Behavior

All Creatures Animal Hospital Quality medicine in a caring environment

Behavior

Keys to Well Adjusted Parrots: Parrots that are not a pain!

Responsibility

	Complex creatures with extensive physical and emotional requirements
	Owners take over the role of entire flock for the life of the bird.
	Many stages of life during which behavior may change
	Most people are not prepared for this responsibility

Socialization

	Owner’s family takes over role of flock
	Young birds should meet many people
	People should be coached on bird handling
	Hierarchy should be established with bird below all humans.
	Bird should become accustomed to different locations

Obedience Training

	Teaches owners about bird behavior
	Gives tools to prevent behavior problems
	Discusses treatment of behavior problems
	Socializes birds

Essential Behaviors to Teach

Environment

	Roosting cage and daytime cage/playpen
	Solid cages leave less room for climbing
	Require 8-12 hours of sleep
	Comfortable perching
	Daytime cage should be as large as possible
	Location should be varied

Toys

Functional types of toys

At least one of each type at all times

	Should be changed periodically
	Chew toys should be destructible

Entertainment

	Place in area of activity
	Television/radio/computer on timers
	Answering machines
	Other birds/pets?
	Commuter birds

Foraging

Gives a constructive activity to occupy time.

Increase complexity as each level is mastered.

	Start with using several dishes spread around environment.
	Next mix in non-edible but safe objects to sort from food.
	Next cover the dish with paper

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