For years, scientists have criticized pet owners for anthropomorphism—the tendency to assign human traits like emotions and thoughts to animals. While traditional science has been skeptical of the idea that animals truly feel emotions, there’s now growing recognition that animals, including parrots, do experience complex emotional states. From a parrot owner’s point of view, it’s
Springtime may bring flowers and sunshine for us—but for parrot owners, it can also usher in a dramatic shift in behavior. Your sweet, snuggly companion might suddenly turn into a biting, screaming, overly clingy ball of chaos. Sound familiar? This shift is most likely due to hormonal changes. As days grow longer and warmer, birds
One of the most common frustrations for parrot owners is biting. Whether it’s a playful nip or a serious chomp that draws blood, getting bitten hurts—both physically and emotionally. But here’s the truth: birds rarely bite “for no reason.” In fact, biting is not common among wild parrots and is usually a last resort when
Getting bitten by your parrot can be painful—and not just physically. It often leaves owners feeling hurt, confused, or even betrayed. But here’s the good news: bites are rarely random or malicious. In fact, parrots in the wild rarely bite at all, except in serious situations like defending a nest. Biting is typically a last
Parrots are naturally vocal creatures—and yes, they can be incredibly loud! In the wild, their calls serve essential purposes like staying in contact with the flock, warning of danger, or celebrating the day. So while some level of noise is normal and instinctual, not all screaming is created equal. Sometimes, screaming becomes excessive and problematic.
Vocal communication plays a vital role in a parrot’s life. In the wild, birds use a wide range of sounds to stay connected with their flock—sharing food locations, warning of danger, attracting mates, and staying close to one another. Unsurprisingly, your companion parrot does the same in your home, using vocalizations to express needs, emotions,
Building a strong relationship with your parrot starts with understanding how they communicate. While some birds may use human words, they primarily express themselves through body language and vocalizations. Learning to read these subtle cues allows you to better respond to your bird’s emotions, gain their trust, and avoid misunderstandings—especially unwanted bites. Every parrot has
When most people think of parrot training, they imagine birds performing tricks—but positive reinforcement training goes far beyond entertainment. It’s a science-based method that helps build trust, solve behavior problems, and improve your bird’s overall quality of life. What Is Positive Reinforcement Training? Positive reinforcement is the practice of rewarding a desired behavior to encourage
Like young children, parrots need gentle, consistent guidance to understand what behaviors are acceptable. Establishing clear boundaries and offering positive feedback helps shape their actions in a healthy and effective way. The key is to lead with kindness, not control. A helpful approach to this is called nurturing guidance, a concept introduced by Sally Blanchard
Parrots are highly social creatures that thrive on regular interaction with their human flock. Consistent attention isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential for their emotional well-being. A parrot left alone in a cage for long periods may suffer from boredom, stress, or even depression. But how much attention do they actually need, and what kind is
