsNpaws]

Your welcome!

[@annerowley3935]

Your so informative smokey obviously loves and trust you in the things she does at your asking

[@rosejacks8662]

Very helpful, love your love and patience with Smokey❤️

[@RockingWithBrenda]

Thank You❣️ Another Great Informative video !!! I Will be using these tips! 🤗

[@wingsNpaws]

Your welcome!

[@omega7524]

I've lived with birds for 4 years and the only time I spray my birds is when i decided they needed a shower or some kind of bath. My budgies prefer bathing in a shallow bowl of water but birds will love water if it is used to clean themselves

[@trizii9279]

Thank you sooo much this really helped me my bird would climb everywhere on me except my hand now he is starting to trust my hand thank you so much!!!!!!

[@kevinboyle1968]

Thank you for the upload!! I do have a Blackmask 10 weeks old that I’m in the process of lots of talking to it so far as a first step

[@takithetiel6854]

Saw this video the day it came out and immediately started using it with our rescue cockatoo we got in February. He’s 30+ years old and was a legally imported wild caught bird, and he’s positively terrified of adults and especially their hands. We know for a fact he was neglected in his last home and we’re pretty sure he was abused in at least one of the homes before that. Today we got to the point with him that if I say “pets” and reach out he will let me lightly touch his head without even showing him a treat. And he’s starting to arch his head into my hand and fluff his feathers up as he does it. I give him the treat after he’s successfully completed the behavior (remaining calm while I touch his head). I’m so happy with his progress I could cry. So many people have told me that it would be impossible to get him to ever let us touch him at all just based on how scared he was when we first got him, his age, and his background. I’m so glad I didn’t listen and kept trying. THANK YOU for this video. It’s helped us to make leaps and bounds of progress. We’re working on stepping up with him, too, and he’s starting to explore my arm with his beak (gently). I think he’s trying to see what the texture of it is and I think he wants to make sure it’s not going to suddenly move before he delves into actually standing on it. Thank you for everything you do! Your videos save birds and they save their owners’ sanity, too. You’re such an incredible person for taking time out of your day to provide us with these tips and for always having the birds’ best interests in mind.

[@takithetiel6854]

Update to the update: I can now say “pets” and he will fluff his feathers up and put his head down before he even sees my hand! He’ll let me scratch the top of his head and the back of his neck and he leans right in. He still gets nervous when he sees my fingers near the side of his head (like around his ears) and I can’t blame him because around there my fingers are right in his face. He’s not used to seeing my hand from that perspective. But overall, he’s doing so, so well letting me touch his head! Next step is to put the behavior on a variable schedule :) I’ll be skipping the reward stage every few repetitions and then eventually working up to expecting multiple repetitions for one treat. Since he has/had so much trauma I will probably always pair treats with petting to some extent just to keep reinforcing the behavior, but I’m looking forward to eventually shaping him to not need or expect s treat every single time. That will free up some calories to teach him other things like stepping up finally :)

[@john-brady]

Thank you. Interesting, well done and informative. Beautiful bird too!

[@Tabatha437]

This was a great question! Needed this, very helpful!!!

[@wingsNpaws]

Glad it was of help!

[@139Mali]

Thank you for your videos!!! Next week I will take my small African Grey home from nursery. I'm really nervous of this, cause I had only small parrots in my childhood. And your channel is very helpfull for me. You and Smokey are awesome :)

[@helengregory4627]

I am a blind listener from England. I wonder if you could describe what you are doing a little more? I love your videos and find them informative. I am anew subscriber. Congratulations on 50k. I have a mini macaw, Goffin cockatoo,a Meyer and an African grey.

[@senithesenegal_7967]

Smallie Biggs why are you making fun of them? That’s not cool! THEYRE BLIND! That’s why they need a better description since they can’t use the video to look at...

[@fallenstar4908]

SeniTheSenegal _ little shits poisoning the comments

[@apfgamer9303]

It would be really cool if you could teach Smokey how to say Subscribe! :)

[@danitajhumbert]

Hi, so first off I love your videos and thank you for doing them. I have an almost 20 years old CAG, Jade. She's been in my family for that whole time. Unfortunately, she's been passed around a bit, and during certain times she was neglected, and for about a year she was what I would call abused. I have had her for the last 2 years. I know that I have made progress with her, but I also feel stumped a lot. When she was way younger she would do the step up command and she was very affectionate. Now, however, she won't do either, even to the person that I view she's the most attached to. She will take food from my hand, and when she's in her cage she will occasionally, very rarely, let me scratch her head. However, if she's out, she will just back away from me if I try to pet her. If any of us try the step up command, she just backs away, no matter where she's at. She also likes to trick us. She'll put her head down, like she wants petted, but as soon as we get close she'll snap it up and try to bite. I'm going to start trying this new method, with the treats, and see if I can get her to duck under my hand. I would love to get to where I could at least pick her up and carry her to different parts of the house. Right now, I do let her out, but she usually just climbs on top of her cage. Occasionally she will climb down onto the ground, where she proceeds to do a weird kicking/digging motion until she climbs back onto the cage. Do you have any other advice for me? Sorry that I rambled so much, and thank you for your time. :-)

[@wingsNpaws]

The kicking/digging behavior you described is very typical of African Greys. It is thought that it is associated with both nest building and foraging behavior. I do not allow Smokey to do this on my bed because she does become territorial of my wife when she does it. As for the biting, I recommend recall training her. I have videos on that on my channel. They are recent videos so you don't have to look too hard to find them.

[@danitajhumbert]

wingsNpaws ok, thank you. How do you keep her from doing the digging on your bed?

[@chrysy7861]

Idk why but my bird hates head scratches. We have tried everything with treats and he just turns his head away or wraps his beak around my finger gently getting it away lol. He’s still very loving though, he just hates being pet for more then 20 seconds. I have had him for 5 years now and I have only petted him maybe twice and for only like 20 seconds. Iv’e just accepted it, he doesn’t mind back rubs though 🤷‍♀️ He loves playing around, wrapping his foot around my finger nudging with his beak. He’s so sweet ❤️

[@wingsNpaws]

They are all individuals with various likes and dislikes, just like you and me :)

[@aradshekarian2096]

your profile picture’s awesome

[@chrysy7861]

Jhin Cena Thank you 😂 zoomed in pictures are the best

[@chrysy7861]

wingsNpaws Haha very true!

[@Tabatha437]

Funny enough my little bird isn’t into head scratches but likes back massages. They really are special with individual personalities.

[@yuyanmalez6205]

So thankful for your shared knowledge!

[@opabinnier]

CONGRATULATIONS mate! (By the way: thankfully, my cockatiel and budgie love being sparayed with water- it's how I introduced them to showering- so I would no way be able to punish them that way even if I wanted to! Just shows that parrots have their individual personalities and that's that... that's why we love them!)

[@wingsNpaws]

Absolutely! Smokey also enjoys showers. However, I think the person asking the question meant spraying water as in direct stream of water, not misting which is very uncomfortable for many birds.

[@opabinnier]

By the way- I love your channel... partly, I guess, being an ex-teacher myself, I see a kindred spirit. But mainly: Smokey is a STAR and is ADORABLE!

[@Nanapoo]

you are such good dad to your bird

[@wingsNpaws]

I believe we owe the animals we bring into our care the best home we could possibly provide.

[@Nanapoo]

well, you are doing a great job... I love birds, my favourite kind of bird are moluccan cockatoos :D I hope one day I have the funds and means to provide a good home to one. Right now I have no birds but I love to watch channels like yours to learn and see some beautiful birds :D You seem like such sweet and nice person, and also a great bird dad. I often notice African greys are so unhappy around their owners, I feel so sad for them. You are the only person I follow online, with an african grey that actually seems relaxed and happy around their owner! And after this video, I get why! I wish more bird owners were as understanding as you are... I see a lot of "punishing" in the bird community and it makes me so sad, it´s obvous most of the big vloggers or people on instagram, just use their birds for the exposure and dont care for them in a personal level like you do. I hope one day I can be as good as a bird parent as you are and make my bird really happy!

[@amitbhosale163]

My african grey only wants to sit on shoulder and dont want to come down.what should I do?

[@djkoenig4716]

The one finger head scratch is a good way to introduce head scratches once the bird starts getting close to your hand & if it starts touching/exploring your hand.

[@kenna6903]

I have a 2 and a half year old green cheek and I have spent a lot of time teaching her to step up using her favorite treats veggies and fruits target training and everything what do I do

[@anummuzamil6219]

My parrot is also an african grey when ever i try to go close to it or try to touch him he star growling

[@chsny5695]

Mine starts barking

[@artivan111]

My bird is hand raised yet scared of hands since I have her. I did the treat thing and it worked to a point though she's wisened up to it now. She will step up without snapping only when it suits her and can touch her anywhere with my face/nose but not my hands. About back petting... I have heard from several other sources that a birds sexual glands are under its wings and you really shouldn't pet their back or they will take it the wrong way and end up seeing you as their mate. Is that true or false?

[@jojoafricangreyparrot3199]

I love this table stand. Where did you get it?

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you! I made it myself!

[@apfgamer9303]

I'm getting a conure really soon and I'm hoping that it will turn out like smokey! Also could you please make a video on how to teach your bird to say something from scratch? Thanks :)

[@wingsNpaws]

You just talk to them like you would a baby. I'm not kidding. Don't waste your money on DVDs or recordings.

[@phoeline]

Conures are not much of a good talkers, but they can learn various repertoir of sounds :) Hope you'll be happy with one, they are the best buddies! (we have two)

[@rhondaweber5638]

aPfgamer I have a green cheek conure and he says his name "Skeeter" and "hi sweetie pie." Two of the things I say to him most. They will just pick it up in their own time.

[@elethaduffy976]

Thank you so much for all you do! I love your compassion and tenderness with our beautiful companions. I have a question for you: My bird is going through a phase in that he will be on me or kissing or loving me, and then he suddenly looks angry, and bites really hard. Have you experienced that and do you have advice on how I can extinguish that behavior? My guy is 21, and we've been together for 20 years. Thank you!

[@gillianhollis1191]

hi i have just bought a 3 mnth old quaker parrot , can you give me the best advice towards taming him, at the moment he just squarks a lot and i dont know how to make him comfortable in his new suroundings , i hope you can help me thankyou gill

[@lindaketner2509]

My Amazon is not afraid of our hands, she will bite us for absolutely no reason at all. The only time she really, really lets me touch her anywhere is when she is hormonal so I can’t pet her anywhere except for her chest. You are a good teacher. I try all the things you have taught me but I guess I am not a good trainer.

[@wingsNpaws]

Amazons are very feisty! In moments of extreme excitement/overstimulation, they will bite even the hands of those whom they love most. What I've learned about amazons from experience is BODY LANGUAGE is key! The good thing is, they are not shy about showing how they feel through their body language. So, when approaching your bird, make your intentions clear. Hand outstretched and ask if he/she wants to step up. If you see them backing away OR beak is open OR BOTH, they're telling you in a nice way "not right now". So, just let them be and try again later.

[@josesolis4126]

I got my yellow naped Amazon two weeks ago and i have no ideas what he's favorite treat is. He only like my sister and will bit anyone else. Ive tried everything you said but he is reluctant to show any love man.

[@madonnafurlong8333]

Hi Wings n Paws. I am desperate! I need your Help!!! I got my little Kloe yesterday and we had to travel a long distance to get home. She was shipped via plane to me & then we had to travel the 2nd day to get home. Kloe is just screaming and growling at me. She is so afraid. I don't know what to do. She is in her permanent cage now and seems to be settling. She is eating her pellets & fruits & vegetables but I can't get near her. Please advise me what to do for her sake. I am so stressed. I don't want her upset all the time. HELP US!!!!

[@lizverde4309]

Informative video. Keep up the great work.

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you for the positive feedback!

[@jennifergriffin7204]

I have just adopted an African grey 5 years old . I want to let Alfie out of his cage but don’t know if it is the right time .i have only had him for a week ?

[@shameemparkar2151]

What treats should i use for my african grey?

[@umarahabid1102]

Great video! Do you have a video on teaching your bird to step up on your fingers? My African grey prefers to step up onto a cushion, I have managed to get him to step up onto my arm a few times but he won't step onto my fingers. He will either nibble or bite them and just walk away

[@wingsNpaws]

Yes I do! Go to my channel and look at the playlist titled "Training".

[@umarahabid1102]

wingsNpaws thank you!

[@cngefrzn8758]

My pet cockatiel has had some negative expierienced with me before I learn how to take care of him well. He's no scared of me and my hands. He's so scared that he won't even come near for treats. What should I do?

[@derrickhawkins6339]

Congrats on 50,000 🎆🎇🎈

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you!

[@KatelynInspires]

Hey! I just adopted a 10 year old african grey. She will take treats from my hand but other than that, she tries biting when hands are near her. How would I get to this point? All I have gotten is bad advice other than just talking to her and not touching her at all. Help!

[@loutram7073]

im getting a 3 month old grey parrot soon can you give me any tips on potty training so bird doent go any were and do i need to get any annual checkups to do anything with them like shots or nail trim?what a good way to teach him too talk and answer

[@nirmalab5452]

Hi, I need your suggestions for my bird. I need to describe all the stages from the day we got him to our home. Could you give me your medium through which I can explain it completely. Here through this comment box I find no space to explain my problems

[@cynthiaryan6150]

Fantastic ideas. I am going to try this with my conure.

[@DynastyTrickDogs]

As a dog trainer, I can concur that no animal behavior expert or trainer would suggest using spraying water as a deterrant.

[@mdshossain8757]

Hi Wings. Recently I've bought a African grey parrot which is 14 weeks old as they said. At the beginning he didn't bite anyone. Now I see he is biting my children accept me. But sometime he does to me. My children loves him to much but not they are scared of biting. Can you please give me a idea

[@hunterkat]

Do you have any advice on training a bird to be okay with taking them out of the cage? Obviously I don’t want to force them out willy-nilly but sometimes it’s necessary for vet appointments and such and I have had no luck so far.

[@wingsNpaws]

Have you tried target training? You're right, I would not force them out.

[@hunterkat]

wingsNpaws I haven’t really yet but I will give it a shot! Thanks!

[@elisheva5785]

HI I've watched your video's and all the video's I can watch on teaching AG's to step up.. the problem is that I've never seen another bird with the problem mine has.. My girl is 26 yrs old, I've had her for 12 months. She was never allowed out of her cage (very much) and when she was she was trained to go into a travel cage to go from point to point. Since I've had her she only spends night time in her cage and the rest of the day she spends playing with her toys either on the stand, on her cage or on the ground, she seems very happy, I believe she has bonded with me.. She was also very overweight and could only 'shuffle' along using her beak for support, mind you, she had been completely on a 'seed' diet for those 25 yrs, I've rectified all of that. So she's on a complete pellet diet now with supplements of coconut oil (her Fav) and Almonds... The only problem I have is that she has no idea how to step up on my hand, she's not a biter but she just doesn't know what to do. I can pick her up and put her on my leg and she's fine with that but I can't pick her up to put her on my hand or arm..lol.. I would need 3 hands !... when I ask her to step up and put my hand right infront of her she puts her head down as far as she can get it.... She will get on a stick no problem, no problem at all .. an you please give a little advise.. she's an old lady and I don't want to make her uncomfortable at all, I just want her to be happy.. Oh i forgot to say that she is always regurgitating for me and dropping her wings when I talk to her, while she makes a whimpering sound, I know she's desperate for a husband..LOL

[@elisheva5785]

I will definitely try this first !!

[@ahmedmahgoub9606]

I need help PLEASE I have a bunch of problems with my bird right now I'm afaid and is afraid of me I wanna take it out of the cage but I'm to worried how I put it back I got it as a gift last owners after 3 month they let it out it flew around the room dropping things and not going back in its cage how I put it back if it will bite me when I try to hold it

[@hvkaushik2744]

I've taken a 5 month old CAG 2 days back. Your videos are amazing and I got to learn a great deal about Greys. Now that I have her, the moment I take her out of the cage, all she wants to do is fly. Do you suggest clipping her wings?

[@shadylady1503]

Great video as always! We've been working with your tips and advice on our lovebird. When he was young he accepted and enjoyed head scratches, but now he doesn't accept them anymore. We're going to try this method to try and get him to accept them again. Any ideas on why he enjoyed them before, but not anymore?

[@wingsNpaws]

As they grow older, some birds become more independent as adults and their behavior could change.

[@jamssnana4084]

Thanks so much... Great advice!!!

[@DonsMiniLover]

I was wondering how you would teach your bird to accept wing and foot handling. I would like to be able to file my TAG's nails when they get bad or be able to inspect his wings if something is wrong. Also i can get a harness over his head but can not secure him because i cant touch anything but his head.

[@niol5225]

I've tried using the the c and the spray millet, but when I try to scratch his head, he either flies away, or bites me. I tried to tell her that it was okay, and that he was a good bird, but it didn't work, any tips on what I should try?

[@marwael-shamarka1422]

congratulations for 50000 subscribers

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you!

[@annagardner2845]

I tried to follow your instructions to get my Parrot to sound out Fire Engine "née nor" .....I realized after a while that He was saying Fire Engine and I was replying "Nee nor née nor". Doh! He trained me again!

[@Piddypng]

I'm 16 and I've been grown around birds so I'm pretty experienced. But I recently migrated away from my friends, family, and pet dog. It has taken a toll on my mental health and I've been thinking of getting a parrot as an emotional support pet. My question is: 1. Do you think a teen who leaves the house from 8am-4pm can take care of a parrot and 2. What breed would you recommend? There seems to be more bad thoughts on most larger birds so I'm stuck :/. My sister would probably be home until she leaves at 4pm but there's no guarantee that the bird will love her

[@KaylahDemi]

Kristen Pearcy I think the main question you would need to ask yourself is will you be able to keep this bird if you went off to college? If you moved states? If you got a full time job? You don't want to raise one for a few years and give it away like a broken, unwanted toy.

[@wingsNpaws]

Hi Kristen, when I was around that age, I very badly wanted a sun conure and also thought I was ready for one and could give one a good home. Now that I'm older, I'm so glad I didn't give into impulse (also because I couldn't afford one at the time even if I wanted) because so much happens between your teenage years and say around 25. Now, even though I could get a whole flock of conures, I know I could never keep them because the noise would not be tolerated by my family nor my neighbors. You mentioned that you are having issues with mental health. I would advise that you seek help for this because mental health issues can be very serious but a professional can help you manage your symptoms. I don't think getting a parrot will give you the intended outcome that you hope for. They are a lot of work and it is not fair for the bird to be alone while you're away at school. In the wild, parrots are seldom if ever alone.

[@Piddypng]

wingsNpaws thanks for the advice :) I'll take it into consideration and I probably won't buy one then 😅 I guess I should look into it after I finish college and maybe move out :)

[@KaylahDemi]

Kristen Pearcy Great choice :) takes a lot of maturity. Waiting is actually what wingsnpawz did. He wanted a bird as a teen, but decided he didn't have the money or stability for one at the moment and decided not to get one. He waited until he finished college and by then he'd actually decided to get a different bird than he had originally intended. And that'a how we have his Smoky! I'm glad he waited, I can't picture him with a Blue and gold macaw or something.

[@Rainygirl3100]

A bird requires expensive care and lots of interaction time during the day, and live a VERY long time (larger parrots can be a literal lifetime commitment). I'd really recommend a cat as an alternative, unless you're allergic! They're very independent but still love affection, require minimal care (well, less than a parrot at least), and are wonderful emotional support animals, since they tend to enjoy human interaction. They can also live pretty long depending on the breed and how well they're taken care of (also including whether they're indoor or outdoor; kept indoors is highly recommended), from 10-20 years on average.

[@Melendon44]

Once again, excellent video. Thank you.

[@alihasnain897]

Hello sir I have buyed a male 1 year grey parrot . He's not coming near to anybody.. I request you to give me some some advices that, how should I treat him

[@lowlandbat9709]

Hey I been watching you for a while (a year or two), I'm planning to get a Sun conure some time (could be tomorrow or 5 years) and thanks to you I feel more comfortable and confident with getting it. Also I just came back from Mexico and my dad's cousin has a conure (Can't tell the species) in small cage on a seed and fruit diet, but it's pretty obvious that they care about the bird and you can tell that the bird love the owner (he dances with the owner), what's you opinion on that?

[@wingsNpaws]

I do not agree with keeping birds in a small cage, let alone feeding them only seeds and fruits. It is not their choice to live with us; we make the decision to bring them into our homes. Because of that, we OWE them the best quality of life and that which is as close to what nature intended as possible.

[@Mairiain]

Their backs are also touched during mating. For some birds, regularly touching them on their backs leads to hormonal behavior towards the human doing this.

[@jamesgrillo7662]

Hello my name is James I just got a 25 old African gray from my co worker that is wanting to bit everytime I get close enough how should I handle this. Ty

[@Mariam-me8gu]

Hey, this is a dumb question but... my parrot is comfortable with standing up on my finger, and also get hand fed. But sometimes he eats from my hand and sometimes he just looks away and refuses to get fed. Is it because he is not hungry?

[@wingsNpaws]

Yes.

[@deniselayer802]

I cannot get my cockatiel to take a bath . I tried spraying him which makes him angry. I also put a towel in my sink and sprayed him with warm water and by doing that I think now he really dislikes it! Any suggestions?

[@vinceblack5125]

I need help, I have a 5 year old umbrella cockatoo that I inherited from my mother. He is closer to me than he was with her, now he developed bad habits while he was with her. For instance he was really bad about biting and plucking his feathers. Ive gotten him past his biting habit, but the plucking is an ongoing battle. He gets really excited when I get home from work, but if I work late he goes thru seperation anxiety and the plucking starts over again. I don't want him to hurt himself, what should I do???

[@wingsNpaws]

If you visit my channel, I have a playlist titled "Enrichment". You will get lots of answers on there.

[@deanrusso199]

Hi, I recently adopted an 11 year old double yellow amazon. She is so sweet and talkative but she won’t come out of her cage. Her previous owner died a year and a half ago, and has been kept in her cage in the garage that entire time. She will come to the side of the cage and dance and talk and even give kisses , but I can’t put my hand into the cage without her freaking out. I leave the cage open while I am home and she will only come out for a minute or two and go back in. What can I do to get her to come out and get her to be closer to me?

[@ShahidAhmed-dm7ue]

Hi i have an african grey, she is 6 months old. I got her 10 days ago and the breeder really suggested me to clip her wings buy I didn't wanna do it, but her wings are taped in one side doesn't let her fly around. She is very friendly and I see her trying to learn to fly but she cannot because her wings are taped. I keep Danny outside her cage most of the time, please advice me what I should do. She steps up, and enjoys head scratches. I just need your advice about her wings.

[@wingsNpaws]

DO NOT tape her wings. I would remove them immediately. If your bird falls, there is no way your bird will be able to brace herself and risk breaking her bones. Please visit my channel and look for the 2 videos I recently posted on recall/flight training.

[@ShahidAhmed-dm7ue]

thank you so much for your advice i have taken of the tape and she looks so beautiful now. she tries to learn how to fly but she cannot so hopefully ill train her to fly and come to me when she feels like. thank you so much for the amazing videos you post.

[@tyreeceabrahams4622]

Wow a teacher really suits his character

[@jovita7875]

how do i train my grey to stop biting at things? wood, mostly.

[@Rainygirl3100]

allyy Chewing things is a natural behavior for parrots, and is encouraged to keep them entertained and keep their beaks healthy. There's no particular stopping the behavior, but you can divert his attention away from things you don't want to be chewed (though he may still chew things you don't want to be chewed, and you have to accept that). Try giving your grey chewing toys, and reward him when he plays with them, or put treats inside of the toys so they're a rewarding experience on their own.

[@Kuldeepshah1982]

allyy how old your bird ?

[@wingsNpaws]

Hi Ally, I completely agree with what PangoPixel said below (or maybe above). Chewing -especially on wood- is a natural behavior that should be encouraged. This is how parrots keep their beaks in trim and their minds occupied.

[@rukhsarali2681]

What food would you recommend for a African grey parrot