Senegal in South Texas

[Pajarita]

Exactly what Wolf said but, in a way, you are using 'distraction'. For example, the baby is beaking your fingers and, after a while, grabs a fingernail (they like to to do this -I think it's because the hardness of the nail reminds them of a parent beak) and squeezes too hard (they like to do this, too), you would call his name (they understand the concept and use names themselves), say "No, naughty bird!" in a firm voice (don't shout though) and gently tapping the top of his beak with your fingertip to both distract him AND clearly indicate what action is the unacceptable one, say something like "Gently, gently" and, as soon as he releases pressure, you praise, praise, praise. The trick is to be consistent, persistent and very clear as to which action is right and which is wrong so the same reaction has always to follow the same action and said reaction has to be immediate for the bird to understand exactly where you are coming from.

[alanrodriguezdds]

also I have watched some videos on youtube about encouraging foraging in balsa wood. somebody mentioned that it encouraged the parrot to chew all wood including perches. any ideas on the matter?

[Wolf]

I really could not say one way or the other if chewing balsa would encourage a parrot to chew all wood. I think that it is a moot point though as all parrots that I know of chew wood. When my parrots chew up a perch, I go outside and cut them a new one, Same with toys.

[alanrodriguezdds]

exactly my thoughts

[Pajarita]

Yep, chewed up furniture, moldings, walls, curtains, sofas, picture frames, clothes, etc are part and parcel of living with a parrot - same as poop all over the place

[Wolf]

A box or travel pkg. of Kleenex or a roll of toiler paper kept on hand can solve the poop all over issue quite easily. Or at least it works for me.

[Pajarita]

I keep a wet dishtowel which I use to wipe it but I do miss some every now and then (poop on the chairs is a big beef of my husband )