Category Archives: Problem Behaviors

Is Your Bird Really as Smart as a Toddler? Part 2

Posted on April 16, 2016 by Hillary

Second and final part of an article exploring the popular myth of parrot intelligence as it relates to human intelligence and how it effects their behavioral success in our homes. Continue reading →

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Is Your Bird Really As Smart As a Toddler? Part 1

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Hillary

Part 1 of a three part series on how treating parrots like we traditionally treat human children can lead to complicated behavior problems. We start with an exploration of the use of the word “NO” Continue reading →

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Parrot Behavior Myths: Is that a phase?

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Hillary

In this second installment of parrot behavior myths, we take a look at how some constructs such as the Terrible Two’s and the Honeymoon Phase can become self-perpetuating and in fact lead to an increase in behavior problems. Continue reading →

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Parrot Behavior Myths: Building Trust

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Hillary

There are many people out there eager to give advice when we ask for it from a variety of venues. How can some of the information out there help – and hinder – efforts to build trust with your new bird? Plus, tips to help us gauge the quality of methodological advice we receive. Continue reading →

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Biting parrots

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Hillary

Joining the World Parrot Trust’s “Ask an Expert” forum and why there is no quick one-size-fits-all solution to a biting bird. Continue reading →

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Use your words: Conditioning Sam to a new environment

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Hillary

Moluccan cockatoo Sam has a lot to teach about preventing and replacing problem behaviors! Continue reading →

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What TO do

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Hillary

When looking at behavior challenges, looking at what we want the bird to do to be successful will help train our brain to look for behaviors we want to see continue and increase, and thus, reinforce. Continue reading →

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Part II: R+ needs a strong supporting cast

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Hillary

My formal introduction to positive reinforcement was not exactly early on in my bird-owning career, but the concept was so effectively delivered that in one fell swoop, my quest for knowledge took a sharp turn in a new direction, leaving … Continue reading →

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