Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Parrots and Noise
I have received birds in the rescue for many different reasons. One of the most common is due to the noise they make.
What I have found interesting is an individual’s tolerance level varies from person to person.
Some have brought budgies to us they felt were too loud for them and others the almighty voice of the cockatoo!
All birds will make noise. It is in their nature to make noise when they are happy, sad, bored or when they want food. Parrots make noise just as a baby cries. They also need to make noise as it is natural for them to call home their flock and welcome in the new day!
They will do it when it's inconvenient, like while we are watching TV, trying to hold a conversation or talking on the phone. You can count on it! It is something that needs to be taken under consideration when you own a parrot. If you tolerance for noise is low, then a parrot is NOT a good choice for you!
How we chose to deal with the noise is up to us. We can get mad and frustrated or we can learn to live with it and make it a part of everyday life.
I know that people have asked my husband and I how we can stand the noise as we typically will carry on a conversation even with parrots squawking in the background.
We have learned to tolerate the noise and to live with it. Although not easy for strangers that come to the house or people without birds to understand how we do it, it is part of our life and this is what we do and is now so natural for us we don't even notice it any longer.
This is not to say that they squawk incessantly as most of the time it is actually quiet around here. They have certain moments like anything. They get excited when visitors arrive or if we have been away for a period of time. They get loud when we are eating dinner as they would love to sit and enjoy it with us!
The trick I use during dinner is to feed the birds at the same time we eat. It makes dinner time much more enjoyable!
There is a difference between everyday noise in which we NEED to learn to tolerate and excessive.
Excessive noise would be continuous non stop noise for hours on end when the bird has everything from food, water and toys and has had playtime with his family.
We can teach birds to scream incessantly by our own reactions to a birds screaming.
First we have to make sure that the bird’s needs are fulfilled. It's had playtime, food, water and has plenty of toys to keep him busy.
If he continues to scream, you should ignore it. Even if the screaming persists just ignore it. As I tell visitors here if the bird screams non stop for 20 minutes then suddenly you either yell at him to stop or you go and check on him the bird just won! Next time he will scream longer and longer.
If you can't deal with the noise go out for a walk! Just don't acknowledge the screaming for one second!
Within few days you will see the bird screaming less and less.
As soon as the bird has been quiet for a minute or two reward him with a treat and tell him how good he is for being quiet. Make sure to always praise your parrot during positive moments and reward with treats.
Never pick your bird up when he is screaming as it is only rewarding negative behaviour.
When you have been away for a prolonged period of time your bird will make sounds of joy in seeing you. This is not the same as screaming. It is important that you differentiate between the different sounds the bird makes.
Happy sounds are quite normal and can be acknowledged. There are also moments when we will scream right along with the birds and join in the fun with them. As long as the bird is not incessantly screaming it is fine to enjoy these moments with the bird.
I have heard many horror stories of pet stores telling new owners to squirt the bird with a water bottle. Let me tell you that that is NOT the way to train a bird. All that does is teach a bird to fear water which will make bathing much more difficult. It is also a form of torture! If you ask people that have tried this method they will tell you that it doesn't work anyway!
We have also found people that will cover their bird when they are being loud. This is also not a good idea. You are acknowledging the bird during his screaming. Then covering him when he is actually looking for attention is more of a punishment than anything. Removing him from the room is also detrimental to his well being.
We have found people that have moved the birds into the back of the home and left them in the dark covered and alone. This is no life for a bird. They are such social creatures and want to be part of your flock.
We only hope that if you find yourself using these steps that you either bring the bird to us or start over and bring them back to the family and allow then to be a part of the family.
Before getting a parrot, spend some time around some. In a pet store, at a bird club, zoo or a friends place with birds. Determine if this is something you can live with.
Another important thing to remember is where you live. If in an apartment, condo or highly populated area where noise travels then you aren't going to want a conure, cockatoo or macaw. You are sure to get an eviction notice! Stick to some of the quieter species of birds like the cockatiel and lovebird. It must be remembered that they also make noise and can go on for prolonged periods of times however the decibel level is much lower. Some people can't even tolerate the noise from these smaller birds and neighbors have been known to complain even about some of these.
Some birds by nature can be quiet just as we all have our own personalities so do many different birds of the same species. There are tendencies within the species but even some of the largest birds can be quiet by nature. However to find a quiet cockatoo, although they do exist is quite rare!
The most important thing is to determine your own tolerance level and that of your family as not everyone will agree. Then find a bird that suits your life style. If you presently have a bird, then start today! Make sure he has his wants and needs fulfilled and then ignore the negative. It may take a little longer but eventually the bird will quiet down.
What I have found interesting is an individual’s tolerance level varies from person to person.
Some have brought budgies to us they felt were too loud for them and others the almighty voice of the cockatoo!
All birds will make noise. It is in their nature to make noise when they are happy, sad, bored or when they want food. Parrots make noise just as a baby cries. They also need to make noise as it is natural for them to call home their flock and welcome in the new day!
They will do it when it's inconvenient, like while we are watching TV, trying to hold a conversation or talking on the phone. You can count on it! It is something that needs to be taken under consideration when you own a parrot. If you tolerance for noise is low, then a parrot is NOT a good choice for you!
How we chose to deal with the noise is up to us. We can get mad and frustrated or we can learn to live with it and make it a part of everyday life.
I know that people have asked my husband and I how we can stand the noise as we typically will carry on a conversation even with parrots squawking in the background.
We have learned to tolerate the noise and to live with it. Although not easy for strangers that come to the house or people without birds to understand how we do it, it is part of our life and this is what we do and is now so natural for us we don't even notice it any longer.
This is not to say that they squawk incessantly as most of the time it is actually quiet around here. They have certain moments like anything. They get excited when visitors arrive or if we have been away for a period of time. They get loud when we are eating dinner as they would love to sit and enjoy it with us!
The trick I use during dinner is to feed the birds at the same time we eat. It makes dinner time much more enjoyable!
There is a difference between everyday noise in which we NEED to learn to tolerate and excessive.
Excessive noise would be continuous non stop noise for hours on end when the bird has everything from food, water and toys and has had playtime with his family.
We can teach birds to scream incessantly by our own reactions to a birds screaming.
First we have to make sure that the bird’s needs are fulfilled. It's had playtime, food, water and has plenty of toys to keep him busy.
If he continues to scream, you should ignore it. Even if the screaming persists just ignore it. As I tell visitors here if the bird screams non stop for 20 minutes then suddenly you either yell at him to stop or you go and check on him the bird just won! Next time he will scream longer and longer.
If you can't deal with the noise go out for a walk! Just don't acknowledge the screaming for one second!
Within few days you will see the bird screaming less and less.
As soon as the bird has been quiet for a minute or two reward him with a treat and tell him how good he is for being quiet. Make sure to always praise your parrot during positive moments and reward with treats.
Never pick your bird up when he is screaming as it is only rewarding negative behaviour.
When you have been away for a prolonged period of time your bird will make sounds of joy in seeing you. This is not the same as screaming. It is important that you differentiate between the different sounds the bird makes.
Happy sounds are quite normal and can be acknowledged. There are also moments when we will scream right along with the birds and join in the fun with them. As long as the bird is not incessantly screaming it is fine to enjoy these moments with the bird.
I have heard many horror stories of pet stores telling new owners to squirt the bird with a water bottle. Let me tell you that that is NOT the way to train a bird. All that does is teach a bird to fear water which will make bathing much more difficult. It is also a form of torture! If you ask people that have tried this method they will tell you that it doesn't work anyway!
We have also found people that will cover their bird when they are being loud. This is also not a good idea. You are acknowledging the bird during his screaming. Then covering him when he is actually looking for attention is more of a punishment than anything. Removing him from the room is also detrimental to his well being.
We have found people that have moved the birds into the back of the home and left them in the dark covered and alone. This is no life for a bird. They are such social creatures and want to be part of your flock.
We only hope that if you find yourself using these steps that you either bring the bird to us or start over and bring them back to the family and allow then to be a part of the family.
Before getting a parrot, spend some time around some. In a pet store, at a bird club, zoo or a friends place with birds. Determine if this is something you can live with.
Another important thing to remember is where you live. If in an apartment, condo or highly populated area where noise travels then you aren't going to want a conure, cockatoo or macaw. You are sure to get an eviction notice! Stick to some of the quieter species of birds like the cockatiel and lovebird. It must be remembered that they also make noise and can go on for prolonged periods of times however the decibel level is much lower. Some people can't even tolerate the noise from these smaller birds and neighbors have been known to complain even about some of these.
Some birds by nature can be quiet just as we all have our own personalities so do many different birds of the same species. There are tendencies within the species but even some of the largest birds can be quiet by nature. However to find a quiet cockatoo, although they do exist is quite rare!
The most important thing is to determine your own tolerance level and that of your family as not everyone will agree. Then find a bird that suits your life style. If you presently have a bird, then start today! Make sure he has his wants and needs fulfilled and then ignore the negative. It may take a little longer but eventually the bird will quiet down.
Labels: behavior, behaviour, ontario parrot rescue, parrot noise, parrot sound, parrots
Friday, September 28, 2007
Body Language - Parrots Speak Louder Than Words!
Some parrots have wonderful speaking abilities for the most part. Some can even converse in context! More is being discovered about the parrot brain by the likes of Dr. Pepperberg and a few others. Many go beyond just the ability to mimic.
I have found in my own home and through running the parrot rescue that bird’s can and do ask for many things they want by using words. I have over and over been asked for things by some of the parrots here at the rescue. Some can say "want a drink" or "water". With some of the others, it can be a little more subtle and they will make the sound of water. I hear many others say "want a peanut", "want a apple", “wanna go outside” or many variations and have learned that they can see the item or feel thirsty and make a request for the item or ideas. I have taught several parrots how to differentiate colors and one of them knows 5 colors and would pick a particular color by random choice.
There intelligence can be astounding for those that take the time to find out what abilities their own parrot might have.
What I find just as intriguing is there body language. Parrots can and do communicate through the use of body language even more than they do with words!
Body Language
Parrots can show joy and fear and happiness without having to say a word! The use of body language plays an even more important part in understanding our parrots need then the use of words. They communicate using their bodies much more frequently than they do with words. Also for those parrots that do only speak to mimic or who have not “found their voice” they continue to communicate with us through their bodies.
I watch Oliver at Tim Horton’s if you happened to read that story on my Blog about my Blue Front Amazon that has his own addiction to Tim Horton’s. He runs to the window and his wings flap and his head leans forward in a begging motion. He is showing both excitement and begging for his food!
If we start paying attention to our birds body and learn to understand its little idiosyncrasies we will learn that they really ARE communicating with us.
I can walk up to almost any bird and determine if I am going to be able to step up the bird or get bit long before I reach my hand in the cage! Some will come running to the front seeking me out and some will cower to the back in fear. Some will also just sit there and observe for themselves. Mind you I don’t stop although I know I am going to get bit. Taking a parrot bite is part of the process and will teach the bird that I am not afraid of it. I do not show fear to the parrots as I am certain they read our body language too!
Anyone can learn to read their parrot’s body language by observing their parrot during the course of daily events. Parrots know when food is coming, you will see when they are hungry by a little flutter of their wings showing excitement that a treat is on the way. They will lean towards something they want and in some cases if we aren’t aware they will walk over and help themselves!
They show excitement not jus t with food but with excursions, baths, toys and play as well. Depending on whether they enjoy their bath or not you should be able to tell just by their stance. Some will try and run away even at the look of your spraying device, others show indifference by sitting there and not moving and some will flap around with joy and spread their feathers for the water to seep into every crevice of their bodies!
It is those times we know for certain when our parrots are either enjoying themselves or are not crazy for bath time.
There are still move subtle body language movements that can teach us to communicate with our parrots even more effectively.
Much can be discovered through play. You should observe your parrot during moments o f playtime and watch how they react to their toys. You can see a bird that is fearful of something as their body automatically moves away from it. Their feet may remain still but they lean away from the object. This tells us there is at least a sense that they are aware of this new thing but that they are leery of it.
At this time we should go a bit slower at introducing the item to give the parrot time to adjust to the new item. Let them touch it if they are comfortable and show it to them with your hands so they can see it doesn’t hurt you. Let’s use a toy as an example. You just picked up a little ball. You bring it to the parrot he backs away or leans back away from the ball. He is showing us that he is at least a little nervous of the new ball.
Take the ball and show him up close so he can see it. Roll it in your hand and make some happy sounds like you are enjoying playing with the ball. See if you can touch his beak with it. More than likely this small introduction to his new toy will change the stance of the body to curiosity and they eventual play!
Not all birds will communicate the same way using their bodies. It does take an observant eye to watch and learn what your bird is communicating to you through their body but you and he will be the better for it as it will open up an area of communication you didn’t know existed!
You relationship will improve as your parrot learns that you understand him and he will develop trust towards you and others. He will understand that new toys are not something to fear but to enjoy. I have found that once we communicate through body language and through context that biting also lessens. The parrot will be more relaxed and not so fearful of things he doesn’t know
I have found in my own home and through running the parrot rescue that bird’s can and do ask for many things they want by using words. I have over and over been asked for things by some of the parrots here at the rescue. Some can say "want a drink" or "water". With some of the others, it can be a little more subtle and they will make the sound of water. I hear many others say "want a peanut", "want a apple", “wanna go outside” or many variations and have learned that they can see the item or feel thirsty and make a request for the item or ideas. I have taught several parrots how to differentiate colors and one of them knows 5 colors and would pick a particular color by random choice.
There intelligence can be astounding for those that take the time to find out what abilities their own parrot might have.
What I find just as intriguing is there body language. Parrots can and do communicate through the use of body language even more than they do with words!
Body Language
Parrots can show joy and fear and happiness without having to say a word! The use of body language plays an even more important part in understanding our parrots need then the use of words. They communicate using their bodies much more frequently than they do with words. Also for those parrots that do only speak to mimic or who have not “found their voice” they continue to communicate with us through their bodies.
I watch Oliver at Tim Horton’s if you happened to read that story on my Blog about my Blue Front Amazon that has his own addiction to Tim Horton’s. He runs to the window and his wings flap and his head leans forward in a begging motion. He is showing both excitement and begging for his food!
If we start paying attention to our birds body and learn to understand its little idiosyncrasies we will learn that they really ARE communicating with us.
I can walk up to almost any bird and determine if I am going to be able to step up the bird or get bit long before I reach my hand in the cage! Some will come running to the front seeking me out and some will cower to the back in fear. Some will also just sit there and observe for themselves. Mind you I don’t stop although I know I am going to get bit. Taking a parrot bite is part of the process and will teach the bird that I am not afraid of it. I do not show fear to the parrots as I am certain they read our body language too!
Anyone can learn to read their parrot’s body language by observing their parrot during the course of daily events. Parrots know when food is coming, you will see when they are hungry by a little flutter of their wings showing excitement that a treat is on the way. They will lean towards something they want and in some cases if we aren’t aware they will walk over and help themselves!
They show excitement not jus t with food but with excursions, baths, toys and play as well. Depending on whether they enjoy their bath or not you should be able to tell just by their stance. Some will try and run away even at the look of your spraying device, others show indifference by sitting there and not moving and some will flap around with joy and spread their feathers for the water to seep into every crevice of their bodies!
It is those times we know for certain when our parrots are either enjoying themselves or are not crazy for bath time.
There are still move subtle body language movements that can teach us to communicate with our parrots even more effectively.
Much can be discovered through play. You should observe your parrot during moments o f playtime and watch how they react to their toys. You can see a bird that is fearful of something as their body automatically moves away from it. Their feet may remain still but they lean away from the object. This tells us there is at least a sense that they are aware of this new thing but that they are leery of it.
At this time we should go a bit slower at introducing the item to give the parrot time to adjust to the new item. Let them touch it if they are comfortable and show it to them with your hands so they can see it doesn’t hurt you. Let’s use a toy as an example. You just picked up a little ball. You bring it to the parrot he backs away or leans back away from the ball. He is showing us that he is at least a little nervous of the new ball.
Take the ball and show him up close so he can see it. Roll it in your hand and make some happy sounds like you are enjoying playing with the ball. See if you can touch his beak with it. More than likely this small introduction to his new toy will change the stance of the body to curiosity and they eventual play!
Not all birds will communicate the same way using their bodies. It does take an observant eye to watch and learn what your bird is communicating to you through their body but you and he will be the better for it as it will open up an area of communication you didn’t know existed!
You relationship will improve as your parrot learns that you understand him and he will develop trust towards you and others. He will understand that new toys are not something to fear but to enjoy. I have found that once we communicate through body language and through context that biting also lessens. The parrot will be more relaxed and not so fearful of things he doesn’t know
Labels: behavior, body language, ontario parrot rescue, parot, parrot behaviour, parrot care, parrot speaking
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The Importance of Socialization
One of the most common problems we run across in a household is a parrot that is unsocialized. The fact that a bird can not be handled by more than one person, or in some cases, not at all, is detrimental to a bird's behaviors. I hear people say "Oh I wouldn't touch him if I were you, he only likes so and so", as the bird lunges at you in an attempt to remove some appendage or another. In other instances, a bird owner will tell you not to approach the animal, or it will crawl to the back of the cage and remain there, shaking and afraid.
One of the best things we can do for our pets is to socialize them. It will help them during times of stress or later in an emergency. There are many ways of doing this and the benefits are tremendous!
We see, and all too often, birds that will only go to one person and are terrified of others, which includes other family members, and strangers alike!
What will happen on that sad day when you are no longer able to keep your pet or God forbid something happens to you!
The bird suffers.......
The Art of Socialization
You new arrival
From the beginning of your pet arriving or even NOW after a number of years! It is never too late to start this process and your bird will thank you in the long run!
Make sure that when your pet first arrives that all family members spend time with your pet. Even small children can participate under the supervision of an adult. It can start with giving the new arrival small treats such as sun flower seeds or almonds. Try to find his absolute favorite food and save it as a treat! Make sure that everyone spends time with your parrot and once the parrot is comfortable with you try to pet him on the head. Not all parrots like to be petted so don't feel too discouraged if this is the case. Hopefully he has already been taught the basic step up command. Let everyone in the home take turns stepping up the parrot.
If you find that he is becoming too attached to one individual, have that individual back off for a while and let the other family members warm up to him. That may mean you should leave the room as even the sight of the favorite person could get them excited enough that they won't respond as well to the others.
Ouside influences
Take them out with you. Get them used to being in a carrier, in a car and handled by strangers.
You can walk around the block or down to the corner store. The more exposure to outside influences the less and less traumatic the experience will be!
It will make trips to the vet less traumatic. Have people come to your home and spend time with you bird.
Try trading with a bird friend for weekends with their birds. Over nighters are a good way to get your bird used to others and he will only benefit from it in the long run.
This will help later down the road for any traumatic events that might take place. In the event something did happen or you need to utilize a bird sitter for a vacation.
A bird sitter is another source for socialization. They work with many birds and can spend time with your bird. Without his comfort zone birds tend to respond well within a day or two.
The more we can help our birds adjust to a changing environment the easier it will be for them to adjust during times of emergency!
Join a bird club, and bring you bird with you. Others at the club are experienced and more than willing to lend a helping hand in holding your bird which will help the socialization process.
Just taking him out in the back yard or front yard will attract neighbours and can be a benefit as well. Exposing him to different environments and people will teach him to feel more comfortable with others. Just make sure they are respectful of your bird and go slow! Make sure there is only one or two people at a time.
I should also point out that it is always best to have people that are willing to work with your bird as not everyone is comfortable. I am giving many examples of places that could benefit you by their experience as well as inexperienced ways. Use what ever you have available to you. My best suggestion though it to join a bird club as these people do have the experience of working with birds and do not
**Most importantly that his wings are clipped! NEVER TAKE A BIRD OUTSIDE WITHOUT A WING CLIP! Remember some can still fly with a clip. You need to know your bird and his capabilities.
The Benefits
You parrot will start to feel comfortable around other people and will probably start to enjoy the company of others!
He will enjoy getting in the carrier for your next exciting adventure!
Trips to the vet or the bird sitter will be less traumatic and he will adjust much quicker upon returning home!
If there ever comes a day when you are no longer able to keep your parrot he will adjust that much easier to a new environment.
Having worked with many birds over the years I see the benefits of socialization regularly and how well the birds respond to it.
They are calmer, happier and well adjusted.
One of the best things we can do for our pets is to socialize them. It will help them during times of stress or later in an emergency. There are many ways of doing this and the benefits are tremendous!
We see, and all too often, birds that will only go to one person and are terrified of others, which includes other family members, and strangers alike!
What will happen on that sad day when you are no longer able to keep your pet or God forbid something happens to you!
The bird suffers.......
The Art of Socialization
You new arrival
From the beginning of your pet arriving or even NOW after a number of years! It is never too late to start this process and your bird will thank you in the long run!
Make sure that when your pet first arrives that all family members spend time with your pet. Even small children can participate under the supervision of an adult. It can start with giving the new arrival small treats such as sun flower seeds or almonds. Try to find his absolute favorite food and save it as a treat! Make sure that everyone spends time with your parrot and once the parrot is comfortable with you try to pet him on the head. Not all parrots like to be petted so don't feel too discouraged if this is the case. Hopefully he has already been taught the basic step up command. Let everyone in the home take turns stepping up the parrot.
If you find that he is becoming too attached to one individual, have that individual back off for a while and let the other family members warm up to him. That may mean you should leave the room as even the sight of the favorite person could get them excited enough that they won't respond as well to the others.
Ouside influences
Take them out with you. Get them used to being in a carrier, in a car and handled by strangers.
You can walk around the block or down to the corner store. The more exposure to outside influences the less and less traumatic the experience will be!
It will make trips to the vet less traumatic. Have people come to your home and spend time with you bird.
Try trading with a bird friend for weekends with their birds. Over nighters are a good way to get your bird used to others and he will only benefit from it in the long run.
This will help later down the road for any traumatic events that might take place. In the event something did happen or you need to utilize a bird sitter for a vacation.
A bird sitter is another source for socialization. They work with many birds and can spend time with your bird. Without his comfort zone birds tend to respond well within a day or two.
The more we can help our birds adjust to a changing environment the easier it will be for them to adjust during times of emergency!
Join a bird club, and bring you bird with you. Others at the club are experienced and more than willing to lend a helping hand in holding your bird which will help the socialization process.
Just taking him out in the back yard or front yard will attract neighbours and can be a benefit as well. Exposing him to different environments and people will teach him to feel more comfortable with others. Just make sure they are respectful of your bird and go slow! Make sure there is only one or two people at a time.
I should also point out that it is always best to have people that are willing to work with your bird as not everyone is comfortable. I am giving many examples of places that could benefit you by their experience as well as inexperienced ways. Use what ever you have available to you. My best suggestion though it to join a bird club as these people do have the experience of working with birds and do not
**Most importantly that his wings are clipped! NEVER TAKE A BIRD OUTSIDE WITHOUT A WING CLIP! Remember some can still fly with a clip. You need to know your bird and his capabilities.
The Benefits
You parrot will start to feel comfortable around other people and will probably start to enjoy the company of others!
He will enjoy getting in the carrier for your next exciting adventure!
Trips to the vet or the bird sitter will be less traumatic and he will adjust much quicker upon returning home!
If there ever comes a day when you are no longer able to keep your parrot he will adjust that much easier to a new environment.
Having worked with many birds over the years I see the benefits of socialization regularly and how well the birds respond to it.
They are calmer, happier and well adjusted.
Labels: behavior, behaviour, parrot rescue, socializing parrots
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