[SDavid]

I agree. Ashling, that was very well put.

"It means talking to the bird, handling the bird, introducing it day-to-day things like tv, umbrellas, different kinds of people, children, other animals, household objects, travelling, being alone and schedules. Having a bird, or any animal, exposed to these kinds of things at an early age helps make for a well- adjusted and not fearful animal. "

That bears repeating. As good a definition as there could be and the way I myself put it into practice. Things like toweling, showers, etc.

And, I should add that socializing is NOT in any way trying to suppress what a bird naturally is (simply because you can't). I don't know if people understand this but it seems many think they can do this when they bring a large parrot into their home. I hear of way too many people thinking that you can "mold" the personality of a bird to an extent that leads to disappointment. For example, behaviors like one person bonding, biting, or vocalizing/screaming, protectiveness, jealousy, mess, wastefullness, etc. simply can't be avoided and one should be prepared to live with it.

Today as a matter of fact I was in a bird store local to me. There were two baby GW's. A man approached me and mentions that he's looking for a greenwing because he hears "they are gentle along with the hyacinths." I'm thinking yes that's true but....and, of course, there's no time to give the guy the full picture of what he'd be in for. Some people think they're buying a kitten based a few positive things they hear. Not to mention, when people voice concerns about biting or bonding or noise, alot of breeders or salespeople will just say "it's all in how you socialize them".....which is obviously misleading. Some less desirable characteristics need to be explained and accepted before one buys a bird.