Caique Seminar

Falcons More Closely Related to Parrots than to Hawks?

The idea of it leaves me a little spun, but makes sense when I think about it. A study done by the Field Museum involving a detailed look at the genetics of 169 birds had some surprising results. Convergent evolution is a lot more prevalent in the bird world than we guessed. I've trained birds professionally for 15 years, but my affinity has always been for parrots and falcons. I find myself speaking more and more in lectures about how my falconry informs my training style and critical thinking when working with parrots. Now perhaps I can claim the link between the two was always intuitive. Maybe people won't look at me like I'm insane when I explain the training the two families of birds is not so very different. Well, that may be too hopeful, but this is one more fabulous example of why parrot owners should keep reading and learning. Exciting times! Related??

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Parrot Training and Handling Guidelines

Make it your goal to create an environment in which a parrot appears relaxed and comfortable at all times. This can only be inferred from the parrot’s body language, specifically the behavior of feathers, eyes, head, wings, body, legs and feet.

Approach unfamiliar parrots slowly, calmly and quietly to avoid creating any signs of anxiety, fear responses or aggressive behavior.

If a parrot presents any signs of anxiety, fear, or aggressive behavior discontinue the actions creating this response, including lowering hands or stepping away from the parrot.

If a parrot presents aggressive behavior, immediately discontinue actions creating this response.

Keep your attention and your eyes focused on the parrot.

Avoid engaging in conversations with people around you when committed to an interaction with a parrot.

If you need to direct your attention away from the parrot for more than a few seconds put it back in the enclosure or carrier if that is a place where the parrot is relaxed.

Be aware of where you place or hold food in the presence of a parrot, as this can cause anxiety.

Be aware of how every action you do influences the parrot’s behavior and adjust your behavior moment by moment to maintain a calm bird.

Be aware of moving objects and how that may influence parrot behavior.

Move crate, carriers, cages that contain parrots with extreme care to minimize jostling or bumping the bird.

Prior to removing a flighted parrot from an enclosure or carrier, evaluate surroundings for safety and address any potential safety issues (cover large mirrors, shut doors, pull down shades, etc.).

If a parrot launches into flight, offer the parrot your steady, firm hand as a place to land.

Be aware of the parrot’s body and its proximity to surrounding objects. Avoid hitting tails, wings, and head on anything. This may require careful placement of the perch or hand where parrot is positioned.

Avoid creating a high level of arousal/excitement (e.g. bobbing or crest raising) by talking loudly or using other animated actions. This can sometimes contribute to the presentation of aggressive behavior.

While another person is working with a parrot, quietly observe as unobtrusively as possible to minimize distractions for both the parrot and the primary handler.


© Copyright 2007 Barbara Heidenreich and S.G. Friedman, PhD

New Parrot Podcast on Pet Life Radio

Favorite Foraging Toys?

I am a collector of foraging toys for my parrots, and am always looking for new good ones to add to the collection. I'd love to hear what other folks' birds' favorite foragers are - hopefully I'll find something new!

Here is a list of some of my birds' favorites.  I have two caiques, so these are all appropriate for small to medium birds (although many come in different sizes):

The Barrel o' Fun
Pyramid Puzzle (I use the small; I worry about the size of the holes on the large one)
Treasure Chest (Icarus' favorite!)
SS Hanging Cage (I have several variations on this)
Birdy Plunk (I have the hanging version)
Spinning Maze (Daedalus' favorite)
Any kind of pinata (Daedalus' other favorite)
"Peanut" Toy (Mine is shaped like a peanut, but same idea.)
Creative Foraging Systems' Starter Kit
Paradise Toys' Foraging Sphere
Popoutz bird feeders. (These are made for wild birds, but my guys LOVE them.)

Your turn! What are your birds' favorite foragers?