Bird-Center.net

Archive for the ‘Behavior’ Category

Eclectus parrots are very special birds, and to many owners, they are often like small children. They definitely each have their own personalities, but they also have two  growing stages that can be quite trying. These growing stages are similar to a human child’s terrible twos and puberty. Here is a breakdown of both of these growing stages.

The Terrible Twos – The terrible twos for Eclectus parrots occurs between the ages of three and five months. It is during this time that they are generally naughty – and into everything. They will essentially test the boundaries set by the breeder, the owner, or their actual parent. It is during this time that the young Eclectus parrot needs to learn who is boss (you).

It is very vital to your bird’s future behavior that you do not tolerate his bad behavior during the terrible twos. For example, you must make him do what it is that you want him to do, instead of allowing him to do what he wants to do during training sessions. This does not mean, however, that he should be punished. Essentially, you need to show him that you are dominant. During this period, experts advise that you should not let the bird sit on your shoulder, as this puts him above your eye level, which in his world means that he is dominant.

Puberty – When your Eclectus parrot is about nine months old, he will start going through what is essentially puberty. Just as human teenagers have raging emotions, these birds also have raging emotions, and they look for a way to deal with them. This stage, unfortunately, can last until the bird is about two or three years old.

Of the two growing stages, this one is often the hardest for the owner to deal with, because it lasts the longest. The good news is that unless your Eclectus parrot has been demonstrating poor behavior before this period, he will grow out of it, just as most teenagers do. During this time, you may notice extreme mood swings, screaming that takes place more often, shadow boxing, and even masturbation. It is also during this time, of course, that the Eclectus parrot will start showing obvious interest in the opposite sex.

The key to getting through both of these trying times is patience – just as though you were dealing with a human child. However, discipline really isn’t suggested, since the Eclectus parrot won’t understand it. Instead, encourage more appropriate behavior, and understand that your beloved bird will outgrow these awkward stages, and he will become the bird that you’ve grown to love once again.

Those who are interested in owning birds usually consider an Eclectus parrot. This is especially true if they want a bird that is truly social with human beings. Because Eclectus parrots are often hand fed, or hand reared, starting before their eyes even open, these birds learn to not only depend on humans for their care, they have a true social interest in those humans as well.

However, not all Eclectus parrots are social. Some can be downright mean when confronted by human beings, or at the very least, not very well behaved. What happens to these birds to make them anti-social, and how can you be sure that the Eclectus parrot that you adopt will enjoy socialization with you?

First, let’s look at why some Eclectus parrots, which are known for their socialization, may become less than social. This usually happens because they are not handled enough as chicks. An Eclectus parrot may be handled enough by the breeder, but then not handled enough by the people who adopt him, and this can lead to socialization problems as well. In some instances, a bird may become anti-social if he is not fed properly. So, as you can see, the cause of most social problems are not the fault of the bird, or a bad personality, but the fault of the people responsible for his love and care.

With that said, it is essential that you choose your breeder carefully. You want to select a breeder who really cares a great deal about the birds. A hand feeder is best, and you need to find out how much the chicks are handled throughout the day while they are with the breeder.

Once the chick comes to your home, you absolutely must continue having a great deal of contact with him. You should touch him all over, while he is young, so that he becomes accustomed to your touch. You should also talk to him constantly. Use a clam, serene voice when doing so.

It is absolutely vital that you not keep your Eclectus parrot caged all the time. He needs to be let out of his cage for at the very least an hour a day, and preferably for longer periods of time. Some owners allow their birds to roam free all day, as long as they are home to supervise, only returning the bird to his cage at bedtime, or when they must leave the house. This freedom that he experiences is actually a part of his socialization.

Finally, realize that there is no point where it is okay to stop giving your Eclectus parrot so much time and attention. This is time and attention that he will require for his entire life – just as you require time and attention from your human loved ones for your own well-being. If you continue to love and socialize with your Eclectus parrot, he will be well adjusted, and obviously quite social. In fact, you may find that he becomes your best friend, and your closest confidant.

By Michael Russell

Fact: not all birds like each other. So if having just one feathered friend in your house isn’t enough for you then please keep that in mind before going out and stocking up on a few of these as pets. 

The sad truth is, most bird owners dream that they can buy any kind of bird, group them all together in one little cage and have a wonderful utopia where everyone gets along. Even though many birds are easy to get along with, there are some that are very territorial, possessive, jealous, aggressive and just flat out nasty towards other birds. This makes populating your bird cage with several specious a potentially explosive situation. Often times, birds of the same species can learn to get along, even in a confined space. But it is potentially dangerous to place two birds of different species in a cage together. You’re practically invited a steal cage death match. 

Having said that, there are many birds of different species that live harmoniously together all over the world, even in the wild. But this is the exception rather than the rule. Even birds of the same species don’t get along just like not all humans get along.

Before attempting to introduce your bird to a cage mate you should take a realistic look at your bird and evaluate him. Is he docile? Does he get along well with you? Or is he a biter and nasty? If your bird already has a rotten disposition, chances are that if you bring home a friend he is going to be road kill before the night is over. Birds of the same type of temperament usually get along together. For example, a bird who is naturally curious will get along very well with another bird who is naturally curious. They will probably spend most of the time getting to know each other. This usually leads to a harmonious relationship.

It would be easy to say that there is a general rule of thumb when it comes to what birds will get along with what birds. The experts say that if a bird can get along with a species so different from itself, such as us humans, then theoretically they should be able to get along with another bird, even if it is of another species. The truth is, sometimes they will get along and sometimes they won’t. The only hard and fast rule is this. If one of the birds is much smaller than the other, make sure the smaller bird is the one who came first. Also make sure the new roommate is a younger bird so it won’t try to eat the smaller bird right away. This will give the two time to get to know each other and possibly form a bond. Baby birds in general have an easier time adapting to another bird. Trying to get two full grown birds of different species to get along is just looking for trouble, especially if one is much larger than the other.

Make sure you monitor the situation. If it appears there is going to be trouble don’t wait for the worst to happen. Remove the newer bird from the cage. You don’t want to remove the original bird because it is used to its surroundings and you’re only going to upset it.

Bottom line is this. When attempting to integrate two birds together do so with caution. Just like with people, not all birds, even of the same species, get along.

Article Source: Michael Russell

By Jon O’bergh

Researchers who study birds know that the quality of the birdsong is a good indicator of fitness. Evolutionary biologist Marlene Zuk, writing in the entertaining Riddled With Life: Friendly Worms, Ladybug Sex, and the Parasites That Make Us Who We Are, describes how disease and parasites drive the evolution of showy colors, structures and behavior. She and a colleague theorized that female birds use these features to select males who are more parasite-free, and thus species with more parasites should have evolved flashier colors and songs to distinguish the fittest males.

Indeed, their research showed that brighter bird species had more parasites, as did those that sang more musically complex songs. In another study, researchers discovered that the type of immunity exerted an influence on birdsong: the number of song bouts was higher in birds with better cell-mediated immunity (general immunity that aids wound healing) and the length of the bouts greater in birds with better humoral (i.e., antibody) immunity.

In addition to the role of birdsong in the mating ritual, many birds have unique songs that they sing under special circumstances: flight, aggression, dawn, nightfall. Recently, while walking in a park at dusk, I heard emanating from one dense tree an almost deafening cacophony like a hundred teenagers on the phone. As I passed close to the avian highrise, the twittering abruptly stopped: “Shh! My parents are listening.” Once I’d passed underneath, it started up again. Some researchers theorize that these peak activities at dusk and dawn occur because acoustic factors make these the best times for sound transmission over distance.

Birds use calls to warn other birds of predators. Domestic chickens have distinct alarm calls for aerial and ground predators, a practice observed in some mammalian species as well. Individual birds also seem to be able to identify each other through their calls: mothers and chicks, mates, members of a flock.

Many birds engage in duet calls, where the male’s call is answered antiphonally by the female in a call and response, but the significance of this is unclear. Some birds, such as starlings and mockingbirds, creatively incorporate arbitrary musical bits learned during the individual’s lifetime. In many species, although the basic song is the same for all members of the species, young birds learn some details of their songs from their fathers, which get passed down through generations.

Composers have long been interested in representing birdsong in music. One of the earliest surviving pieces is the 13th century “Sumer is icumen in,” which imitates the cuckoo. Beethoven and Mahler each imitated birdsong in a symphony, as did Bartok in the third piano concerto. Birdsong features prominently in the music of 20th century composer Olivier Messiaen. Jazz clarinetist David Rothenberg has written an informative book, Why Birds Sing: A Journey Into the Mystery of Bird Song, and recorded a CD of music based on the sounds of birds.

Article Source: Jon O’bergh