NOTE: This journal writing was originally written on July 2, 2007 as part of the documentation I do when working with and learning from the training and nurturing guidance efforts between myself and the companion parrots of my own, or those of our customers.
Building confidence between you and your companion parrot is critical to your short and long-term success with each other, and ultimately with your parrot’s willingness to engage others. One of the best things you can do is spend time playing with your feathered friend and engaging in confidence building games.
Today was a great example of that for SOBE, my green-wing macaw and myself. SOBE is coming up on five months old and is gaining more agility skills such as balancing and climbing everyday. However, we still like to “take it to the mat” so-to-speak. Meaning, we toss blocks and toys on the floor and we have it together. Climbing over toys and wrestling a bit here and there, all while building confidence of safety and security, in a place that is not “normal” for a bird to hang out on – the floor.
When first starting out with this, your wing-flapping friend may just spend most of his or her time trying to climb up your arm or onto your lap. SOBE is a big lap baby and burp-baby (wanting to be held like a child when you are going to burp them or pat their back). However, in only a matter of a few outings on the floor SOBE came to realize that it’s a great place to hang out with the family and get all types of attention. It’s just a matter of consistency; utilizing praise and love that makes it all come together.
Well back to today…
As SOBE and I were playing “block exchange” and “tumbling block chase”, we finally got to a new level of confidence building and fun. SOBE, with a bit hesitancy at first, and then willingly with sounds of happiness in his voice, rolled on his back and put his head on my lap. All the while we finger/talon wrestled and played tummy-tickle to SOBE’s complete delight. He did this for about 10 minutes straight before he rolled back over and jumped on his feet, and climbed up me to give me a great big hug. It was an amazing and wonderful shared moment for the both of us.
Remember you are your birds flock now and there is no reason not to share in as much of life together as you can. Parrots, such as the Green-Winged Macaw, want to be as much a part of your life as you will allow. They love family…and they will love you…if you let them.
Parrot Monk
