Parrot Behavior Problems and other FAQ
- My parrot is afraid of me. How can I get my parrot to trust me?
- My parrot bites or attacks people. How do I stop my parrot from biting?
- My parrot won’t step up. How can I get my parrot to step up?
- My parrot screams for attention. How do I stop my parrot from screaming?
- My parrot only likes one person in the family. How can I teach him to like me and others?
- My parrot picks his feathers. What can I do to stop this?
- I need one on one help for a parrot behavior problem. How do I get a consultation?
- I want a talking parrot. How do I train my parrot to talk?
- My parrot poops on me. How do I potty train my parrot?
- Do you have training information for my species of parrot?
- My parrot is flighted. Do you have any information on training parrots to fly?
- My parrot flew away! How do I get my lost parrot back?
- I just acquired a new parrot, how do I begin training?
- My parrot hates having his nail trimmed. Do you have information to help me train my parrot for nail trims?
- I want to learn more about parrot training! Where is Barbara’s next parrot training workshop?
- I am not sure what I need. Which of Barbara’s parrot training DVDs, books or ebooks are right for me?
- Get additional free resources on parrot training.
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My parrot is afraid of me. How can I get my parrot to trust me?
The most important tool in helping you gain trust with your parrot is a positive reinforcement approach to training. This means instead of using coercion to gain cooperation, your parrot is given the choice to participate. When he does what you ask, good things happen…like he gets his favorite treats. Positive reinforcement training usually involves identifying small steps or approximations your parrot can make towards a goal behavior. Using this process called shaping with approximations you can teach your parrot to present many behaviors and most importantly to look forward to interacting with you.
To learn more about how to train using positive reinforcement and gain your parrots trust try these resources from Good Bird Inc.
Parrot Behavior and Training. An Introduction to Training DVD #1
Good Bird Magazine
Parrot Behavior and Training Workshops.
Check the Calendar for a workshop near you.
For additional insight into fear responses check out this blog on How to Address Fear in Parrots http://goodbirdinc.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-to-address-fear-in-parrots.html
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My parrot bites or attacks people. How do I stop my parrot from biting?
Parrot biting and aggressive behavior can be rooted in many different causes. Some parrots bite as a way to let you know they don’t like what you are doing. Some parrots learn to bite to get a desired response. Other parrots may become highly aroused and suddenly bite without warning. Baby parrots may start mouthing gently and then gradually increase the pressure. Some parrots bite defending their territories and some bite in response to someone coming to close to their preferred human. Sometimes we can’t always determine why a parrot bites or shows aggressive behavior. But even when we don’t know the cause there are solutions to parrot biting behaviors.
In Barbara Heidenreich’s book “The Parrot Problem Solver. Finding Solutions to Aggressive Behavior” you will learn about parrot behavior in the wild and how it relates to parrot’s biting in the home. Discover different conditions that contribute to your parrot’s problem biting and aggressive behavior. You will learn how to read your parrot’s body language to recognize the signals that your parrot might be ready to bite. You will learn about outdated methods to address parrot biting and aggressive behavior and why those methods are harmful to you and your parrot. Most importantly Barbara shares with you a series of steps to help you address parrot biting behaviors. Along the way Barbara shares real life case studies and anecdotes from her career as a professional parrot trainer and zoo consultant.
In addition to “The Parrot Problem Solver” parrots owners dealing with parrot bites will enjoy Barbara’s Parrot Training Ebooks. Each Ebook contains written materials, video tutorials, audio tutorials and bonus materials to help address many different parrot behavior problems, including biting. The Ebook “Train Your Parrot to Step Up” gives step by step instructions on how to train a parrot who wants to bite to look forward to stepping up. You will be inspired by real life examples of parrots of learning how to do this behavior.
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My parrot won’t step up. How can I get my parrot to step up?
Does your parrot bite your hands when you ask him to step up? Or perhaps your parrot is afraid of your hands and doesn’t seem to trust you. For years people have been told their birds must obey commands, in particular the “Step up” command. Sadly this has lead to the fear responses and aggressive behavior so many companion parrots exhibit. Fortunately there is a kind and gentle option. You don’t need to dominate your bird to get results. You can teach your parrot to eagerly look forward to stepping up on your hand using positive reinforcement. Not only will your parrot learn to step up, you will build a relationship with your parrot based on trust.
The best resource for you is the “Train Your Parrot to Step Up Ebook.”In this Ebook professional bird trainer Barbara Heidenreich takes you through the steps it takes to train a parrot to step up onto your hand for positive reinforcement. You will learn the basics of training; see examples of parrots going through the process of learning how to step up, as well as several case studies. You will see parrots who have either had a history of aggressive behavior towards hands or fear responses learn to step up, trust and much more. Also included are articles, real life success stories, useful forms, bonus materials and additional resource.
Getting familiar with some basics of training with positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping a bird who has issues with hands learn you have value. You can learn more about training in general from these additional resources.
Parrot Behavior and Training. An Introduction to Training DVD #1
Good Bird Magazine
Parrot Behavior and Training Workshops.
Check the Calendar for a workshop near you.
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My parrot screams for attention. How do I stop my parrot from screaming?
Does your parrot scream whenever you leave the room? Or perhaps your parrot screams only when you talk on the phone or when someone new enters the room. Screaming parrots can try the most patient person. Some parrots scream so much they hardly seem to stop to take a breath. In many cases you find yourself running into a room to cover the parrot, or yelling at the parrot to “be quiet.” Unfortunately these actions are probably not teaching your parrot to be quiet in the long run. They may stop the screaming for a few moments, but they do not teach a parrot what to do that is acceptable.
You may have heard you should just ignore the screaming, but like the other methods mentioned simply ignoring screaming doesn’t usually work. For one it is almost impossible to ignore completely and in fact other things may be maintaining this behavior besides your attention.
Fortunately parrot screaming can be turned around. Training parrots with positive reinforcement can change a problem parrot into a pleasant companion. It doesn’t matter if your parrot has gone through many homes, has a history of abuse, or has gradually developed problem behavior. There are solutions.
In Barbara’s book “Good Bird! A Guide to Solving Behavior Problems in Companion Parrots” you will discover step by step instructions to help you address parrot behavior problems such as biting, screaming for attention, bonding to one person, afraid to leave the cage and feather picking. Each section offers an easy to follow recipe for different situations. For example how to address a parrot that screams for attention is different than how you would address a parrot that is screaming when you talk on the phone. This easy to read resource can give you the help you need to change your parrot’s problem behavior.
You can also enjoy a free article on how to address screaming for attention. Just fill out the form on the bottom of the page and it will be sent to you automatically
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My parrot only likes one person in the family. How can I teach him to like me and others?
A parrot who only interacts with one person in the family can sometimes learn to show aggressive behavior towards other people. Take a proactive approach and nip this behavior in the bud before it happens. Here is a great blog that gives you some tips and techniques to avoid creating the one person bird.
If your parrot is already glued to one person check out the book “Good Bird! A Guide to Solving Behavior Problems in Companion Parrots” This book offers step by step instructions to help you address parrot behavior problems such as biting, screaming for attention, bonding to one person, afraid to leave the cage and feather picking. Each section offers an easy to follow recipe for different situations. This easy to read resource can give you the help you need to change your parrot’s problem behavior.
One approach to addressing the one person parrot problem is to teach your parrot simple behaviors or tricks that require no handling. People who want to develop a relationship with your parrot can cue your bird for these simple behaviors and offer a treat. This helps pair a treat with a new person and gives your parrot a behavior to focus on instead of aggressing. You can learn how to train your parrot to present some simple tricks in Parrot Behavior and Training. An Introduction to Training DVD #1.
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My parrot picks his feathers. What can I do to stop this?
Feather picking is often a very frustrating problem which at times can have many different factors at work influencing the behavior. The first course of action for feather picking problems is to consult with a veterinarian who has experience treating parrots. You can find an avian veterinarian near you by visiting the website for The Association of Avian Veterinarians.
An additional resource for more great information is this article on parrot feather picking by veterinarian Tammy Jenkins, DVM http://www.featherpicking.com/Basics_of_FP.htm
Once medical causes have been addressed, behavioral causes to feather picking can be considered. You can find more information on addressing feather picking from a behavioral perspective in the book “Good Bird! A Guide to Solving Behavior Problems in Companion Parrots” This book offers step by step instructions to help you address parrot behavior problems such as biting, screaming for attention, bonding to one person, afraid to leave the cage and feather picking. Each section offers an easy to follow recipe for different situations. This easy to read resource can give you the help you need to change your parrot’s problem behavior.
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I need one on one help for a parrot behavior problem. How do I get a consultation?
Sometimes people prefer to learn with one on one coaching. Some of Barbara Heidenreich’s workshops are structured to allow one on one instruction for parrots and their caregivers. Please visit the Parrot Training Events Calendar to see if there is an upcoming event near you.
At the moment Barbara does not offer private consultations (email, phone or in home). However she has tried to prepare comprehensive teaching tools to help address the most commonly seen parrot behavior problems. These include DVDs, Books, Ebooks and the many fabulous articles featured in Good Bird Magazine.
Barbara does recommend the following parrot training and behavior consultants if a one on one consultation is the right fit for you.
Rebecca K O’Connor. www.rebeccakoconnor.com/parrots
Matt Edmonds www.mewondersofnature.com
Pamela Clark www.pamelaclarkonline.com
Linda Morrow www.clickingwithbirds.com
Kellie Snider www.behaviorlogic.com
Jim McKendry http://www.pbec.com.au/
Hillary Hankey http://learningparrots.com/
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I want a talking parrot. How do I train my parrot to talk?
All parrots have the ability to copy sounds, but they don't all have the desire. There is no training strategy that will guarantee a parrot will talk. (Don’t get lured by flashy sales pitches or gimmicks) However there are some strategies you can use to increase the chances of getting your bird to talk.
To learn more about some chatty species of parrots visit our page on African Grey Parrots and our page on Amazon Parrots.
In the DVD Train Your Parrot to Talk you will learn about these strategies. The DVD addresses common myths about talking parrots, which birds make ideal candidates for talking, the most effective ways to expose your parrot to sounds you want repeated, proven methods for encouraging your parrot to vocalize and most importantly how to train your parrot to talk on cue. Also included is an appearance by Einstein, the Talking Texan Parrot, plus an interview with her human companions. Bonus CD ROM includes recordings of a variety of species of parrots vocalizing to inspire your bird to talk."
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My parrot poops on me. How do I potty train my parrot?
Parrots are known for relieving themselves frequently, usually about every 20 minutes or so. For some households this can be quite a problem. Teaching your parrot to poop in certain locations and on cue is a very realistic training goal. The process to train this type of behavior is called capturing. However there are some important rules about potty training your parrot. If done incorrectly parrots can learn to “hold it” for hours until they hear their cue or are allowed access to a place for pooping. This can be very unhealthy for a parrot.
Good Bird Inc is developing resources on potty training your parrot coming soon. Sign up for our mailing list on the side of the page to be notified when it is available.
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Do you have training information for my species of parrot?
One of the really wonderful things about training with positive reinforcement is that it applies to all species of parrots. (In fact it applies to all animals.) Therefore whether you have a Macaw, an African Grey Parrot, an Amazon Parrot or a Cockatiel you can use the same techniques to train. This makes it a breeze for parrot caregivers to get started right away. There is no need to search for special tools or information suited to your parrot. Just follow the information on the basics of training provided by the resources from Good Bird Inc. You can learn more about training in general from these resources.
Parrot Behavior and Training. An Introduction to Training DVD #1
Good Bird Magazine
Parrot Behavior and Training Workshops.
Check the Calendar for a workshop near you.
To learn more about different species of parrots visit our parrot profile pages.
African Grey Parrot, Amazon Parrot ,Caique, Cockatiel, Cockatoo, Conure ,Eclectus, Lovebird, Lorikeets and Lories, Macaw, Parakeet (Budgerigar), Parrotlet, Poicephalus (Senegal parrot, red bellied parrot, Meyer’s parrot, Jardine’s parrot, cape parrot, brown headed parrot), Quaker Parrot, Psittacula (Indian ringneck parakeet, Alexandrine parakeet, Plum headed parakeet, Derbyan parakeet)
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My parrot is flighted. Do you have any information on training parrots to fly?
Keeping parrots flighted is gaining in popularity. If you are not used to living with a flighted parrot it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Parrot owners are often not sure how to train their birds to come when called (recall) or how to get them to stay on certain perches and not destroy the house. The good news is these are problems that can be addressed through training with positive reinforcement.
Training your parrot to recall is a very important behavior for a flighted parrot. Training a recall is much like training any other behavior. It is about breaking it down into small achievable steps and pairing each approximation with a positive reinforcer. Over time you are able to add distance to the recall behavior. To learn about training with positive reinforcement in general try Parrot Behavior and Training. An Introduction to Training DVD #1. This DVD also has a short segment demonstrating how step up can evolve into a flighted recall.
In addition to the DVD you will also want to check out Good Bird Magazine. Many issues feature articles on training flighted parrots. The “Learning to Fly” section is specifically on flighted parrots. It covers things like harness training, recall training, preparing your house for a flighted parrot and more. All back issues of Good Bird Magazine are available in a digital format and some are available in hard copy.
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My parrot flew away! How do I get my lost parrot back?
There are few things more heartbreaking than when a beloved parrot accidentally escapes. Good Bird Inc has a resource for you. The DVD Get Your Bird Back was inspired by the thousands of pleas from parrot owners desperately seeking help to recapture a lost bird. This DVD features detailed instructions to help you get your lost parrot back, as well as useful tools such as lost bird flyers, lists of people to contact and a variety of parrot calls. This DVD is a must for any parrot owner. Be prepared. Learn in advance how to prevent the heartache so many have experienced when a parrot is lost. You CAN get your bird back and this DVD can help.
No need to wait for help. When you order the DVD you are immediately sent instructions and a short video clip via email to let you know what you need to do right away to recover your bird.
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I just acquired a new parrot, how do I begin training?
Congratulations on your new parrot! And good for you for looking information to train your parrot with positive reinforcement. Training with positive reinforcement can help you get off to a good start with your bird and help you develop a relationship with your bird based on trust. Here are some important tips to get you started.
First avoid using force with your parrot. You may be anxious for your parrot to step up, cuddle and interact with you. Some parrots may need time before they are open to this. Instead focus on pairing your presence with things you know your parrot likes. This can include treats, toys and maybe even head scratches.
The very first behavior to train is targeting. You can learn more about how to train a parrot to target in Parrot Behavior and Training. An Introduction to Training DVD #1. This DVD also shows you how to train lots of easy behaviors. This can help you learn how to train and it also allows your parrot to learn how to learn. This is definitely the best teaching tool to get started with a new parrot.
Once you have some basics down you may want to try the DVD “Training Your Parrot for the Veterinary Exam". This will show you how to train behaviors that will help you take care of your parrot for the rest of his life.
To avoid future behavior problems read the books “Good Bird! A Guide to Solving Behavior Problems in Companion Parrots” and “The Parrot Problem Solver”. These books will help you understand common behavioral problems in parrots and how to avoid them. It is always much easier to prevent a parrot behavior problem than it is to deal with one after it has developed.
Keep the learning going by subscribing to Good Bird Magazine. This quarterly publication features articles and tutorials on parrot behavior and training. There is always something new to learn!
To follow the journey of some young parrots that were trained for the Kaytee Learning Center visit the Good Bird Inc Blog.
Their story and video examples will give you ideas and inspiration for training your new parrot.
If you are new to sharing your life with a parrot or interested in acquiring a parrot be sure to check out the free video Bringing Birdie Home. It will help prepare you for life with your new feathered companion.
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My parrot hates having his nail trimmed. Do you have information to help me train my parrot for nail trims?
Nail trimming can be very stressful for some parrots. Training a parrot to voluntarily allow nail trims is a very realistic training goal when you train with positive reinforcement. Good Bird In has several resources for you. The DVD “Training Your Parrot for the Veterinary Exam” shares several methods to train your parrot to allow nail trims.
Another way to get access to some videos on training nail trims is to sign up for the mailing list. When you sign up for the mailing list you are automatically sent a series of three videos that show Barbara training a parrot to allow nail trims from start to finish. You get to see the process from beginning to end. This great resource is free!
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I want to learn more about parrot training! Where is Barbara’s next parrot training workshop?
You can find a list of upcoming parrot training events on our calendar page. You can also sign up for the mailing list to be notified when an event will be in your area.
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I am not sure what I need. Which of Barbara’s parrot training DVDs, books or ebooks are right for me?
Here is a brief description of all of the resources on parrot training available from Good Bird Inc and professional trainer Barbara Heidenreich.
Parrot Training DVDs
Parrot Behavior and Training. An Introduction to Training DVD #1
Learn the basics of training. A great DVD to get started on learning how to train parrots
Training Your Parrot for the Veterinary Exam.
Easy behaviors to train your parrot for his health care. Includes training nail trims, restraint in a towel, crate training, scale training and more.
Understanding Parrot Body Language.
Detailed explanations of parrot body language and what it means. A must for new parrot owners!
Get Your Bird Back Instructions on what to do if your parrot flies away. Also includes resources to help you get your bird back. All parrot owners should have this DVD in their collection.
The Basics of Training. A Live Workshop
Over four hours of information on parrot training, reading body language and solving behavior problems. This is an excellent resource for parrot owners who are just getting started with training.Train Your Parrot to Talk
This DVD covers myths, ideal candidates for talking, effective ways to expose your parrot to sounds you want repeated, proven methods for encouraging your parrot to vocalize and how to train your parrot to talk on cue. Bonus CD ROM of talking parrot recordings included.
Books
Good Bird! A Guide to Solving Behavior Problems in Companion Parrots.
Easy to read, follow the recipe, step by step instructions for addressing common parrot behavior problems.
The Parrot Problem Solver
Learn the ins and outs of aggressive behavior in parrots. This book includes more stories and anecdotes from Barbara’s career consulting on animal training around the world.
Ebooks
Train Your Parrot to Step up . Ebooks include written tutorial, video tutorial and audio tutorials. This Ebook focuses specifically on training parrots to step up. Works for parrots who are showing a fear response and/or aggressive behavior.
Motivate Your Parrot for Training This Ebook will show you how to get your parrot interested in training. It also helps you discover the many different reinforcers you can use for you parrot.
Train Your Parrot to Accept Medication Get this Ebook before your parrot gets sick. Training your parrot to accept medication in advance will help keep your great relationship with your parrot. Grabbing and restraining parrots for treatment can chip away at trust. Avoid this problem with this Ebook.
Good Bird Magazine
Subscribe
Good Bird Magazine focuses on parrot behavior and training. Each issue features information on how to train behaviors, success stories, enrichment ideas, parrot behavior problem solving and in-depth articles on parrot training. This one of a kind publication will keep you inspired and motivated to continue to enjoy training your parrot.
Back Issues
Back issues of Good Bird Magazine never go out of style. The articles in Good Bird Magazine are ones you will refer to again and again. All back issues of Good Bird Magazine are available in a digital format and some are available in hard copy.
Parrot Training Workshops
Barbara Heidenreich travels the world teaching parrot behavior and training workshops. Workshops give parrot owners a chance to ask questions, see live parrot training demonstrations, learn from Barbara’s extensive video collection and get inspired! The parrot training workshops are great for new parrot trainers and experienced ones. They are also highly recommended for veterinary and zoo professionals.
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