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Introducing Nature’s Nest Natural Cage Cleaner: Advanced Cleaning for Your Feathered Friend

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Nature

Introducing Nature’s Nest Natural Cage Cleaner: Advanced Cleaning for Your Feathered Friend

As bird enthusiasts, we’re thrilled to introduce Nature’s Nest Natural Cage Cleaner, a cutting-edge solution designed to revolutionize the way you clean your pet bird’s cage. Let’s take a closer look at what sets our product apart:

1. Gentle, Yet Effective Ingredients:

Our cleaner is formulated with a carefully selected blend of natural ingredients, each chosen for its cleaning prowess and safety around birds:

  • White Vinegar: Known for its powerful cleaning properties, white vinegar helps dissolve dirt, grime, and mineral deposits without harming your bird or the cage materials.
  • Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a refreshing scent while providing natural antibacterial properties to help keep your bird’s environment clean and healthy.
  • Spearmint Essential Oil: Spearmint essential oil not only adds a pleasant fragrance but also contributes to the overall freshness of the bird’s cage.

2. Advanced Cleaning Action:

Nature’s Nest Natural Cage Cleaner goes beyond surface cleaning, penetrating into cracks and crevices to ensure a thorough clean. Its gentle yet effective formula removes stubborn residues while leaving behind a fresh, citrusy scent that both you and your bird will love.

3. Safety First:

We understand the importance of safety when it comes to products used around pets. That’s why our cleaner is free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. You can feel confident knowing that you’re providing a clean and safe environment for your feathered friend. Our natural formula ensures that no harmful chemicals are introduced to your bird’s habitat, protecting your pet’s health and well-being.

4. Easy to Use:

Simply spray Nature’s Nest Natural Cage Cleaner onto the cage surfaces, allow it to do its work for a few moments, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or paper towel. It’s quick, easy, and hassle-free, so you can spend more time enjoying quality moments with your bird.

Conclusion:

Nature’s Nest Natural Cage Cleaner is more than just a cleaning product—it’s a testament to our commitment to providing innovative, safe solutions for bird owners. With its gentle yet effective formula and natural ingredients, it’s the perfect choice for keeping your pet bird’s cage clean, fresh, and welcoming. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a naturally clean cage. Try it today and experience the difference for yourself!

Source: Nature’s Nest

The Importance of Regular Avian Check-Ups

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Avian

The Importance of Regular Avian Check-Ups

For avian enthusiasts, feathered companions aren’t just pets; they are cherished members of the family. Just like any other pet, birds require proper care and attention to lead happy and healthy lives. One essential aspect of avian care that often goes overlooked is regular veterinary check-ups. In this article, we will discuss the significance of veterinary care for pet birds and how it plays a crucial role in avian health. 



The Importance of Veterinary Care for Pet Birds

  • Early Detection of Health Issues: Regular avian check-ups are crucial for detecting and addressing health issues in birds at an early stage. Birds are masters at hiding signs of illness, making it challenging for their owners to notice when something is wrong. A skilled avian veterinarian can identify subtle changes in behavior or physical appearance that may indicate underlying health problems.
  • Preventative Care: Avian vets can provide essential preventative care, such as vaccinations and parasite control, to ensure your bird remains healthy and disease-free. Preventing diseases is often more cost-effective and less stressful than treating them once they’ve taken hold.
  • Professional Wing Feather Clipping: Regular avian check-ups every three months provide an opportunity for professional wing feather clipping. Trimming a bird’s wing feathers helps prevent accidental flights and keeps them safe within their environment. This procedure should only be performed by an avian vet to ensure it is done safely and without causing harm.
  • Beak and Nail Maintenance: Birds’ beaks and nails continuously grow, and if left unchecked, they can become overgrown and cause problems. Avian vets are trained to trim and file these growths safely to prevent discomfort and injuries to your feathered friend.

Dr. Coetzee de Beer at CARE: Our Trusted Avian Vet

When it comes to the health and well-being of your beloved bird, having a trusted avian veterinarian is essential. We are proud to recommend Dr. Coetzee de Beer at The Centre for Avian, Reptiles, and Exotics (CARE) as our preferred avian vet. Dr. de Beer is a highly experienced and dedicated professional who concentrates in avian care. He played a vital role in assisting us with our pellet formulation, which is why he is our recommended vet. Dr. de Beer is passionate about helping birds lead happy, healthy lives and is committed to providing the best possible veterinary care for your feathered companions.


Conclusion

Regular avian check-ups are a vital aspect of responsible pet ownership, ensuring that your feathered friend receives the care and attention they deserve. In addition to routine health monitoring, avian vets can perform essential procedures like wing feather clipping, beak, and nail maintenance. These procedures are crucial for your bird’s safety and well-being and should only be done by a qualified avian veterinarian like Dr. Coetzee de Beer at CARE. Your bird’s health and happiness are worth every effort, so schedule those check-ups today!

 

International Crane Foundation Registers Carbon Offsetting Project for 90,000 Hectares; Addresses Greenhouse Gas Emissions to Protect Habitat and Farmers in South Africa

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crane

International Crane Foundation Registers Carbon Offsetting Project for 90,000 Hectares; Addresses Greenhouse Gas Emissions to Protect Habitat and Farmers in South Africa

Aug. 13, 2024 (South Africa) – As part of the long-term commitment to protect threatened crane habitat in the Drankensburg region of South Africa, the International Crane Foundation – in partnership with Endangered Wildlife Trust – announces registration in one of only six registered carbon offsetting projects in the world using Voluntary Carbon Market Methodology – and covering the widest geographical footprint in the country.  

Organized by WeAct, an Australian company that provides expertise on carbon project development and carbon trading operations globally, project developers must first apply for registration in the Voluntary Carbon Market through VERRA, the group that sets the world’s leading standards for climate action and environmental conservation.

Carbon offsetting is considered a sustainable financing option by providing investments that reduce or remove emissions, improve livelihoods and protect the environment. Carbon credits are sold on the market with revenue returned to landowners. Landowners are rewarded financially as they implement sustainable and improved land management practices that contribute to a healthier ecosystem, are friendly to cranes, and promote greater biodiversity.

The International Crane Foundation has worked in the Drankensburg region for more than 15 years. Home to three species of threatened cranes – Wattled, Blue and Grey-Crowned Cranes – this region’s ecosystem has been at risk from mining, infrastructure development, invasive species, uncontrolled fire and agricultural expansion. These factors have reduced habitat for cranes and other species, and pose significant challenges to landowners, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of people who live and work in this region.

“We know these are complex problems,” said Pieter Botha, project manager at the International Crane Foundation, and this requires innovative solutions. Exploration of the carbon trading market has been one of our key strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration, to improve the state of these fragile habitats.”

Botha said the cost associated with the removal of greenhouse gas emissions to improve the soil needs to be recovered as landowners cannot do it on their own. Removing CO2 from the atmosphere is a cheaper alternative than dealing with the consequences of global warming.

The Drakensburg project covers 90,000 hectares (approximately 222,000 acres). Almost 88,500 hectares is managed by the Foundation and Trust as a Carbon Management Entity. The Entity covers several critical areas through biodiversity stewardship agreements with landowners.

“Carbon trading is not frequently discussed among farmers as it is not part of their daily production cycle on the farm.,” said Botha. “For many landowners, this was a foreign idea, and careful negotiation and education is required to explain the complexities of the project. It takes a long time to engage with landowners, explain the benefits of participating in the project, and getting them to commit to an agreement.”

Farmers are custodians of large tracts of land, which is also home to many diverse species. The Foundation understands that farming has many challenges and no state assistance or subsidies are available in South Africa. This project aims to assist farmers by offsetting costs that come with conservation, creating an enabling environment for proactive conservation.

The project implemented a four-year cycle of carbon credit verification and issuance, with a goal to ensure a 30-year commitment to the project. Anticipated revenue is substantive.

“We believe this approach will mitigate the effects of global warming while creating resilient habitats for our crane population,” said Botha. “This pioneering approach will result in increased carbon in the soil, while providing relief to our resilient farmers to protect their livelihoods and create conservationists at the same time.” 

The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend. We are a non-profit conservation organization established in 1973 and registered in the United States of America. We have knowledge, leadership, and inspiration to engage people in resolving threats to cranes and their diverse landscapes. From its 300-acre headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the Foundation reach extends across the globe, with offices and staff in China, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa, as well as Texas. It works through strong partnerships with local organizations, governments, universities, businesses, and others in these regions. More than 125 Foundation staff and partners work with a network of hundreds of specialists in 50 countries on five continents. The Foundation is committed to a future where all 15 of the world’s crane species are secure. Through the charisma of cranes, the International Crane Foundation envisions a future where people work together for wild crane populations and the landscapes they depend on – and by doing so, find new pathways to sustain our water, land, and livelihoods. Visit savingcranes.org for more information and to support our work.

Founded in 1973, the Endangered Wildlife Trust is dedicated to conserving threatened species and ecosystems in southern and East Africa to the benefit of all. We are driven by a team of passionate and dedicated conservationists working through 13 specialised programmes across southern and East Africa, each falling under one of our three key strategic pillars: Saving species, conserving habitats, and benefitting people. Our critical work includes conducting applied research, supporting community-led conservation, training and building capacity, addressing human-wildlife conflict, monitoring threatened species, and establishing safe spaces for wildlife range expansion. The EWT works with key partners, including communities, businesses, landowners, academic institutions, and governments, to create a sustainable future for wildlife and people. Find out more at www.ewt.org.za

Source: The International Crane Foundation

Why you shouldn’t give your birds attention when they scream

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bird

Why you shouldn’t give your birds attention when they scream

One of the most common reasons for parrots being surrendered is their screaming.

It is important to understand the reasons why your parrot is screaming and how to handle each scenario. Listen closely to your parrot and you’ll quickly realize that their screaming is due to either being bored, seeking attention, being injured, stressed, not feeling well or an expression of joy.

We unintentionally teach our parrots to scream when we pay attention to their screaming bouts. Research shows that if we want this behaviour to continue then we need to pay attention to it. We fail at trying to control the situation by yelling back at the parrot or by running to them every time they scream. We are positively reinforcing their bad behaviour by going to parrots and giving them the attention, they are demanding. Birds are very clever, they quickly learn that screaming will lead to attention, in this way they are training their owners instead of the other way around.

Yelling at your parrot when they are screaming, isn’t helping you at all. In the wild parrots ‘scream’ to locate each other or to communicate with each other about food, predators and they also ‘chat’ at dusk (flock calling). So, if you think they will respond to your yelling by being quiet you are mistaken, all you are doing is reinforcing their screaming as they take that that you are busy having a conversation with him/her. They see it as bonding time!

So, what can I do to decrease my parrot’s screaming bouts? One way is by rewarding them when they are playing by themselves and being quiet. The best way to respond to screaming is to ignore the screaming and positively reinforce quiet behaviour by paying attention to them during the times when they are playing quietly. After a while, they will notice that screaming does not accomplish the same response from you, and that quiet behaviour leads to the attention they desire. Rewarding positive behaviour is acceptable and ignoring unacceptable behaviour is the best way to deal with problem behaviours in parrots.

Written by: Marianka Meiring
Source: Cheeky Beaks

Avian Anxiety

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Avian

Avian Anxiety

Anxiety is a lot more common than anyone likes, not only in people but companion birds too.

The thing is, these birds have been removed from their natural habitats, where their wild instincts and flocks kept them comfortable and happy. Now, we put them in our homes and expect them to adjust overnight. Domestic pets like cats and dogs, have been bred over generations, to live alongside humans, in their homes, happily. Parrots are bred simply for reproduction, and there is little difference between obtaining a baby bird from a tree and one from a breeder. So with that come issues like anxiety.

Anxiety can present in many forms, from digestive issues, self mutilation, plucking, excessive vocalisations, to aggression, and even physical illness. We have spent thousands on running every test imaginable, consulting with every specialist available, only to be told the bird has anxiety.

So how do you manage anxiety? Your first step is to become best friends with your avian vet. They’re your inside view into your birds body and mind, and the greatest asset you can have when taking on a new bird. Once every physical possibility is ruled out, you start to explore their mental health. Note their behavior towards every action and move you make, the tone of your voice, how you present food to them. Pay attention to when their behavior or physical health starts to change, there is always a clue in there somewhere.

Once you’ve accurately determined their triggers, what exactly makes them uncomfortable and how they respond to it, you go from there.

There are several treatment options available for avian anxiety, which need to be discussed with your avian vet to determine which will work best for you. There are medications, and supplements, even physical aids to assist in managing these symptoms. But it’s important to never just experiment on your own, and only do so under expert guidance. I have worked with several anxious birds, with such vastly different symptoms and solutions.

My own cockatoo, the infamous Chap, suffers from massive anxiety, and is currently on a monthly hormone treatment to reduce symptoms. He was ready to wean off, but hormone season but a spanner in the works for us, so we keep going until he’s in a better place mentally. Chap’s anxiety presents as plucking, and fear. He’s never aggressive, or excessively vocal, he just gets scared of the world around him, and something as simple as a bandaid on my finger can set us back 2 days.

Another fairly well know case is Rosie, the Alexandrine. Rosie experienced some trauma in her previous home, which resulted in anxiety and PTSD. We used a similar hormone treatment on her for a while, as well as CBD, but upon finding her perfect match and new home, she is currently thriving and totally unmedicated.

Another very interesting case was a young male eclectus. Initially he was thought to possibly have PBFD, considering how ill he was, he presented with discoloration on his skin, very poor feather quality, and even cysts. On top of that he was also showing signs of aggression and excessive vocalisations. After running every possible test, amounting to thousands of Rands, he came back with a spotless bill of health. His trigger is his environment, and his recovery was rapid and truly astounding with me, as soon as his environmental triggers were removed, he had no reason to show any forms of anxiety. It is so interesting to note the different ways in which anxiety presents, alongside the various treatments. There is no one size fits all, and definitely no quick fix. It’s vitally important to have a strong support network in place to manage these conditions, and a team of experts willing to offer guidance and treatment options. While we are not qualified vets, we do work closely with them, and have a vast network that can be utilized to help your beloved friend.

Written By: Abi Strachan

Source: Cheeky Beaks

Nurturing Hope: Take a stand for the African penguin with us!

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Hope

Nurturing Hope: Take a stand for the African penguin with us!

One of our most heartwarming initiatives at SANCCOB is our Chick Rearing Unit and Nursery, where abandoned chicks and those hatched at SANCCOB receive the loving care they need to thrive.  Most of these chicks are rescued from colonies in Simons Town (Boulders Beach) and Stony Point, Cape Town, in collaboration with managing authorities, where dedicated Seabird Rangers monitor the colonies, rescue little ones in need of assistance – and transport them to SANCCOB for rehabilitative and veterinary care.

A Safe Haven for African Penguin Chicks and Eggs

SANCCOB serves as a sanctuary for African penguin chicks and eggs, most of whom have been abandoned by their parents. Reasons for abandonment vary but are mostly due to parents having to spend more time at sea and away from their young, to try and find food. This lack of food availability, and extreme weather events caused from climate change, have had a devastating effect of African penguin populations. These vulnerable little ones are given a second chance at life, thanks to the dedicated team of rehabilitation personnel who act as surrogate caregivers.

Hope

A Structured Routine for Growth

Our Chick Rearing Unit and Nursery teams follow a structured routine that prioritises the health and well-being of each little penguin. Daily activities include:

  • Feeding: Our team carefully monitors feeding schedules, ensuring that each little penguin receives a balanced diet tailored to their specific needs. This is crucial for their growth and overall health.
  • Health Checks: Regular health assessments help us catch any potential issues early. Our team are trained to identify signs of distress or illness, ensuring that every penguin is in optimal condition.
  • Naps: Rest is vital for growing penguins! Our personnel are committed to ensure a peaceful environment, where noise levels and human interaction as kept to a minimum. Our goal is to release these little one’s back into the wild to bolster the wild population, so it is imperative that they remain as wild as possible.
  • Swim Time: After a few weeks, the chicks start losing their fluffy down feathers and develop their waterproof plumage. At this stage, the juvenile penguins are ready to swim – the most exciting part of their day! Under the watchful eyes of our dedicated personnel, juvenile penguins are encouraged to take their first plunges into water. This not only helps them develop essential swimming skills but also builds their confidence.

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Cath: A Dedicated Volunteer

One of SANCCOB’s dedicated volunteers, Cath, plays a crucial role in guiding young penguins as they navigate their early aquatic experiences. With her unwavering commitment, Cath stays close to the penguins in the water, ensuring that they are safe and gaining the strength they need. The goal is for the penguin to swim for one hour, without assistance, before being considered fit enough for release to transition back into the wild.

A Bright Future for Seabirds

At SANCCOB, we believe that every seabird deserves a chance to thrive. With the support of our community and dedicated team, we are making a difference, one seabird at a time. Join us in our mission to protect seabirds and their habitats. Together, we can create a world where African penguins thrive.

If you would like to make a difference, we invite you to donate to SANCCOB. Your donation helps us cover the care and costs associated with African penguin conservation. Your support not only nurtures these vulnerable birds but also plays a vital role in their journey back to the wild. DONATE HERE 

By 2035, African Penguins could be extinct in the wild

The African Penguin is facing extinction in the wild within the next decade, with less than 10,000 breeding pairs remaining. Their primary food sources, sardines and anchovies, are rapidly depleting due to climate change and commercial fishing, leaving the penguins starving. Current no-take zones fail to adequately protect key foraging areas, forcing penguins to compete with fisheries. As crucial indicators of marine health and vital to South Africa’s ecotourism, saving African Penguins means taking a stand for ecologically sustainable fishing practices and ocean conservation worldwide. Sign the petition now to urge the government to create stronger no-take zones around key African Penguin colonies to ensure sufficient prey for their survival. Additionally, enforcing marine pollution regulations and closing legal loopholes which are essential to protect penguin breeding from harmful environmental disruptions. SIGN NOW!

Hope

Sign the petition HERE!

Source: SANCCOB

First Impressions- Tips For Adopting/Fostering A Rescue Parrot

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First Impressions- Tips For Adopting/Fostering A Rescue Parrot

Introducing a feathered friend to your home can be most exciting. Bear in mind however, that like us, birds come with baggage, trauma triggers, and oftentimes undesirable behaviour. Having the grit to work with that bird, through the good and the bad, can make all the difference in changing its life for the better. Animal behaviourist, Lizelle Britz-Chapman, has a few tips for those who decide to foster or adopt a rescue bird.

“Accept the bad, hope for the best”

Doing so will ensure that you will not set yourself up for a failure. If you think about a bird that has been abused, for example, then you already know it will not be an easy task. However, you may be surprised. Some birds adapt faster than others, meaning that its rehabilitation may not be so challenging after all but do be prepared for potentially long journey.

Getting to know your bird

Birds are perceptive enough to hide what they are feeling. This is understandable, as if they express stress or anxiety in the wild, they make for easy prey. In that case, take what you observe with a pinch of salt. Your bird may appear relaxed, but this may not be the case. Give your parrot around 5 days to properly ascertain how it responds to you.

 
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How to settle in your parrot

Before you bring your parrot home, ensure that you have everything set up. A week before the bird arrives, make sure that the cage is in place, if possible. Ensure that food and water are in place just before you place the bird inside. This means that you can avoid sticking your hands in the cage within the first 12 to 24 hours. Setting a precedent of respect for your bird’s space can make all the difference – especially if it has been abused or neglected in the past.

You do not need to ignore your bird, however. Talk to it, put on a radio or TV for some ambient noise that may soothe the parrot and allow it to adjust to the normal, if not softer, sounds of your home.

Toys

People are usually so excited to adopt their birds that they hang every toy they’ve bought up in the cage – and it’s the worst thing you can do, as it is extremely overwhelming. Have one or two toys that aren’t extremely bright in the cage to begin with. Getting a parrot used to engaging with toys is part of the rehabilitation process. Parrots should be able to entertain themselves and not always be dependent on human interaction.

Make sure that they have space to move around and up and down as they like. Depending on the bird that you have, different types of toys are more suitable. Larger birds will need larger wooden toys as their large beaks can destroy toys more easily. Smaller birds can enjoy toys with popsicle sticks, smaller wooden blocks, and paper for example. Foraging is important for all parrots and can be introduced slowly while they learn how to forage.

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In the same way that there are different big cats, there are also different parrots. There are “old world parrots,” such as African Greys, Macaws and Amazons, and “new world parrots,” such as cockatoos and those that live in close proximity to humans. Old world parrots are typically scavenging birds. They enjoy being on the ground, gnawing on things, tearing them apart. Let this guide your decision to provide toys that they can chew such as wood or scavenger boxes. As your bird acclimatizes, you can begin to add more toys.

New school parrots are natural problem solvers. They require things that they can pick at, forage and solve.

A common mistake among fosters is overwhelming the parrot on the first day or week. We recommend leaving cleaning to once the bird has settled and is calm. Cleaning the cage on the first day can overwhelm the bird and lengthen the recovery process. This doesn’t apply to a situation where the cage is a so severe that it is a risk for the human or bird’s health.

Diet

Many rescue birds have been deprived of a healthy diet, and some forced to survive only on seeds or nuts. The first thing Lizelle wants people to remember is that it can take months to get a bird on a proper diet. There are also birds that will never be 100% converted. If you aware of a history of an only-seed diet, don’t pull out the seeds immediately, as the bird will not eat. In that case, seeds and a portion of pellets mixed together may do the trick. Additionally, you can add in a food that has a nice smell to it, such as pineapple or apple, something tangy. Sprouted seeds are also a healthier version of seeds that can help parrots’ transition to eating healthier foods. Other ideas to help transition a parrot include making a veggie mash and hiding the seeds in it and offering the vegetables in different ways (chopped fine or given in larger chunks, cooked or raw).

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Give it time and be persistent. As the parrots becomes accustomed to being in your home, you can introduce more foods. Remember that variety is crucial. There are also many calming teas (such as chamomile) that you can add in the water if need be.

Biting

All bird owners share this burden. Biting is, to some degree, inevitable, no matter how friendly your bird is. Parrots bite for various reasons – such as fear, nervousness, or simply desiring more attention from you. Luckily, there are some techniques to avoid those nasty bites.

When it comes to this, it is important to know that your bird won’t bite without cause. An attention seeking bite is the worst kind, as it has developed into a routine and the parrot actually has to learn some manners.

Nervousness and fear can be worked with, using target training and positive reinforcement, during which the bird will build a bond with you.

In her experience, Lizelle advises those to deal with biting birds by placing them on the ground immediately after the incident. A bird on the ground is vulnerable, it will then understand that if it bites, it is not high up anymore, nor protected.

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A parrot will give you a sign before it bites, either puffing up its feathers, diluting its pupils or even hissing. If you respond to a bird that is puffing itself up by walking away, you are communicating with it, and subsequently that bird will learn that it doesn’t need to bite you.

You can also work on your relationship by respecting its boundaries, especially if the bird is not happy to be handled, in the following ways:

  • Give the bird space
  • Give it treats through the bars
  • Talk to it

With a bird that is biting for attention, you may have to get someone in to come and start training the bird. There is no quick fix for that, and it may be a behaviour that might remain. You can have a perfectly trained bird, and it may still bite.

They are unpredictable, but you will learn how to read that bird as you go along.

Lizelle warns bird owners to not put birds back in their cages when they bite. If you do, they will learn that biting and the cage share a negative connection, in terms of space. Birds will be unwilling to return to their cages after some time. It needs to be their safe space.

Give them a few seconds after you put them on the floor, while keeping an eye on them, of course. See what they want to do, if they come to you, it means that they consider you a safe place.

Touch and handling

Pointing fingers are very intimidating for a bird. It is overwhelming. Similarly, hand games are a no-go if you want to keep your fingers intact. Rather get a ball with a bell, and roll it around with your bird. Your hands are there for handling, and to work with the bird.

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People also need to be extremely careful about where they touch their bird. Never touch your bird on its backs or wings. When you scratch their back, stomachs, wings and tails, you are actually enticing a mating behaviour – which leads to bad behaviour, biting, and frustration. Touching the head and the feet is safe in terms of working on a bond with your bird.

Avoid trauma triggers

Avoid quick movements. In the wild, this means they are in danger. Don’t surprise your bird by walk up to it from behind, for example. Make sure they can see you coming, or talk to them before you reach them.

Pay attention to the story that comes with the bird. If your bird is aggressive towards men, or people with specific hair colours, you will need to keep this in mind to avoid inciting further trauma. You will need to pin point these triggers, which is why is the first few days are so crucial. Carefully observe their body language.

Be prepared for noise

Bird owners will know all about loud noises. Screaming can go on for hours. This is why the method works as an attention seeking behaviour. People will get frustrated, neighbours may complain, so in most cases, one will relent and go and fetch the bird.

The bird will, therefore, understand that it can manipulate you in this way. If you find this to be the case, the best tactic is to divert its attention. Give it something to do as spoken about by the topic of toys. Parrots love noises and colours. Putting on a children’s movie, or something with movement is a great way to entertain your parrot. Once your bird is calm, you can go and fetch it.

In the beginning, it is hard. Try to ignore the behaviour as best you can. Sometimes the bird may just be having a tantrum. People tend to forget that parrots have the mentality of toddlers, and do not have the capability to understand when they are in a time out, for example.

Therefore, you must communicate accordingly, and let go of the notion that you can reason with your bird in simple ways.

Written by: Fern Bamber

Source: Cheeky Beaks