BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION: WHOSE?

Sweetum This article is meant as a guideline only. It is written in very general terms and intended to create awareness and to encourage the reader to further research. It is meant to convince that acquiring a parrot, especially one of the large ones, means a life time commitment: continuous learning, continuous interaction and the responsibility to provide a loving, nurturing environment on the parrot's terms and not on ours.

Prior to addressing our parrot's behavior, a word about ours: We, as humans have generally established behavior patterns. They may vary with different cultures but always are driven by the way we perceive and react to the world around us. We generally attempt to establish and maintain relationships on our terms, based on our perceptions and background. When dealing with a parrot, an entirely new set of rules applies. We must seriously consider changing our behavior patterns and adapt them to the intrinsic characteristics of the bird. The primary objective is to build trust and that may take a long, long time. The entire relationship is based on trust, not obedience. Parrots act out of instinct and are not programmed to accept the domination of their humans or to trust them implicitly. They are smart and their mind works in different ways. We have no access to their reasoning and therefore must rely on research and anecdotal information from people committed to help us in our attempts to understand. Here are some very basic and important truths: a parrot cannot ever be punished. Never, never strike a parrot. A parrot cannot ever be scolded. A parrot cannot be locked in the cage until he or she "behaves." And yet, a parrot must be taught his position in his flock. Not to do that will leave him insecure and unhappy. He is a flock bird first of all and that brings with it his/her ability to become a happy member of his human "flock." It also means that with our help he must learn where his place in his flock is.

How to do that: be well informed. Be gentle, loving, patient, understanding, nurturing and always be aware that this vital trust is given freely--it has to be earned. Always be aware that you are dealing with a wild animal which has been instinctively programmed in a certain way over thousands of years. You must thoroughly understand that and use the parrot's evolved instinctive behavior to help you achieve your goal. Nothing in this world will force him/her to be what you want it to be.

The single most important tool in modifying his/her behavior is the step-up command. It means much, much more than just the physical act of stepping up. It indicates the bird's recognition of an evolving "pecking order." It means that he voluntarily does what you want him to do--it reflects his mind set as it applies to the entire relationship and not just to lifting his foot on your command. Techniques for step-up training are extensively described in any book dealing with parrot behavior. Believe this: there is absolutely no way past that--if he wonÍt step up when told, your relationship with him is doomed. He wonÍt know his position in the family, he will be unhappy and insecure--no matter how often you tell him that you "love" him. He knows better! What's more, the next thing bound to happen is the dreaded biting.

BITING represents the most frequent cause leading to the breakdown of the parrot/caregiver relationship. Biting hurts! Biting intimidates! So, very often one bite is sufficient to permanently discourage any social interaction. The unfortunate bird gets locked up in the cage. The romance is over, the interest dwindles to nothing: because the bird is "mean." Biting is never the bird's fault (Sally Blanchard). There is always a reason for it. We can identify numerous and different kinds of biting: the fear bite, the domination bite, the replacement bite, the warning bite, the hormonal bite. In most cases the bird will send a warning, either with body language or by "pinning" his pupils. The secret is, not to let him bite. Distract him, use the step up command, change the situation.

In your budding relationship with "Mr. Wonderful," there are many, many other variables that affect behavior of which you should be aware: Such as the position of the bird relative to your height, (positioning the bird at a level higher than your shoulders will encourage domination behavior). Never carry a parrot on your shoulder, you are exposing yourself to serious injury. Never take a bite personally, it is not meant that way. Taking it personally is a clear indication that you are still within the "human paradigm." Remember, the bird dances to a different drummer. Watch your own body language, your temper and the messages you may convey in that way. Most importantly: don't show fear. Parrots love drama and will try to control, our fear provides them with both: drama and control. Specific guidelines on how to deal with biting appear in every parrot behavior book available on the market. Additionally there are outstanding articles available written by some of the best behaviorists. In my opinion, biting, in most cases, is caused by our lack of understanding the bird and by incorrect handling and lack of socializing.

While biting is the most relationship disruptive behavior because it hurts, there are many other indications of a poorly socialized, miserable, unhappy, emotionally neglected parrot: plucking, screaming, phobias. All indicate that something is wrong. Most problems can be fixed. A visit to a good avian vet should be the very first action taken to make sure the bird is healthy. After that your challenge begins, first modify your own behavior so that you can help your feathered friend to modify his. Read, seek advice from experts and have patience. When you think you are running out of patience, conjure up more--this can take months, literally--sometimes longer. There is no quick fix in dealing with and helping a phobic bird.

Becoming the care taker for a parrot, especially one of the larger species requires a sense of responsibility that goes far beyond providing a suitable living environment. It means more than buying a cage and lots of toys. It means making a commitment that begins with education, with reading, with learning about one of natureÍs most unusual creations. In many, many instances it begins with our willingness to modify our own behavior--here the worst enemy is our own ignorance and thoughtlessness.

Finally: never buy a parrot on impulse, never buy an unweaned baby and never buy one from a pet store that is not reputable; they should always put the interest of the birds first.