OWA: Shouldering or Not, Playtop Cage or Not?

[Xray Susie]

I've always heard that it's not a good idea to shoulder your parrots. I realize some parrots are more "dangerous" in this respect: Scarlets, for example.

Another topic I'm trying to decide on is whether to get a dometop or playtop cage.

I'm getting an Orange Wing Amazon. My breeder says they have had no problems with shouldering their pet birds.

They also say that OWA's are not height dominate, so a playtop cage is ok.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[tracie]

Luca is a YNA and I got him a playtop and he loves it. They eat their breakfast from the food dishes on the playtop and I always put a bunch of foot toys up there that they play with. I don't use the tray that fits in there, because I think it makes the cage dark, but I have two large cages with playtops and I am getting a playtop cage for my macaw. As far as shouldering a bird, I do let mine on my shoulder. I dont' know about the bigger beaks, but it is what you are comfortable with, and how well you know your bird. Best of luck with the new birds, I think Amazons are amazing, funny and they make you laugh at least once a day!

[chapala]

There is some disagreement about height dominance in parrots, with well-known avian behaviorists such as Steve Martin stating that there is no such thing. All of our birds like to be on top of their cages, and we've never had any problems.

I think it depends on the individual bird whether to allow shoulder privileges. If they are well behaved and step up from the shoulder when asked, no problem. If there is any biting whatsoever, not a good idea to allow your parrot up there since nasty facial injuries can result from a good bite.

[debbielabella]

When I first got Tiki I did not allow him on my shoulder at all since he was 9 months old, wasn't handled much and needed to learn manners. Starting with a baby you have the chance to teach him good manners from the start. Frequent handling, and knowing your individual birds moods are big plusses, however there are still times I do not allow my Amazon on my shoulder not because of aggressiveness but because he gets wild in play. Also sometimes if he is on my son and I come near he will try to give him a warning bite to get away from me since he is his first choice for best friend. I do enjoy very much having him hang onto me, flapping his wings and climbing on my jacket as I go about household chores, but it took a while to be able to trust him, and I still have to watch his mood, who is around me and household activity level, as he gets overexcited. I let him play on cagetop often and don't have any trouble getting him to step up from inside the cage or cagetop. Every bird is different though.

I've only had Tiki 5 months, so I really don't know much about this subject, hope you don't mind me sharing my experiences, I'm sure others have more knowledgeable advice.

[Xray Susie]

Thanks. All input is greatly appreciated!

[DeguMom]

Personally, I do not believe in shouldering birds. (But I deal mostly with larger birds, and therefore larger beaks.) Even your best friend who is completely "tame" can still get spooked, startled, or feel you are personally in danger. In those situations, a shouldered bird can hurt you - not out of aggression or dominance, but out of love. Their attachment to you can cause them to bite you as a warning (as others have mentioned). Since they're close to your face and head, that's the area that gets bitten. I've seen too many severe injuries to do that.

But I know lots of people who do it, and I'm sure some do it for years without ever getting an injury. I think it probably depends on the bird, the size of the beak, and how much you're willing to "live on the edge". lol

Oops, forgot the play top part of the question! Personally, I do use them. I think again, that depends on the bird, and on your comfort level. I definitely do not think play tops should be exclusively used, but when used in conjunction with appropriate play gyms and climbing stations, they can be a nice part of your daily play routine.

[becca623]

I prefer the play top cages if only because it's easier to hang toys. The toys fall down the sides of the dome top cages. Plus, the birds really do enjoy being on top of the cages. Having bird poop fall through the top into food, water, and on toys is a pain to clean and can't be very hygienic.
I'm not a fan of birds on the shoulder. I start teaching mine asap that shoulders are a no no. However, the one bird that is allowed on my shoulder is my amazon. She has always been very determined to sit on my shoulder. She was a very shy baby and easily upset. My shoulder was the only place she could really relax. She doesn't like to be pet but loves to sit on my shoulder and nap. She makes the cutest whimpering sounds from there. I carry her on my hand but when it's quiet and she wants to snuggle I do let her on my shoulder. She doesn't go to other people but if she ever does, I won't let her on their shoulders. If she ever bites me, I realize it will be my own fault.

[Ringneckmom]

I have playtops for most of my birds as I don't really have the space for a lot of playstands.
My ammie for the most part does very well on his playtop though I am working with him being obstinate about stepping up at times. If you get the play top, make sure you have a stool or something to step on and raise yourself up if necessary to get him off.

As far as shouldering, for me it depends on the bird - some are fine and others I have to watch cause they like to "nibble" on the ear or something.
Rio for the most part is ok right now if I am sitting in a chair (don't do it otherwise with him) but he is still young and he is still testing his limits so we will see.