How To Prevent Screaming Of Pet Birds

Last month I went for a discussion of parrot owners; most owners agreed that parrots made a lot of noise, but felt that screaming was a nuisance to them and their neighbors and needs to be stopped. Their discussion centered round the dos and don’ts of parrot screaming.

Here were some of the points of discussion:

• Most parrots make a fair amount of noise on a regular basis; Amazons, cockatoos and Aratinga conures, such as sun conures or Jenday conures, are known for making a lot of noise, while budgies chatter and cockatiels whistle.  

• When your pet bird screeches make sure it is safe; birds make different noises at different times with some being alarms. Just be observant and note the different calls to ensure when your bird is safe and when it needs your help.  

• Many birds scream to get the attention of their owners; teach your birds how to play on their own. Most birds learn playing by observing other birds; it would be a good idea to enjoy a toy in the bird’s presence. Make sure your pet has a variety of entertaining toys that are rotated frequently; this will leave the bird less time to fret and scream.

• It is futile to yell, punish or bang the bars of the bird’s cage as a response to the pet bird’s screaming; the bird will not stop screaming and it would also lose trust in you and the members of the human race.

• However busy you are, make it a habit to greet your bird at least when you come home; it is quite possible he has been waiting for you eagerly. In its absence the bird could react with righteous indignation.

• Even when you are around at home make it a point to call the bird frequently; you would then be successful in nipping its habit of screaming in the bud.

• Never call or reappear in response to a scream; if your bird talks teach it to say "Hello” or "Whatcha doin” or to make other pleasing sounds like a lip-smacking kiss or a good wolf whistle as a contact call. Encourage the bird to use the contact call and reward it; responding in an acceptable way to a contact call would teach the bird that a contact call and not a scream would produce the desired results.  

• When you have to leave the bird’s room for a short while, use a cue like "Be right back!” consistently. This would reassure the bird that you will reappear soon and there is nothing to worry. You could use the cue “Be a good bird today!” when you head off to work.

• Lastly understand that screaming would take some time to undo; your bird may also scream louder and more often initially.  Do not give up, but stay focused on your goal until it stops screaming and both you and the pet bird will be happy.

Image Courtesy: Google