Birdy adventures

[Ashling]

Hmmm... I don't know if this is a vent or a story, but here goes...
I took Ashling to the markets last weekend, as she loves the hustle and bustle and all the bright colors and interesting things to see. While walking along, people would come up to us and hold out a finger to Ash for her to climb on and they'd take her off me! Why does no one ask first? When I was sitting at a cafe, a lady came up and started chatting with me about Ash, then took Ash off me and actually walked away and sat down at a table with her, saying she'll be 'back in a minute!!!'
An older lady came up to us while we were walking and before I could react... went straight to stroke Ashling on the back! Of course Ash lunged at the lady to scare her away, but then the lady made to swipe at Ash and said, "It shouldn't bite me." Instead of swiping angrily back at the lady, I patiently told her you have to move slowly and, if anything, pat the head (not the back) like this... and showed her. Her reply was "Yes, I know birds."
Although, I met a nice couple who rehabilitate wild animals. The husband showed me a picture of their baby Tawny Frogmouth and told me how it was learning to land by watching birds do it on tv. They also had some cockatoos and a magpie, and often had lorikeets

So what adventures have you had with your fids... and what were the reactions of people not so acquainted with birds?

[guest1717171]

i really have no patience for anyone who touches any animal i have without asking
or if they do it anyhow after i tell them not to

i had a harlequin great dane some years ago, he weighed over 200lbs...he was BIG
people would want to talk baby talk to him and bend over close to his face and i would say PLEASE dont do that he will jump on you and knock you down....no one ever listened and they all fell down LOL

i had dude at petsmart a while back and i was standing facing the toys when someone walked past me behind me and backed up to say 'ooh pretty bird'
before i could turn around they had stuck a single index finger right in his face and he bit the tar out of them
the lady went OWWWUH so freakin loud it startled josh who wasnt looking
i told her straight up 'you really should never touch anyones' animal without asking, you're lucky i didnt have my moluccan cockatoo on my shoulder you might not have that finger still'

she walked off in a huff
i lol'd

i find it interesting how an animal is SOOUUU CYOOTE until they piss someone off then the animal is some sort of creature not worthy of their attention

[Addicted to Tequila]

Wow Mel... you need to start looking more intimidating or something.

I guess I have always been lucky... never had a problem. But I am usually really observant and head people off at the pass.

It is funny... Dudders must give people "the eye". Everyone that has come up to me when we are out has asked if he bites. As he does... it is a good thing he looks the part I suppose.

[loyallyroyal]

I would of had a great time with your dane, my dobie does that too (thank goodness she isnt 200lbs) I would of probably thought it was cute, Why do people freak out when they get bitten by a bird?

What I dont get is when people bring their birds they know dont like people to bird fairs, there was this vendor with a noble macaw real cute, I was looking at one of their toys, and I guess I didnt notice my hand got to close, and the thing latched itself onto my finger, I Felt bad when I knocked his t-stand over though when I drew back with a bird still on my finger. The owner had to come remove it and explain he didnt like people. (by that time I had figured it out )

Dewey doesnt like his head scritchied and when people ask to pet him I tell them dont touch his head, well they do anyway, and he doesnt even bite, justs grabs their finger and moves it away. And they still freak out that I have a viscious bird.

Some people are just weird. Honestly though, I dont like handling other peoples birds, or even the birds at the bird store, been bitten by too many I guess.
Dogs though, I dont mind, but I have more experience handling and training aggressive dogs.

[PMattix]

I basically had the same thing happen at the pet store as Geek. I was talking to one of the workers and from out of nowhere came this older lady who had more jewelery than a pawn shop and stuck her hand in front of Skittles face and he bit her. From the way she screamed it sounded like it hurt and I know from experience that he can really latch on sometimes. I semi-politely told her thats the problem with people who've never actually been neat a parrot, they think they can just pick them up and you've personally seen what could happen if you did it again. She half heartedly apologized and walked away.
hmmmmmpphhh

[loyallyroyal]

Maybe bird etiquette is different than dog, but unless I had a jacket on the dog stating that its was in training and bites, I wouldnt bring it to a public place.

I would think, that unless your bird was people friendly and didnt bite, you wouldnt bring it out without a carrier and a sign stating it bites and is aggressive.

While its rude for someone to interact with your pet without asking, its kind of expected at places like bird fairs and petstores.

[MicahEspudo]

to all the above: People make me so sad sometimes!

Originally Posted by loyallyroyal

Maybe bird etiquette is different than dog, but unless I had a jacket on the dog stating that its was in training and bites, I wouldnt bring it to a public place.

I would think, that unless your bird was people friendly and didnt bite, you wouldnt bring it out without a carrier and a sign stating it bites and is aggressive.

I don't agree!

Would you like it if some random person picked up your young child and carried them to another table stating "I'll be right back?!?!?"
even if your child didn't bite!

[loyallyroyal]

Whoa, your off in left field so to speak, that’s not what I was referring to, I was referring to the people who brings their birds out in public despite the fact they bite.

These people whose birds have bitten people could easily be sued here in the US and have their bird put down.

Personally I don’t think its good etiquette to bring a biting pet into a public place without some sort of restraint and sign.

This isn’t excusing the uninformed public, but stating there are two sides to the story, and part of the responsibility lies on the bird owner.
Personally, for the walking off thing, a simple harness would do the trick, plus a good "what the hell are you doing" might suffice

[Addicted to Tequila]

If the bird is on MY shoulder... and it bites them... good luck winning a lawsuit! Trying to explain that you invaded MY personal space totally uninvited and ended up injured will not get you too far! If the bird flies OFF my shoulder and attacks you, THEN you might win.

Heck... reach toward my face when I do NOT have a bird on my shoulder if I don't know you and you will probably have worse injuries than the parrot would dish out! I do NOT like anything near my face... almost injured my own daughter once even. Long story... but just trust me... do NOT go near my face.

[MicahEspudo]

I can see getting sued for a bird that flew off myself and attacked you (like ATT said), but I cannot see anyone winning a case where the bird is on your shoulder.
I don't know what it is like in your state, but in California if someone pets your dog without permission and they get bit, then it is there fault!!! The dog could have been protecting you, unless they can prove you or their dog went out of there way to attack you... it's your fault... you Provoked the dog!