Parrot Behavior
How and When to Seek Help
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It is important to remember that parrots are not like dogs, not like cats and not like people. They are a unique animal with their own very definite behavior sets. I don't believe that it is necessary to change parrot behaviors to make them a welcome addition to our families. It is important that we learn to understand their behaviors and work with them instead of working against them.
I believe that parrots are the most remarkable and amazing creatures on the planet and being able to share our lives and our world with parrots is an wonderful gift.
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A parrots behavior in the home is the product of their natural behaviors and their interaction with the environment. Because there are many different species of parrots and because each family is unique, it is impossible for a book or website to give you a "one size fits all" answer to your bird behavior problems.
The IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) has a parrot division with members that can help you with your parrot's behaviors. www.iaabc.org
Jamie Whittaker is a certified member of the IAABC and will be happy to help you by telephone, email or a home visit if you are in a 50 mile radius of Humble, Texas. Call 281-852-2600 for rates or email Jamie
Jamie has had many years of hands on experience in the study of parrot behavior.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Why does my parrot scream when we are eating dinner?
Eating is a flock activity and your parrot wants to be included. Your bird has had the same food in the cage all day long and now it is obvious that it is time to eat and everyone is getting some new (probably very yummy) food. Before you sit down to eat dinner, be sure that your bird has something new in his dish. A bit of treat or some of the healthy food from your plate. If you are eating hotdogs for dinner, you might just give him some of his treat or a piece of carrot is usually welcome and easy to keep available.
Why does my parrot scream when I am on the telephone?
I don't know, but I can tell you that is very common. I believe that because birds have such keen hearing that they probably are able to hear the person on the other end of the conversation. From the perspective of the bird it may appear that you are in danger from the unseen voice. I have known several people to receive bad bites from their birds when they answer the telephone with the bird on their shoulder. This would seem to reinforce my theory that the bird perceives danger and wants to drive it away. I do have a quick and easy method for diffusing this problem and it has worked for many people. Keep a dish of almonds or walnuts or pistachios handy (depending on your birds size and prefernce). When the telephone rings, hand the nut to the bird before answering the telephone. It's very hard to scream and eat at the same time.
Why does my parrot only like me?
In many cases when parrots only like one person it's because that is the person that is most comfortable with them. Some people are more relaxed and comfortable around parrots than others. Some parrots like the sound of one person's voice. Sometimes it's as simple as who has the special treats. With a little help from a behavior consultant and a little cooperation from the rest of the family, your parrot can become friendly with other people.
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