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Post by skyfeather on Sept 22, 2008 19:24:59 GMT
I have a question that I hope can be answered by somebody.
I have noticed that my Senegal is "right-handed" when picking up stuff and scratching his head. And I have always put him on my right shoulder when taking him upstairs to his sleeping cage every night. But there was a couple of times I had put him on my Left shoulder and both times when I did that he seemed to spaz out and bite my ear HARD!
So I am wondering if anybody else has noticed this with their birds being sensitive as to which side of your shoulder they sit on?
Maybe it is just my imagination but it seems as if my Senegal doesn't like being on my left shoulder at all. Or maybe he doesn't like change? Both my Ear and I would appreciate any answers.
Thanks... Deborah
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Post by Berserka on Sept 23, 2008 0:47:45 GMT
I once read an article by a brainiac who studies parrots and he said all parrots that pick their food up in their foot are all a particular hand (can't remember now which one). It could give rise to these larger species having a preference to which side they feel "safer" on. Could well be if he's on your left shoulder and he lifts up his "tool hand" he could feel unbalanced - unsafe. Parrot behaviour is still being studied and like humans, parrots have their idosyncracies (sp?).
Or - and this is more probable - he owns your right shoulder and will not tolerate being dethroned so he gives you a right royal telling off!
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Post by kiwi on Sept 23, 2008 10:13:58 GMT
I agree with Karen - if he's always been on your right shoulder he most probably sees it as 'his' shoulder. If you want to break him out of attacking your ear when he's on your left shoulder then as soon as he bites, take him off and put him on the floor to show your dominance and that you're just not going to tolerate that sort of behaviour. Good luck
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Post by skyfeather on Sept 23, 2008 18:26:11 GMT
Thank you so much for the advice....I never thought about that he might think the right side of my shoulder is "his" territory. It sure makes sense since he doesn't seem to like the left side. So I will keep him on the same side from now on. That way I have a spare shoulder for that wonderful day I get another parrot! I will have to remember that trick of putting him down on the floor when the attitude presents itself....that sounds like something he would understand.....much like a child having a timeout in the corner for being naughty. Thanks again gals! Deborah
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