FEATURE


Some parrot behaviour remains the same no matter how the bird was bred and there is a great influence from hormonal changes as a bird develops. One of the most trying times for a parrot owner are when their pet becomes sexually mature.


When the bird is just a youngster it will view its owner as though it was a parent but later on, especially if the parrot is very affectionate it can suddenly decide that YOU are the perfect mate! Many of my birds whilst sitting on my shoulder have moved to the back of my neck and grasped my hair and pulled it like mad when their hormones have been raging. As this behaviour is seasonable and does not last for long I have learned how to deal with it over the years. I do


not admonish my birds, I just put them down and give them a food treat or a toy and do not handle them too much until the breeding urge has subsided. It is important to show your pet that you are not intimidated by their behaviour because like naughty children they will do it all the more if you show fear of annoyance. Whilst is it important to achieve a level of obedience from your bird it can be counter productive to be over ambitious and you can be too strict which might result in your pet becoming timid so you have to get the balance right.


Many new owners make the mistake of over indulging a new pet during the first few weeks of ownership. If your attention then becomes less on a daily


BIRD SCENE 31


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