The bird doesn't get a good grasp.

[girly]

When Jezebel steps up, or sits on my shoulder, she does it with flat feet and it's not a sturdy grasp. therefore, if I move around at all, she falls off. I remember my previous baby would hold on tight so I could practically dance and he'd remain put.

Is there any way to make her grab hold? I'm thinking no. She loves to be casual about it.

[Greycloud]

I have to ask. When she perches does she curl her toes around the perch and hold steady? If yes I would say no worries. She just needs to learn by experience. It will come. Maybe the material of your shirt feels funny to her. If she doesn't perch well I think an avian vet check is called for.

[Emmilyy]

the first thing i thought about was my uncles BFA blue.. he has some feet problems and can't really perch correctly, either.. he just keeps his feet flat.. the vet gave them some cream they're supposed to run onto his feet daily..

but watch her on her perches like Greycloud mentioned.. i know my girl can perch fine, but sometimes (if i'm wearing a certain shirt..) it seems like she has trouble..

[sweetnlow]

I wonder if she would benefit from a shoulder perch? It gives her more to grip onto and it protects your shirt from poo which is always a bonus LOL. I have seen these protectors online and I am sure you could make one easily. Its a piece of leather with holes in it, kind of like a waffle pattern. I believe it has straps that go around the body, or you could sew the leather unto the shoulders of a smock style poop protector or old vest. I thought about making these to sell for a long time but I am not sure how to get started other than selling on eBay which I am not a huge fan of.

Anyway, its just a thought.

E Z Ride Shoulder Perch for Parrots

[girly]

that shoulder perch sounds good. As far as perching, yes, she grips all her perches.

I noticed though, from the first day picked her up from the airport, she had a pretty flat way of stepping up. That must have been what she was used to from the breeder. Since then, she's gotten better about curling her toes around my finger.

It's just my shoulder I'm having trouble with now.

thanks for the replies!

[Lisa B]

offering your arm or shoulder is not the appropriate size object for a grey to be able to grasp. I always offer my hand and the lightly place my thumb over their toes. It steadies them and they wont try to climb up on your shoulder.
I dont let my guys up on my shoulder unless I am sitting down and Sydney climbs down from the back of the couch. If we insist on letting them on our shoulders, we cant blame the bird when we get bit. (inferred from a slip, fright or excitement)

[girly]

thanks Lisa, that was helpful~

[Ashling]

My tiel doesn't grip properly either, when I have him on my shoulder I have to be really careful when I walk arund and have to keep myself steady for him. I have to bend my knees if I need to pick something up off the floor but with my lori and can bend right over so she's practically upside down and she'll grip on. Peanut would just fall off and flutter to the floor.

[Flappuccino]

My caique is the same way. He's got an amazing grip on everything else, but won't stay steady on my shoulder.

[Royahl]

Make sure her cage is filled with perches of different widths so the is use to grasping different sized perches. Perches that are many different widths in one are a big help too.