I wrote this article a few years ago, and wanted to share it with all of you. AR
My Thoughts on Bird Psychology
As of late, I’m reading lots of posts regarding frustration with new parrots. I do NOT want to come across as a know it all. I am by far not a Parrot expert, especially in regards to the physical aspects, but I do have a very good grasp on the Psychology of parrots.
Why…
1) I have done allot of research
2) I was a Psychology major in college
3) I did Animal Rescue for years in GA.
Not only does my family call me the Bird Whisperer, but I have had pet stores call me the same. ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, that’s what it’s all about.
Let’s look at a few facts.
1) Parrots…are NOT domesticated
2) Parrots are Prey
3) We have to earn the trust of our Parrot.
Example, you come home from work, and your pet dog sees that you are all upset, it comes and puts its head in your lap, and lovingly gazes at you. (Lassie at her finest). A dog is a domesticated animal that is on the same level as humans. We are the predator, and so is the dog. The dog feels your emotional stress, and wants to help you.
Your Parrot on the other hand, picks up this same stress level, and bites you! Why you ask yourself, the Parrot is the prey. It feels the stress but it feels threatened by the stress.
NO one can instill an attitude into another human being. But when dealing with Parrots in general, you have to be calm & gentle. Especially a baby Parrot, of any species.
Think about the puppy or kitten that comes home, and automatically feels as one of the family. I believe that allot of Parrot owners are looking for that same attitude out of their baby Parrot.
UNLESS…the breeder already started that process it is NOT going to be the same. And even if the Breeder did start the process, the baby will regress the minute it comes home with you. Not your fault, just a fact of life. The “PREY mode” kicks in, automatically!
In the wild, Parrots have to be on the lookout for danger 24x7. As humans we are one of their dangers. Thus trust issues. In dealing with our new babies, we have to be calm, calm, calm!
I want so very much to help all of you that are experiencing frustrations with your new babies.
How this attitude came about…WHO knows, I suspect God gave me the gift. I have never been afraid of animals in general. I was the kid who would walk up to a Police Dog (Sheppard) and make friends, when all the other kids were scared to death.
All animals have the ability to pick up on our emotions. Unfortunately when dealing with Parrots, there is the added problem of trust due to the fact that they are NOT domesticated and they ARE the Prey.
Another issue is the biting. What is a bite, and what is a nibble, out of pure curiosity! Parrots use their beaks for everything, and they have to taste everything. All you have to do is watch a Parrot, any species, in its cage, and that beak is on everything in there. They use it like a hand.
So…when we are holding them, cuddling them why would it be any different! Knowing the difference between a bite, and a normal Parrot Nibble, is very important. Once you know that difference, then it will be much easier to re direct when the Nibble gets to rough! And if you know the difference between a bite & a nibble, then Your Fear Factor will go away!
And never, ever, ever can you punish a Parrot of any species! Parrots do NOT respond to punishment or scolding. There is a HUGE difference in being assertive with your parrot, and being aggressive, and your parrot feels the difference as well.
Time & Patience are the keys to being a successful Parrot owner. Read their body language, and remember, humans are NOT in a good mood every day of their lives, nor will our parrots. They too can have bad/good days!
My heart goes out to all of you who are experiencing frustrations with your NEW parrots. But honestly, I believe you need to take a step back, and ask yourself….Did I get a bad parrot, or….did I get a normal parrot, and I’m not honestly keeping my emotions Calm & Gentle.
I didn’t mean to write a Book here, but I do hope that my thoughts will help some of the new parrot owners, and their new babies,
My Thoughts on Bird Psychology
As of late, I’m reading lots of posts regarding frustration with new parrots. I do NOT want to come across as a know it all. I am by far not a Parrot expert, especially in regards to the physical aspects, but I do have a very good grasp on the Psychology of parrots.
Why…
1) I have done allot of research
2) I was a Psychology major in college
3) I did Animal Rescue for years in GA.
Not only does my family call me the Bird Whisperer, but I have had pet stores call me the same. ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, that’s what it’s all about.
Let’s look at a few facts.
1) Parrots…are NOT domesticated
2) Parrots are Prey
3) We have to earn the trust of our Parrot.
Example, you come home from work, and your pet dog sees that you are all upset, it comes and puts its head in your lap, and lovingly gazes at you. (Lassie at her finest). A dog is a domesticated animal that is on the same level as humans. We are the predator, and so is the dog. The dog feels your emotional stress, and wants to help you.
Your Parrot on the other hand, picks up this same stress level, and bites you! Why you ask yourself, the Parrot is the prey. It feels the stress but it feels threatened by the stress.
NO one can instill an attitude into another human being. But when dealing with Parrots in general, you have to be calm & gentle. Especially a baby Parrot, of any species.
Think about the puppy or kitten that comes home, and automatically feels as one of the family. I believe that allot of Parrot owners are looking for that same attitude out of their baby Parrot.
UNLESS…the breeder already started that process it is NOT going to be the same. And even if the Breeder did start the process, the baby will regress the minute it comes home with you. Not your fault, just a fact of life. The “PREY mode” kicks in, automatically!
In the wild, Parrots have to be on the lookout for danger 24x7. As humans we are one of their dangers. Thus trust issues. In dealing with our new babies, we have to be calm, calm, calm!
I want so very much to help all of you that are experiencing frustrations with your new babies.
How this attitude came about…WHO knows, I suspect God gave me the gift. I have never been afraid of animals in general. I was the kid who would walk up to a Police Dog (Sheppard) and make friends, when all the other kids were scared to death.
All animals have the ability to pick up on our emotions. Unfortunately when dealing with Parrots, there is the added problem of trust due to the fact that they are NOT domesticated and they ARE the Prey.
Another issue is the biting. What is a bite, and what is a nibble, out of pure curiosity! Parrots use their beaks for everything, and they have to taste everything. All you have to do is watch a Parrot, any species, in its cage, and that beak is on everything in there. They use it like a hand.
So…when we are holding them, cuddling them why would it be any different! Knowing the difference between a bite, and a normal Parrot Nibble, is very important. Once you know that difference, then it will be much easier to re direct when the Nibble gets to rough! And if you know the difference between a bite & a nibble, then Your Fear Factor will go away!
And never, ever, ever can you punish a Parrot of any species! Parrots do NOT respond to punishment or scolding. There is a HUGE difference in being assertive with your parrot, and being aggressive, and your parrot feels the difference as well.
Time & Patience are the keys to being a successful Parrot owner. Read their body language, and remember, humans are NOT in a good mood every day of their lives, nor will our parrots. They too can have bad/good days!
My heart goes out to all of you who are experiencing frustrations with your NEW parrots. But honestly, I believe you need to take a step back, and ask yourself….Did I get a bad parrot, or….did I get a normal parrot, and I’m not honestly keeping my emotions Calm & Gentle.
I didn’t mean to write a Book here, but I do hope that my thoughts will help some of the new parrot owners, and their new babies,
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