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Re: Does your bird like its Beak rubbed?
Posted by karen on 1/22/09

On 1/21/09, Rick wrote:
> We are currently Fostering a U2 and I have noticed that it
> seems he likes his beak massaged. He will extend his upper
> beak outwards when I am rubbing it. The appearance of this
> is that he looks like he a bad case of overbite. Does
anyone
> else have a bird that enjoys their beak being massaged or
> rubbed?
> Thanks in advance,
> Rick

Yes, Rick
In my experience the first place you will be able to touch a
rescue bird is the beak.
It is there strongest most secure spot.
You can not hurt them & they can bite to defend themselves.
You can be seen & they can watch your every move.
I always test a refuge or rescued bird beak first.
They will quickly let you know if they are comfortable with
you! Best to use slow movements & if they grab you slowly
push your finger toward there mouth to get a release. Never
jerk your finger out of a toos mouth if you can help it.
But I will bet you know that! Ouch! Toos have such a bite
Macaws that grab I tend to wrap the fingers around the upper
beak & pry the beak open if need be. Amazons, I put there
feet on the ground to get the release & pick them up again
with the flat of my palm in front of there beak -strike the
palm all they want- Watch for eye pinning before a bad bite.
My OWA now enjoys letting me groom his beak, keep it clean &
remove any flakes. This took about a year to gain this trust.
The TAG wants to kiss, kiss when I touch his beak. He was
not treated badly & has no trust issues
They are all different but it is a great place to start
gaining trust & seeing the birds limits.

Posts on this thread, including this one

• Does your bird like its Beak rubbed?, 1/21/09, by Rick.
• Re: Does your bird like its Beak rubbed?, 1/22/09, by karen.
• Re: Does your bird like its Beak rubbed?, 1/22/09, by Rick.