O M G !!! What does the Dog whisperer know about birds?? I would say nothing, since he does not talk about birds. I've followed his shows and respect his methods for some situations. However, er are not talking about a pit bull or a mastif here. We are talking about an entity that lives in a cage, and depends on us huge humans for every single thing in their existence! So you hit that bird, he's never going to forget it. and he'll be scared of you.

Ya want him to live in fear of you?

Get a grip here. And yea.....anger management!

Lets not turn this into a debate everyone. I don't think that's what the poster wanted. As I've always said, somethings work for some and other things work for others. Since we're all different and such.

However, it is obvious this person feels bad for what they've done and came here out of remorse wanting advice and help. I do not think that this poster MEANT to harm their bird. It was a reaction. A negative one yes, but a reaction nonetheless.

What we have done already is give this person good advice on patience, calm and understanding where they went wrong. No need to talk about which modes of reinforcement work and which do not.

I am not involved in any debate, nor will I.

But I am for the bird. Period. No punishment could be right for an animal that is only 6 inches tall and weighs almost nothing!

I know the guy didn't mean to. Little kids do things they didn't mean to, to animals.

Compassion for the bird is what is called for.
And yes. anger management.

I think this has gotten way off track and I feel it is my fault. Please re-read this part of my original post:

Cmom, I didn't say what I said because of your post. I was reacting to the "I hit my bird" scenario!

NOt many people on here 'hold back'. And believe me, I WAS holding back.

The person put it on here, and must've known he'd get some opinions and shocked reactions. We can 'soft soap' it, but will that be good for the bird?

Ok I know that will not help the poster. I hope he will follow the good advice given here.

And forget the dog whisperer, please! Good luck with your problem. Do get help.

thank you all for your input, and no i was not trying to "start a debat." I wouldnt have posted anything if I didnt already know I would get mixed opinions, so again, thanks.

I didnt beat-up my bird, I struck her out of instinct, I've never had a bird before and wasn't expecting it since i bought her from a breeder. As for "anger management"; lets not forget that i didn't strike her out of ANGER. It didnt xxxx me off at all. It startled me and I swapped my hand. That is not anger.

And I will not get rid of her. I believe in forgiveness. She still sits on my shoulder and on my finger, but is just being quiet and non-playful in which is obviously expected. I will take all the good advice from this post & use it to earn her trust again and move on.

Thanks again.

This has gotten way out of hand.
Of course rtegge came on here and knew he'd get some bad reactions. He admitted he was expecting no less. But he came here seeking advice and showing honest regret over what he did. He'd like to be able to hopefully earn Mystique's trust back and was asking if and how it can be done. So take your shot at him for doing something incredibly.... I don't even have the word for it... and then at least offer some constructive advice on how he can help his bird hopefully overcome her fear.
Why keep bashing each other? Is it really helping anyone?????

rtegge, you say she's being quiet and non-playful. Are you sure she's ok? Is she eating ok, and does she seem to be moving ok? How long ago did it happen?
Kindness can go a long way toward forgiveness. I think you'll earn her trust back if you are very patient and spend as much time as you can with her

Glad to hear and I really do hope to hear fun stories and see great pictures in the future!!

it was on Sunday. She eats fine & moves fine. Believe me, I did everything I could (without taking her to the vet) to make sure no damage was done. I felt her body to make sure she didnt squak (signalling something hurt) and she was ok. When she bit me, which has never happened, i was petting her. I bought her from a breeder and she was so very friendly & cute. Then all of a sudden when I was petting her side, she bit me.. but anyway, she used to be very chirpy before that happened. Now, she barely chirps. She bites me now more than ever.. and now i'm just not doing anything about it. She used to get all excited when i got home from work, now she wont even look at me.

U know what i think im just gonna log off and cry and give her away. Really feel like [censored] now

Thanks