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Archive for the ‘Behavior’ Category

Eclectus parrots are very special birds, and while each of these birds have common traits and habits, each bird is unique in his or her own way – just as people are. There has been a great deal of research done concerning human personalities, but very little concerning the personality of Eclectus parrots. There are, however, numerous factors that determine the personality of these birds.

Take, for instance, socialization. If a chick is handled a great deal by his breeder, he will most likely be very social. However, if he is largely ignored, and only given the absolute minimal attention, he will most likely have pretty serious behavior problems that make him undesirable as a pet. He may be mean tempered, and his upbringing, so to speak, plays a role in that mean temper.

As you can see, for the most part an Eclectus parrot’s personality is determined by his surroundings, and the people in those surroundings – just a child’s personality is formed and developed. Therefore, if you want a sweet, loveable bird, you must be sweet and loveable to the bird.

It is vastly important that you have a clear understanding of your Eclectus parrots personality. If there ever comes a time when your parrot doesn’t feel well, or all is not right in his world, his personality will be the first change that you notice. A social bird may become a bit withdrawn. A loveable bird may become aggressive.

Also understand that Eclectus parrots become accustomed to things, and expect it all of the time. For example, if you spend an exorbitant amount of time with him the first few weeks that he is in your home, but then cut back the amount of time that you spend with him, he will most likely act out.

Overall, your Eclectus parrot will give you a serene feeling. His calm demeanor will make you calm. He can also be very funny at times, and as much as you enjoy his antics, he will enjoy making you laugh. He will perform tricks for you, in an effort to please you – and you must let him know that you are indeed pleased.

When you teach your Eclectus parrot to talk and sing, you will find that he has even more personality. He will happily chatter, with the most pleasant voice, and when he sings for you, you will find yourself enthralled.

Aside from his verbal skills, and his overall pleasing attitude, you will also find that your parrot is highly interested in everything that you do. It is important that you allow him to watch, and when it is safe, to even help. This is part of his socialization, and his personality. Some Eclectus parrots are more curious than others, and some simply want to investigate anything and everything, while others just want to see, but not investigate too closely.

Regardless, you can be sure that your Eclectus parrot is unlike any other bird of his breed. He has his own personality, and that personality is, for the most part, determined by you.

By Lance Winslow

Many bird lovers find themselves closer to birds than many people, indeed birds are our friends and they seem to be intrigued by humans for the most part. Many people have birds as pets and find them to be quite content to be our companions.

One author; Dale Sheldrake has written several books, which discuss how birds and people can communicate at times via brain waves or something other than verbal communication. His verified studies and research even show the ability of birds to communicate over many miles of separation. Yet how can this be? People cannot do that?

Well actually it appears people can. For instance have you ever heard your phone ring and just knew who it was or had been thinking about someone and suddenly they call? How do they do that anyway? Well, it turns out this is perfectly normal and although it does not happen so often in long-lost tribes they describe this ability as common and they use it to communicate. Very interesting.

And did you know that sometimes wild birds over 60 miles away and totally out of range will fly to a dead animal carcass which has been left right after the very first birds of their same species find it and land and start eating? How do they know? How do people communicate like this? My only question is how much abilities do we share with our feathered friends? Consider this in 2006.

Article Source: Lance Winslow

By Sunil Tanna

Birds have been found to be quite intelligent, and are able to communicate their needs and wants through their body language. If you study your bird’s body language, you will better be able to respond to your bird’s needs.

- If you remember you childhood, you may recall that when you were afraid that you have done something wrong that would be punished, you would try to hide or be invisible. Birds also behave like that. When a bird is afraid, it will try its best to remain unnoticed. Its eyes would be unblinking, and it would be staring straight ahead. Its wings would be kept as close as possible to the body, and the bird will stand unmoving.

- When your bird is excited, you are sure to notice. The bird will be moving as many parts of itself that it can, its head will be bobbing up and down, and it will be screeching at the top of its lungs.

-If only superficially observed, anger may easily be mistaken for excitement; however you can tell the difference by carefully observing your bird. An angry bird will be standing in an attack position, it will be puffed up and leaning forward. An angry bird will typically be weaving from left to right, and be just as noisy as an excited bird.

It is important to know what your pet bird is feeling at a particular time so that you will be able to react appropriately, and avoid getting bitten.

Article Source: http://Sunil Tanna

Just as small children need toys, your Eclectus parrot will require various toys throughout his life. You can’t view these toys as simple entertainment for your bird, however. Instead, you must view the toys that you provide as educational, and as an outlet for needed physical exercise. 

Your Eclectus parrot absolutely must have perches to rest on. These should be available both in and out of his aviary. Provide more than one perch inside the aviary, at varying levels. These are not necessarily crucial to exercise, but they are important for his comfort and well being.

After you have your perches, make sure that you include a calcium block in the cage. These hang, and generally act as toys, while providing needed calcium for your Eclectus parrot. With these two types of items included, you are ready for the really fun stuff.

Eclectus parrots love shiny things, as well as reflective items. A favorite toy will be a metal link chain. These chains are sold in pet stores, and typically have some type of attractive toy fastened to the end. Your Eclectus will spend hours climbing up and down the chain, in a vertical fashion, to play with that toy. Hang this item from the very center of the aviary, where he can’t touch the sides of the enclosure.

Plain rope is also enjoyed, and you can purchase rope swings and such as well. Buy quality rope, as picked and frayed rope can present entanglement dangers to your Eclectus parrot.

A block of wood is highly recommended. Most of the parrot’s toys will be hard and indestructible, but it is important for him to be able to destroy something, and a simple block of wood suits him perfectly. You can also purchase toys that are designed for shredding by parrots in most pet stores. Also include real branches from fruit trees in the aviary. These will be used for perching and climbing, and will also be ‘chewed.’

You know how beautiful your Eclectus parrot is, and he will enjoy seeing himself in the mirror as well. Every aviary cage needs a mirror so that your beautiful bird can admire himself. Also, include toys that make pleasant noises. Remember that your Eclectus parrot won’t enjoy loud, obnoxious noises, but he will thoroughly love gentle, pleasing noises, such as bells and wind chimes.

The important thing is to make sure that your Eclectus parrot has plenty to keep him busy and active. He also needs to remain interested. Remember that he has a short attention span, and therefore, one or two toys probably won’t keep him from getting bored. Finally, make it a point to rearrange the toys in his cage often, just to raise his interest. Some owners actually have two or three different sets of toys. They put one set in the aviary, and put the other two sets away. After a week or two, they rotate the toys, putting a fresh set in, and again, putting the other two away.

By Manuel Rose

Understanding basic parrot behavior will make it easier for you to interact with your bird. 
Here are some of the most common bird behaviors that I would like to share with you.

Beak Cleaning.

Just as you brush your teeth after every meal, your bird must clean its beak too.

You’ll see your parrot wiping its beak on the perch or bars of his cage after eating.

Beak Grinding.

Before your bird’s bedtime, you may hear strange grinding noises coming from your parrot.

This is the sound of a contented bird, and is nothing to be alarmed about.

Stretching.

Just like us, your bird needs to stretch from time to time.

You may notice your bird stretching its wings when you approach him.

That’s his way of greeting you.

Catnaps.

It’s normal for your parrot to take a few naps during the day.

Hissing Or Attacking.

Birds are territorial creatures and will defend their environment if they feel threatened.

Sometimes a change in your appearance will make the bird think that you are a stranger.

Preening Each Other.

This is a sign of affection.

Birds will preen (groom) each other or you.

If your bird preens your hair or mustache, consider it an honor.

Screaming.

If your parrot feels neglected, she will scream loudly in an attempt to get your attention.

Once your bird starts screaming, it can be a hard habit to break.

Night Frights.

Some birds are prone to night frights, (I know My Cockatiel Is).

These “night frights” occur when there is a loud noise in the middle of the night that will end up startling a bird into a thrashing frenzy.

If this happens to your bird, leave a night light on near its cage.

If You Find This Article Helpful, Please Link To It!

This article only touches the highlights of living with a parrot.

For much more detailed information, pick up a copy of our new DVD “Parrots-The How-To’s Of Caring, Understanding, And Training” available at www.knowyourparrot.com/

About The Author

Manuel Rose has researched and owned parrots since childhood.

He spent years reading several books and speaking to many avian veterinarians.

Manuel currently owns 3 parrots, his favorite a 13-year-old Blue and Gold macaw named Samantha, which he weaned as a baby.

Article Source: Manuel Rose