Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Addressing Parrot Behavior Problems

I often hear people say living with parrots is difficult. While it might be different from the companion animals typically seen in our homes, it doesn't have to be a challenge. In fact it can be quite pleasant if you know about potential behavior problems and how to prevent them. Even if a parrot behavior problem has already arisen, the good news is behavior is modifiable. Parrot owners can fix behaviors problems when you have the right tools. I am happy to report I live with really well behaved parrots thanks to training with positive reinforcement.

Recently a recording crew was here to record my yellow-naped amazon parrot Delbert saying "thank you" for a commercial. They also wanted general parrot squawks from my blue-throated macaw (and my two amazon parrots) However I have trained my parrots to present other sounds instead of squawks and screams. It may seem hard to believe but we actually got tons of talking and virtually no parrot screaming. That can be the situation in your home too. Just be sure to focus on reinforcing sounds you like and withholding reinforcement for sounds you don't like.

Here are more some more quick tips to help you address parrot behavior problems.



Barbara Heidenreich www.GoodBirdInc.com Copyright 2012 Good Bird Inc

5 comments:

Ashlley said...

I've seen so many bird training videos but none I then have actually helped . I'm the proud owner of a female ring neck . I would love to teach her tricks like stepping up & eventually talking. The problem is I've had bad experiences with her when she is out of her cage. I first opened up her door and encouraged her to come onto my desk , she slowly walked out but then flew all over the room & I was so scared . I had to put a blanket over her to catch her & put her back in her cage . How can I prevent this from happening again & ensure a better experience for both of us . I know being in her cage all day is no fun :/ help ???

Barbara Heidenreich said...

I would start training her from outside the cage to get some basics under both of your belts. Letting her out without a way to get her back in is a big leap and leaves you with little options. Do start by target training her from outside the cage so you have a way to direct her where to go. Then work up to coming out and going right back in. Gradually add more distance. My materials/DVDs do cover how to train targeting and step up and much more. I definitely think my first DVD or my Live Workshop DVD would really be helpful to you. http://www.goodbirdinc.com/parrot-store.html

Barbara Heidenreich said...

I also have lots of free video examples on my youtube page. http://www.youtube.com/user/GoodBirdInc?feature=mhee

Ashlley said...

But im scared to let er out of her cage again , I dont want her getting hurt .
And if I do let her out , how do I get her back in ?

Barbara Heidenreich said...

Re-read my response to you. It is about training her target before ever letting her out again so you have a way to get her back in.