A business owner and animal rights activist based in Pennsylvania, Amannda Richline established Sy’s Piece of Heaven, a sanctuary for parrots that have been rescued or relinquished by their owners. With a passion for parrots, Amannda Richline believes that these birds need to be cherished and well cared for.
To properly care for a parrot, basic care and grooming procedures will be necessary on a periodic basis. The best way for parrots to easily undergo regular feather trimming and toenail clipping with minimal stress is to train birds to be “toweled.”
Toweling a bird involves carefully wrapping it in a large towel to prevent it from injury. Birds need to gradually become accustomed to toweling so that they aren’t unnecessarily frightened or traumatized. Owners should begin to train their bird to tolerate toweling in a gentle, patient way so that when the need arises, the bird will respond well.
To begin towel training a bird, experts recommend allowing the bird to regularly play on a solid-colored towel sprinkled with toys and a few treats. Eventually, the bird will associate the towel with pleasant experiences. Once it is comfortable standing or playing on the towel, the owner can attempt to gently encircle the bird with the towel. As the bird is undergoing this process, the owner should continually use positive reinforcement and a calm, friendly tone.
Owners should be extremely careful not to apply too much pressure to the bird’s body. Doing so could cause bruising or inhibit the bird’s ability to breathe. An experienced professional can provide assistance to owners who are attempting to towel train their birds.
To properly care for a parrot, basic care and grooming procedures will be necessary on a periodic basis. The best way for parrots to easily undergo regular feather trimming and toenail clipping with minimal stress is to train birds to be “toweled.”
Toweling a bird involves carefully wrapping it in a large towel to prevent it from injury. Birds need to gradually become accustomed to toweling so that they aren’t unnecessarily frightened or traumatized. Owners should begin to train their bird to tolerate toweling in a gentle, patient way so that when the need arises, the bird will respond well.
To begin towel training a bird, experts recommend allowing the bird to regularly play on a solid-colored towel sprinkled with toys and a few treats. Eventually, the bird will associate the towel with pleasant experiences. Once it is comfortable standing or playing on the towel, the owner can attempt to gently encircle the bird with the towel. As the bird is undergoing this process, the owner should continually use positive reinforcement and a calm, friendly tone.
Owners should be extremely careful not to apply too much pressure to the bird’s body. Doing so could cause bruising or inhibit the bird’s ability to breathe. An experienced professional can provide assistance to owners who are attempting to towel train their birds.
