Tips for Introducing parrots to kids

Bringing a new bird home can be a very exciting experience, especially for children. However, the excitement can turn into fear if the child reaches into the bird's enclosure for the first time and the bird bites the child's finger. Now, we're faced with a dilemma: a scared child and a frightened bird, not the kind of start to a lifelong friendship we may have hoped for!

Children's limitless energy and excitement can sometimes overwhelm a new bird, leading to fear or stress. Their quick movements, loud voices, and unpredictable behaviour might startle the bird, causing them to retreat or become defensive. 

The initial introduction between humans and birds can establish the foundation for their future interactions and relationships. So it is crucial that these interactions go smoothly and are positive for everyone involved.  Here are some steps you can follow to ensure your bird and child start off on the right wing. 

MODEL POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR:

Demonstrate how to interact with the bird in a calm and respectful manner. Show your child the importance of speaking softly, moving slowly, and offering treats as reinforcement for good behaviour. Your actions serve as a blueprint for your child to follow. 

BODY LANGUAGE:

Observe your bird's body language carefully, paying attention to even the slightest signs of discomfort, such as leaning away. It's crucial to teach your children to respect these signals, as it helps the bird feel comfortable and more inclined to interact in the future. Pushing boundaries will only increase the bird's fear and could potentially escalate the behaviour, posing a risk to your little ones. 

DO NOT PUNISH YOUR BIRD FOR EXPRESSING FEAR OR DISCOMFORT:

If your bird feels frightened due to pushed boundaries or inappropriate handling, they may resort to lunging or biting as a way to escape the situation. These behaviours are often a sign that the bird's limits were exceeded. It's crucial not to scold or punish your bird but instead to have a better plan in place for handling similar situations in the future. Punishing your bird for expressing fear may inadvertently cause them to associate the child with negative experiences, potentially leading to further fear or aggression towards them. 

TRAINING:

Introducing basic training like point-to-point training and target stick training early on is crucial. These techniques are easy for both humans and parrots to grasp, with minimal pressure involved, and can be conducted entirely through protected contact, allowing your bird to remain in their cage. Not only do these training activities help your bird learn important skills, but they also serve as a wonderful opportunity to foster safe and positive interactions between children and birds. By engaging in these activities together, children can develop a deeper understanding of their feathered friends while building trust and respect between themselves and the bird. 

SIDE BY SIDE PLAY: 

Creating activities that both your children and birds can enjoy simultaneously is an excellent method for fostering socialisation between them. Remember, socialisation doesn't always require direct interaction. For instance, setting up a foraging activity for your bird while your child engages in drawing or another quiet activity nearby can be a wonderful approach.

SUPERVISION: 

Always ensure that an adult is present to actively supervise interactions between kids and birds. This supervision is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of both the child and the bird. Adults can intervene if the interaction becomes

too rough or if the bird shows signs of stress or discomfort. Additionally, having an adult present allows for teaching moments, where proper handling techniques and boundaries can be reinforced, ensuring that positive interactions are cultivated and maintained over time. 

In conclusion, fostering a positive relationship between children and parrots requires patience, understanding, and active involvement from adults. By modelling appropriate behaviour, setting boundaries, and providing supervision, we can create an environment where both children and birds can learn from each other and thrive.