Introducing Your Parrot to a New Human
From time to time, we have someone come into our lives and homes that aren't "parrot people" and don't understand a lot about the birds in our home. They may find them pretty to look at, but these non-parrot people generally fall into two categories: those who do not wish to meet and interact with your feathered family members and those who truly interested in meeting and learning to interact with your feathered kids.
Explain about Parrots to the Human
Before bringing the parrot near the person that wishes to meet your parrot, have a short discussion with your friend about what to expect. Explain to them that if they wish to have the parrot sit on their finger, arm or shoulder (if your parrot is that friendly with non-family members) that the feet and nails of a parrot may tickle them or feel a bit like tiny prickes but that they will not hurt them with their feet in any way.
Next, explain to the human friend about the introduction process. For example, while a first introduction might involve allowing a very social parrot to sit on a person's finger or arm, that person should not bring the bird near their face, and they should avoid placing the parrot near any shiny jewelry, especially earrings. With the exception of the really well-trained, very social parrot, kisses are best left for after the parrot and human know one another much better and have built a sense of trust. After all, it isn't always considered good manners to kiss on a first meeting, even with parrots!
Explain to your friend that jumpy, jerky movements, if they choose to hold the parrot, will make the bird nervous, possibly causing a bite. Also explain that, if your parrot is not potty trained, there is the potential of having their clothing soiled. As parrot people, we often don't think this is a major big deal and just go clean up the mess or change our clothes, but some people are very offended at the idea that an creature might potty on them. Let them know that a parrot does not make potty a large amount and they can expect only a small spot that will easily clean off most clothing. Non-parrot people often think that a parrot pooping might be much like a dog or cat going potty and we, as parrot parents, know it just isn't the same thing at all
Introduction Time
Once you feel certain your friend has a basic understanding of what to do and what not to do with the parrot, you can bring your feathered kid into the room and introduce them. Hold the parrot on your finger or arm and talk soothingly to the parrot, tell the bird who your friend is and that they are going to like making friends with this person.
If the parrot appears nervous or stressed, then it isn't a good time to allow the parrot to contact the new person physically. You can, however, allow the new person to speak soothingly and calmly to the parrot to begin to build repoire for future visits.
If the parrot appears to feel comfortable and your friend also feels confident and comfortable, you may wish to let your friend hold your parrot on their finger or arm. Have your friend extend their finger and allow the parrot to make the choice to step onto the new person. If the parrot seems reluctant to physically step onto the person, then simply allow them to place their hand near the bird and remain still. If the bird continues to choose not to step onto the person, let this pass without making demands. Some parrots need to see a new person a couple of times before feeling they are trustworthy enough to be used as human perches!
Final Thoughts
Some parrots will immediately meet a new person, climb right on them and begin playing with them. It's like they select their friends and it can be love at first sight. Other parrots simply seem to love all kind and gentle people. However, some parrots are not very social and that aspect must be respected.
Never force a bird to interact with a person that it does not feel comfortable around. Parrots seem to sense fear and other emotions and forcing interaction can be disasterous. Take introductions slowly and do not overwhelm the parrot by forcing it to meet lots of new people all at once or even in a short period of time. Like new babies, everyone may want to come see the new parrot, but spread the visiting out a bit to help your parrot become a well-socialized member of the family.
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