Minimizing stress

[LilacCrownMom]

Every time my 4 year old lilac crowned amazon needs to venture out and be groomed, he becomes terribly stressed. I calmly place him in his smaller travel cage/carrier, even drape a cover over it. During the 20 minute car ride someone always holds the carrier securely to avoid bumps. I talk softly and reassureingly to him. The moment they pick him up, extend a wing to be clipped, he lets out the most horrifying screams I've ever heard. It bothers me, so I walk away and can't even watch. Also when he's wrapped in a towel, he must feel overheated and further stressed, because after the ordeal is over, his beak is open and he appears to be panting. I'm told this is all a natural occurance, not to worry, he's fine. Maybe I'm over reacting (as my friends seem to suggest) but for a few days, he seems more quiet than usual and more than a bit stressed.

Are your birds the same way? What else can be done to eliminate some of the stress of having his wings and nails clipped (and even the car ride too)?

Thanks so much....*A concerned bird mom*

[chapala]

Barbara Heidenreich has a training dvd out in getting parrots accustomed to vet procedures, all done with positive reinforcement. I haven't seen it, but knowing her and her training style, it will be excellent. She has worked with wild zoo beasts on the same training issues.

[New Ekkie Mom]

I was going to recommend the same video, Chapala. :) I bought it, and I have seen it. She makes everything look really easy, but I am sure that with time and patience, even inexperienced trainers can use the information and methods she gives to make amazing progress. It is a great video, and she is an amazing trainer.