How to get parrots off your shoulder or out of your yard safely

Part of our guide on parrot speech abilities

Humane, effective ways keep parrots off you or your yard without harm or stress to the birds.

What you need

Gather tools before you begin to safely deter or remove parrots.

A few simple items can make the process easier and humane.

Prepare a quiet spot for working with parrots, away from children and pets. This reduces stress for the bird and people.

Have a first aid kit nearby in case of scratches or bites. Include antiseptic wipes and bandages to treat minor injuries. For the detail, see our notes on genus of macaw.

• Noise maker: a whistle or clapper emitting sounds at 70-90 decibels.
• Visual deterrents: reflective tapes, fluttering ribbons, or predator decoys.
• Gloves: thick leather or fabric to protect from bites.
• Portable perch or carrier: for humane temporary holding.
• Spray bottle: filled with water for harmless discouragement.

Methods to deter parrots from landing on you or in your yard

You want to stop parrots from landing on your shoulder or in your yard without causing harm. Start with noise and visual deterrents.

Parrots react to sudden noises and flashes of light, although exact distances and sound levels vary by species and situation. Use whistles or clappers intermittently to avoid them getting used to the noise.

Reflective tapes and fluttering ribbons catch sunlight and move in the breeze, which can discourage parrots from coming close. Place these near common perching spots or entry points. There is more on jungle parrot food in a separate guide.

Predator decoys like owl or hawk figures can scare parrots away. Move these decoys regularly to keep parrots from ignoring them.

Don’t feed parrots or leave food scraps outside. Parrots will return if they find easy food.

Cover windows with netting or films to reduce reflections. Parrots can mistake these reflections for open space or other birds. We go through when mimicry is more than copying step by step elsewhere on the site.

Plant thorny or unpleasant-smelling shrubs like holly or pyracantha along yard edges. Parrots tend to avoid prickly branches and certain scents.

Install timed sprinkler systems that spray water suddenly. This startles parrots without harm and discourages them from coming back.

• Noise makers: use intermittent loud sounds to startle parrots.
• Visual deterrents: hang reflective strips near bird activity areas.
• Predator decoys: shift their position every few days to stay effective.
• Food removal: keep your yard free of seeds and fruit pieces.

Ways to stop parrots from chewing or biting

Parrots use their beaks to look at and defend, which can lead to biting or chewing on you or your clothes. There is more on taming and healing parrots in a separate guide.

Avoid sudden hand movements near the bird, which can provoke biting. Parrots bite mainly to protect themselves or check unfamiliar objects.

Wear thick gloves when handling an aggressive bird. Parrots have strong beaks that can break skin.

Distract parrots with chew toys or natural branches when they perch on your shoulder. This redirects biting in a harmless way.

If a parrot bites, keep calm. Quick jerks increase stress and risk injury for both of you.

If parrots chew on outdoor furniture, apply bitter sprays safe for birds to discourage this behavior without harming them.

Offer alternative chew items like untreated wood blocks or natural branches to draw chewing away from skin or clothes.

For shoulder biting, gently push the parrot’s beak away with a gloved finger. This sets boundaries without causing stress.

• Wear protective gloves when handling parrots.
• Use chew toys to redirect biting behavior.
• Avoid sudden hand movements near the bird.
• Stay calm to prevent biting from escalating.

How to handle parrots when removing them

Picture needing to remove a parrot from your shoulder or yard safely. Handling calmly is key.

Step 1: Wear thick gloves to protect from bites and scratches.

Step 2: Approach slowly. Sudden moves scare the bird and may cause injury.

Step 3: Use a gentle towel or cloth to cover the bird, calming it and preventing escape.

Step 4: Place the bird into a portable carrier or onto a designated perch away from people.

Step 5: Release the bird away from your immediate area, ideally near safe natural habitat.

Check that your towel is large enough to fully wrap the parrot. This limits wing flapping and reduces injury risk.

If a parrot is frightened and flapping wildly, pause and allow it to calm before attempting again. Hasty grabs cause injury.

After release, monitor the area briefly. Parrots often stay nearby if not fully settled elsewhere, so repeat deterrents if needed.

1. Put on thick gloves for protection.
2. Approach the parrot slowly and calmly.
3. Gently cover the bird with a towel.
4. Transfer the bird into a portable carrier.
5. Release the bird at a safe distance from your yard.

Humane rehoming options if needed

Sometimes parrots become a persistent problem. Rehoming may be the safest option.

Contact local bird rescue groups or wildlife rehabilitators. They know how to care for and relocate parrots responsibly.

Check local laws before taking action. Many parrot species are protected by wildlife regulations at state and federal levels.

Different parrot species require different approaches. Identify the species by size, color, calls, and local guides to tailor your method.

Avoid releasing parrots into unfamiliar or urban areas; this risks their survival and harms local ecosystems.

Humane rehoming often means providing a suitable aviary or sanctuary where parrots can live safely.

Local animal control can advise on humane removal and relocation if you cannot find a rescue.

Keep detailed notes and photos of the parrots’ behavior, appearance, and numbers. This helps rescuers identify and care for them.

Ask experienced bird owners to temporarily care for parrots if rescue organizations are full. This keeps the birds safe until permanent homes are found.

Use well-ventilated, appropriately sized cages or carriers to avoid stress or injury during transport.

Be aware that wild parrots can carry diseases transmittable to humans. Wear gloves and wash hands after contact.

• Consult local wildlife laws before removing parrots.
• Identify parrot species to choose the right approach.
• Contact bird rescue groups for rehoming assistance.
• Avoid releasing parrots in unsafe or urban areas.
• Keep detailed records to help rescuers.
• Consider temporary care with experienced bird owners.
• Use proper carriers to minimize stress during transport.
• Take health precautions when handling wild parrots.

Common mistakes to avoid when getting rid of parrots

Say you tried to scare parrots away but they returned faster than before. This usually means deterrents were inconsistent or harmful.

Do not use harmful chemicals or poisons. Parrots are protected in many areas, and these methods risk health and legal trouble.

Avoid physical harm or trapping without expertise. Injured birds may worsen property damage or bite out of fear.

Do not feed parrots while trying to deter them. Food attracts more birds, making control harder.

Regularly change deterrent locations and methods to prevent habituation.

• Mistake: Using poisons or harmful chemicals. Instead: Use humane deterrents only.
• Mistake: Feeding parrots during deterrence. Instead: Remove all food sources.
• Mistake: Sudden aggressive moves. Instead: Handle calmly and slowly.
• Mistake: Leaving deterrents static. Instead: Rotate and vary methods frequently.

Questions people still ask

Having handled parrots in backyards, I rely on calm, consistent methods that respect their nature and safety.