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Behavioral Counseling

 

Parrot behavior is a fairly recent area of study and there are many myths and misunderstandings in common usage. Many people are told to squirt  their birds with water when they scream, constantly cover the bird or put the bird in a dark closet or flick the bird's beak when it bites. These are all methods that can destroy the trust between a parrot and it's owner, resulting in escalation of aggressive behavior and biting, screaming or fear reactions. 

Trust is one of the most important things you can have with your bird, and if the bird does not trust you, a loving relationship and a joyful playtime with your bird will be very hard if not impossible to achieve and enjoy. A bird who does not trust in his human family may be nervous and anxious, may nip or bite out of fear, may be prone to feather plucking and may scream more. Many training techniques commonly in use, although meaning well, destroy trust and impede the bonding process. Let us help you build trust in your relationship with your companion parrot. 

Often all that is needed are some simple modifications of  handling techniques or environment to improve a bird's behavior. Sometimes it is misunderstandings by the owner or the bird as to the other's intentions. These can be remedied with appropriate handling, loving care and consistency, and a better  understanding of a bird's basic physical and psychological needs.  

    

 

Key Benefits

bulletAnxiety based Feather plucking may diminish or be alleviated, when your bird trusts you and feels that where it lives is nurturing and safe. 
bulletBoth your and your parrot's frustrations will ease, causing a decrease in tension and screaming.
bulletA psychologically healthy parrot, knowing his place in the family  will be happier and can spread that happiness among his human flock.  
bulletA trusting parrot has no need for biting out of fear and your confidence in handling the bird will increase, causing the bird to feel safer and more confident in you.  

  

Capabilities

"My First Bird" Beginner's Classes 
An introductory course on bird needs and behavior for the new bird owner, or the owner who would like a refresher. Areas covered include cage and environment, diet, toys and playing with your bird, grooming and behavior issues, including screaming, biting and deterring feather abuse. Classes can be taught in your home or in a classroom setting, tailored for all ages and species of birds. Class material is also provided to the student for reference later. 
Counseling-Specific Issues: Biting, Screaming, Fearfulness, Feather plucking, Territoriality 
In-home behavioral counseling is available to Southern California residents. Telephone consultations are also available by appointment. 
"Used" or Pre-Owned Birds
Because of behavior problems or their longevity, parrots often lose their first homes, or second, third and fourth homes. These birds can be misrepresented when passed on. By the time you have the bird, it comes with it's own baggage. We can help you teach that bird that you can be trusted and work with you to diminish or eliminate the problem behaviors that caused them to be given up in the first place. Often older birds have a lot to offer a new owner, talking, pre-learned tricks or cute mannerisms. Let us help you uncover the wonderful companion within that "used" bird.

We are truly interested in each parrot's welfare. Parrots often respond to us very favorably because they sense our true love and concern for them. 

        

 

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