Parrot Behavior
A Guide to Parrot Behavior
Parrot behavior can seem odd to the unschooled owner. But parrots aren't people, and you need to realize that before you make a choice of a parrot for a pet.
A professional parrot behavior specialist recalls a recent email, and her reply, “I understand. You want what everyone wants.” What is that? A sweet, quiet and tidy parrot. Um.... that's not likely.
Does a parrot like that exist? Parrots are very sociable and most will react positively to human interaction, as long as they were raised and trained correctly. But you're not likely to be able to control the mess a parrot makes or the level of noise, either.
Parrot breeds run the gamut from the small Budgies to the giant Amazon parrots. And they aren't all domesticated – some of them only exist in the wild, and as such, would not make good pets. And even “domesticated” birds have only been bred in captivity. They are not “domesticated” like dogs and cats are, and the parrot behavior you may experience reflects that.
Most parrots can be sweet. Their demeanor may vary widely from individual to individual, but if they were raised correctly, their personalities should be good. Proper care and proper breeding will all play a part in the parrot behavior you witness from your bird. The more gently and positively they were raised, the more cuddly and sweet they will be with you. But they're not puppies.
So, certain traits are limited by the way the bird was raised, but much more effect is had on young birds from nurture rather than nature, if they come from a line that has been in captivity long enough to adapt to people.
Some guidelines to help you recognize and reinforce positive parrot behavior:
What kind of bird would work for you? Do you want a cuddly bird or one who may be more stand-offish, but pleasantly vocal?
Find a breeder of quality birds. Birds remember their earliest experiences with people, and this determines parrot behavior, to a large extent. A bird that has been raised with love will in general be a loving bird. Find a bird that seems eager to be petted and handled. Avoid birds that act frightened of everything.
Birds need to be raised in an environment that is clean, but not sterile visually, or isolated from the other members of the family. Make sure your bird has things to see, toys to play with, and people.
Forge a good relationship with a breeder or a bird store, so that they can help you find the perfect bird for your needs. Parrot behavior is only one aspect of the life of a parrot that will make or break his adaptability as a pet.