You’re Parrots Behavior Behavior in parrots is very complex. Much like that of your child in the terrible twos or terror threes, you have to think like they do. Interacting with your parrot is extremely important. Getting to know their body language and what they are trying to say to you is one thing that is detrimental to your feathered friend and you.

• Communicating with your parrot is simple by keeping eye contact when speaking to them • Speaking to them as if they were a child

• Labeling objects when you are speaking about something, such as a toy when you are playing • Being patient and getting your parrot to respond

• Following physical cues from your parrot

• Paying attention to them and watch for their responses to what you are communicating with them It is not a wise idea to stick them in a cage for the day and take them out for an hour to play. You will end up likely with behavior problems that are not something you wanted from your companion. Having a parrot can be very rewarding and one of the greatest experiences you want from you’re new found friend.

Frienship

Reading their body language will be one of the best ways to start your relationship. That is exactly what it is, a relationship that will last 20 years plus. When you bring home that pride and joy you have always wanted you have to keep in mind that they have the intelligence of a five year old and the emotional needs of a two year old. If you realize this you are on way to a fabulous friendship. So you ask yourself where do we with start their body language. Parrots are like fingerprints they are all different so your parrot may do something different than what the book says. It is best to take the basics and build from there. A parrot is not like a dog or cat; they are individualistic, moody, endearing and many other things you will learn about them.

Parrots yawn for a simple reason they are tired or just waking up from a nap, parrots also yawn repeatedly when they have something in their crop. They pick their nose, how undignified, but yes they are clearing their nasal passage.

Bonding When your parrot regurgitates on you it is showing a great deal of affection. This is one of the ways they are bonding with you. Parrots do have crushes with other parrots in your home may be even you. Do not take it as an insult if you are not the one your parrot has a crush on and you are the primary caregiver and it is somebody else in the house. Right now Gonzo my Red-Lored Amazon is in love with my wife when he was given to me as a birthday present. We always wondered why he didn’t have a crush on our other parrot Lambeau a female Hahn’s Macaw. The doctor explained he just liked her as a friend and that is nothing to be alarmed about; although they do cuddle and preen each other. My wife is everything to Gonzo, when she walks out of the room he is sure to follow. Unfortunately his hormones got the best of him for the moment and he had become very aggressive so the doctor gave him a Lupron shot to manage his hormones. I do not endorse using medication for hormones, but in the end as a last resort we took our avian specialists advice and had Gonzo get the shot. Yes it did work and the outcome was a positive one, though it was an expensive decision. Parrots masturbate by rubbing their butt on an object, even on you, be polite and avert your eyes. You may get bitten if you try to get them off of you while they are doing this, it will only last a short time.

Body Language When your parrot does not want to be touched, what are the signs? Those of us that own a parrot have been bit and it is painful. We wonder how to avoid this so we don’t lose too much blood. The best thing is to know your parrot and the body language they are showing to you. When their eyes are pinning it best to leave them alone or on the other hand they are excited. On both circumstances it is advisable to let them be and mellow out. Parrots bite out of fear, defending territory and being angry. You ask yourself why my parrot would become angry. It may because you want to put them down and they are not ready to get off of you. You didn’t immediately respond to something they wanted from you, like being petted when they are on your lap. If your parrot is crouching with their head down, eyes pinning, puffed up, have a flared tail and weaving from side to side. This not the time to say oh how cute and attempt to pick them. Let them cool off and let them be for the moment. Some parrots may accompany it by hissing. My African Grey, Sparky looks like a hedgehog and it is accompanied by hissing, as Gonzo just pins his eyes, flared tail and weaves from side to side. The best recommendation I can offer is know your parrot and their body language.

Parrots are generally happy 90% of the time if they are in a loving home, a cage that is a great environment for them and plenty of toys. When your parrot is hanging upside down, swinging wildly on their toys and screeching, you know you have one very happy companion. If their feathers are fluffed and they shake them out; they are just getting comfortable and probably ready to settle down for a nap. Of course a happy, healthy, content parrot will sing, talk and just have the silliest antics. Though not all parrots talk and sing. When your parrot tucks their head into their wing and take a nap, you know they are content.

Parrots read people’s emotions and respond to them. If you are angry, your companion may likely bite. If you are relaxed in front of the TV they are going to settle down. When you laugh your parrot may join you.

All parrots are a great asset to your home and the joy you two share is indescribable. Sometimes your parrot’s body language is very straight forward as to what they want and what their needs are. Other times you have to read their body language and make the best assumption as to what they want. Interpreting and observing your parrot’s body language is the best way to communicate with them and your relationship will be satisfying and you will live together harmoniously.