Not A Last Resort

Written by, Lee Stone CPDT-KA, FFCP (Trainer)

This article first appeared in the Parrot Societ of Australia Parrot News Magazine

As parrot owners, we all want our feathered friends to be happy, healthy, and well-behaved. However, sometimes our parrots develop behaviours that we find difficult to manage, live with, or understand. Seeking professional help from an avian behaviour consultant is important in addressing these issues, but many parrot owners only consider it as a last resort. They often opt to ask friends, family members, or even social media first before reaching out for professional assistance. 

In this article, we'll explore why seeking professional help for your parrot's behaviour should not be your last resort.

1. Early Intervention is Key

Biting and aggression can be a significant safety issue for people or other pets.

This is probably the most important reason to seek help from a professional at the outset. The earlier you seek help for your parrot’s behavioural issues, the higher the chance of long-term resolution and the better the outcome. In some cases, there is a belief that a parrot will "grow out" of certain behaviours, that the issues will resolve on their own, or worse, that the behaviour is just ‘hormones’ and nothing can be done to reduce or resolve the problem. However, this is not the case, and the longer you wait, the more challenging it becomes to modify the behaviour. Seeking professional help early on can prevent the behaviour from becoming a more ingrained part of your parrot's behavioural repertoire and get your parrot on the right track. The sooner assistance is sought after an issue becomes apparent, the faster the interventions are likely to take effect.

2. It’s Not Always About Training

When seeking professional assistance for your parrot's behaviour, it's crucial to recognise that it goes beyond mere training. It involves delving into the root cause of the behaviour and comprehending the underlying factors at play. Professional behaviour consultants possess expertise in parrot behaviour and offer valuable insights into a wide array of behavioural issues. Whether your parrot exhibits signs of anxiety, aggression, or fear, a skilled behaviourist can help identify the fundamental cause behind the behaviour and devise a comprehensive, personalized plan to address it. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to behaviour problems, attempting to implement cookie-cutter techniques recommended by others can be disastrous and lead to further issues. By seeking professional help, you can ensure that your parrot's needs are adequately met, and more importantly, ascertain that their behaviour doesn't stem from an underlying medical, environmental, or welfare concern. The focus extends beyond training to include behaviour modification, aiming to create lasting changes that promote your parrot's well-being and overall quality of life.

Feather destructive behaviour is a sign of physical or behavioural discomfort, and can escalate to self-mutilation.

3. It’s Safer for Your Parrot and Others

When behavioural issues in your parrot go unaddressed, they can pose significant risks not only to your feathered friend but also to those in their immediate environment. Consider the scenario where a parrot displays aggressive behaviour towards other parrots or people. Such conduct not only endangers the physical well-being of your parrot but also puts others at risk of injury. In such instances, seeking professional help becomes crucial to mitigate these potential dangers. Moreover, addressing behavioural issues early on can prevent the escalation of the behaviours and establish a safe and peaceful environment for everyone involved.

4. It Can Save You Money in the Long Run

Seeking professional help may initially appear as an added expense; however, it can prove to be a wise investment that saves you money in the long run. Unresolved behavioural issues in your parrot can result in significant damage to your home or property, not to mention the potential for costly medical bills if your parrot causes harm to themselves or others. Addressing behavioural issues promptly also translates into requiring less follow-up work, ultimately saving you both time and money. Professional behaviour consultants possess the expertise to assess the root causes of your parrot's behaviour problems and develop effective strategies for resolution. By taking early action, you can nip potential problems in the bud, resulting in fewer sessions and a more streamlined treatment process. 

5. Enhancing Parrot Welfare and Quality of Life

Screaming can not only cause distress to the humans in the house, but may also cause issues with neighbours.

Addressing behavioural issues in your parrot is not only crucial for your own convenience and safety but also for the overall welfare and quality of life of your companion. Parrots are highly intelligent and social beings, and unresolved behavioural problems can have a profound impact on their well-being. These issues can stem from or lead to frustration, anxiety, and even physical health problems for your parrot. Seeking professional help from behaviour consultants ensures that your parrot's emotional and psychological needs are understood and addressed appropriately. By providing targeted interventions and guidance, professionals can help create an enriched environment that promotes mental stimulation, social interaction, and a sense of security for your parrot. This, in turn, contributes to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life for your parrot. Furthermore, this also ensures the overall well-being and happiness of your parrot. A content and emotionally balanced parrot leads to fewer behavioural issues in the long term, saving you from the financial burden associated with continuous problem management.

In conclusion, seeking professional help for your parrot's behaviour should not be seen as a last resort but as a proactive step towards resolving issues effectively. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, behaviour consultants offer comprehensive understanding beyond training, it ensures safety for your parrot and others, and it can save you money in the long run. Importantly, addressing behavioural issues promotes the welfare and quality of life of your parrot. By prioritizing professional assistance, you can promote your parrot's well-being, create a harmonious environment, and nurture a lasting bond with your feathered companion.

Need help with your parrot? Contact us. contact@parrotlife.com.au