Regardless of the fact your baby parrot may have been born in captivity, parrots are still instinctually hardwired to survive in the wild. Unlike dogs and cats who have been selectively bred and domesticated over several millennia, parrots have only been bred domestically for a few generations and therefore they are not that different—physically or psychologically—from their wild counterparts.
Because parrots are driven by their instinctual needs, they may behave in ways that sometimes make life frustrating and difficult for both the bird and their caregivers.
What is Instinct?
Instinct is the innate disposition of an animal to perform a behavior in response to specific external stimuli. It is an inherited mechanism that promotes the survival of an animal or species. These behaviors are preprogrammed and not dependent on prior experience. The good news? The more intelligent the animal, the more adaptable and flexible the behavior.
A parrot’s above-average intelligence allows these essentially “wild” animals to learn new behaviors and adapt to domestic life—with proper guidance, socialization, and enrichment.
Why Problems Arise
Most challenges in the home arise when human family members don’t fully understand what it’s like to be a wild creature living in a domestic environment. Some bird owners become frustrated when parrots fail to follow our social norms. For example:
- Chewing our most prized possessions
- Screaming early in the morning and waking the entire household
- Throwing food everywhere and decorating the walls and floor
- Becoming aggressive when we touch their food bowls
- Guarding their “favorite” person from others
- Getting amorous with toys or people
- Freaking out over harmless objects like balloons
Bird owners often make the mistake of interpreting their bird’s actions as if they are little humans. But parrots don’t think or act like us. They aren’t being spiteful or difficult—they’re simply being birds. Their behaviors are rooted in powerful instinctual drives to:
- Build nests (chewing)
- Search for food (foraging)
- Reproduce
- Escape threats (like floating balloons that resemble predators)
- Stay close to their flock (social security)
Understanding Builds Connection
Developing a deeper understanding of what drives your parrot’s behavior will help you better manage undesirable behaviors while encouraging positive ones. Looking at the world through your parrot’s eyes—rather than expecting them to behave like humans—can foster a stronger bond built on mutual respect and trust.
To learn more about how to address your parrot’s instinctual needs, check out our related articles.