debstein Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 This may be really boring to all the pros here, but I am just so excited. Romo is our first parrot, and even though I've read everything I could prior to getting him, I still worry about doing everything right. We just got him this weekend, and yesterday was our first full day at home. I took him out to do step ups with him and start playing the towel game. After being a little nervous about the towel, he did fine, but he didn't seem to enjoy being touched on the neck and head, and kept trying to nip me when I touched him. I was disappointed because I thought he was supposed to like that. Well today, I was able to completely cover his head with the towel while playing "peek a bird" and he seemed to LOVE his neck and head scritches. He would lower his head and then tuck one foot up into his chest. And he didn't try to nip me once! Hurray!:lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest briansmum Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 thats great deb, he was just being wary the first day. what do you mean by the towel game. are you using the towel to stop him biting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debstein Posted October 17, 2007 Author Share Posted October 17, 2007 Most of the books I bought recommend that you put a towel (preferably grey or similar in color) on your lap and place the bird there. Bring up the corners slowly at first like a tunnel and then put them down, saying peek-a-bird! I started by putting the towel over my face and then saying peek a bird - and slowly bringing the corners up until today when I was able to put the corner of the towel directly on his head. I only keep it there for a second or two, before saying peek a bird and removing it - then giving lots of praise and touches. The point according to the books is to gain trust with a towel for vet visits or times when the bird will need to be restrained. If he is comfortable being wrapped in the towel, he won't stress about it. He was very nippy when we first got him, but he isn't doing it nearly as much, especially with me. It's just one more thing I can do with him to establish trust and make a game out of it. Since I really don't know much about parrots, the books have been my instruction, along with my experience training and raising Arabian horses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest briansmum Posted October 17, 2007 Share Posted October 17, 2007 ahh i see. i had never read anything like that, i suppose it is common sense to get them use to a towel. i guess i have been doing that inadvertently, theres a blanket on our sofa and i like to get all cosy on an evening, brian loves to come and throw himself about on it and find what parts of me are where under the blanket :laugh: do you still do lots of playing and handling without the towel too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danmcq Posted October 17, 2007 Share Posted October 17, 2007 Sounds like you and Romo are having a great time getting to know one another and is interacting nicely with you fairly quickly. Thanks for sharing this Deb :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inkdemon Posted October 17, 2007 Share Posted October 17, 2007 Sounds like he is doing well and adjusting. Hope your progress continues quickly. And I'll have to try the towel trick with my Corey. Thanks for the tip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted October 17, 2007 Share Posted October 17, 2007 Yes Deb is right to use the towel in a game with Romo so that when the day comes he has to be restrained with one he won't freak out over it. Playing hide and seek is a good way to get them used to a towel on them. Good job Deb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 Great job! Don't worry about boring us ... lots of us are new, and the old pros are very nice, and actually probably enjoy thinking back to the old days when they were nervous, too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest briansmum Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 grey forum members don't get bored!! that is what we're here for... cos no one else will listen to our birdy ramblings :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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