Tag Archive for 'bird behaviour'

Birds are known to be social creatures so if your pet bird seems to be showing demeanor problems, then something is amiss and the bird may have social problems, as well.  When your pet bird misbehaves, there is an underlying factor to it.  Birds are affected by owners’ interaction with them so a lack of which will affect the bird negatively.  A sick bird could also misbehave or if there are differences with other pets.  Knowing the reasons why birds misbehave, you’d be able to eliminate this from your pet’s system for a more pleasing character.

An effective way of training birds is through positive reinforcements.  The focal point is to give what birds are after such as a scratch, comfort, verbal praise, food or something to that effect.  This method is more effective and successful compared to negative reinforcements.

When your pet misbehaves, it is never good to punish them as this does not improve anything.  Here are some tips to try to address your birds’ behavioural concerns:

• As positive is more effective, try rewarding birds for their good conduct with foods that they rarely consume.  However be careful with presenting them sugary and fatty treats.  Also try giving them scratches.
• To discourage your bird to doing something bad, some owners advise ignoring your pet and turning your back to them.
• Other bird keepers suggest talking to birds in a low voice when telling them that what they did is not the right thing.  Keep it short and to the point.  Excessive downbeat attention can bring about negative consequence to your pet.
• Frowning to your bird when they do a unsatisfactory behavior can also do the trick.  Body movements and facial expressions are picked up by birds and somehow the message comes across.  Eye contact is necessary for this.
• Health is a primary consideration for your pet so doesn’t bargain on it when training your bird.  Neglecting cleanliness of the bird and their aviaries and inadequate food and water are never done to birds.  Doing so may result to bigger issues like physical injuries and emotional disturbance.
• As punishment rarely works, never strike your pet.  Birds’ bones are easily broken and forceful handling can be fatal.  Birds can get vicious and aggressive when they are subjected to abuse.

Medications to modify mood can be given to birds with relentless viciousness and aggression.  Consult your avian vet or behaviorist when you notice behavioral changes in your pet.  Work hand in hand with your vet to address the reason for misbehaving and providing appropriate treatment.   Some medications may even lead to behavioral issues so check with your vet.

The above mentioned tips are given to provide different ways to train a bird.  Do not be disappointed if changes are not noticed immediately as attitude in not an overnight thing to change.  You need to be consistent to make it more effective.

Balance is another key factor to disciplining your pet bird.  Good behaviors should be pointed out, as well and not just reprimanding and correcting the bad ones.  Again, birds respond more to positive reinforcement.

Hard work and persistence is needed when disciplining your pet birds.  Your effort and appreciation to them will be worth it when you see your pet giving you back the love you shower them.