How to understand your birds’ behavior: Vocalizing
Parrots need to be able to call over long distances in the wild to stay in contact with their flock. Their voices are quite loud and a certain amount of noise just has to be accepted. However, you can do to decrease the amount of noise your bird makes. In this article we’ll discuss a few ways to decrease parrot screaming.
First, understand that vocalizing is not a behavior problem but normal parrot behavior. Parrots are very verbal creatures especially in the morning and evening.
If your bird is screaming incessantly, ask yourself the following questions:
Have I given my pet enough attention?
Have I given him too much attention causing him to expect to be constantly entertained?
Have I taken care of his physical needs for water, a good diet, enough sunlight and stimulation in the form of toys?
Has anyone been teasing my bird?
Parrots need time every day from their flock, you and your family.
However, too much attention can create a bird unwilling to be alone and unable to entertain himself with play.
On average you should spend at least an hour a day directly interacting with your parrot and several more hours just hanging out together in the same room. This is why placement of the cage so that your parrot is a part of what’s going on, be it watching TV, cooking dinner or whatever, is so important.
Make an easily transported play stand for your parrot and move him from room to room with you as you go through your day. A simple woven basket with the handle as a perch and paper inside for mess works very well. Toys can be tied to the handle. Just be sure the wood is not shellacked as your parrot will eat the basket!!
Illness can cause a bird to scream. Observe you bird for changes in his dropping color consistency as this may be the first sign of illness. Birds will also sit with their feathers fluffed out for long periods when ill. Birds are fragile and can die very quickly from untreated illness. Seek help early if you think your bird may be sick.
A diet that lacking in nutrients, too little or too much sunlight, and simple boredom can cause a bird to scream. Provide a good quality diet and daily fresh water. Buy a full spectrum sun light if spending time outside isn’t feasible, and give your parrot safe chewing and shredding toys.
Also don’t encourage screaming by yelling back, laughing, or picking your bird up when he screams. Turn your back and wait until he’s quiet or making acceptable sounds before you pick him up or let him out of his cage. Also, be sure no one is teasing your bird such as other pets or other humans in the house.
A short time out can be used, putting your bird in another room for 5-10 minutes. Do not get your bird until he’s quiet, but don’t just leave him in another room alone for hours. Wait until he’s quiet even for a minute and then go get him as a reward. You can also try whispering which models the behavior you want. Parrots are smart, if you’re calm and consistent these tips will help in making your bird quieter.
Remember, parrots’ are noisy creatures by nature. You can modify their behavior somewhat but noise in the morning and evening is to be expected. Also, you can expect an increase in noise during breeding season. Adjusting how much sunlight your parrot gets, for example decreasing light to eleven hours instead of twelve can help. The increase in light in the spring tells your parrot it’s time to breed with all the hormonal changes that brings. Just remember that your parrot must have sufficient sunlight to be healthy.
Understanding is the key to making sure your relationship with your parrot is rewarding for both of you.
