As the market for parrots as pets grows, so does the number of abandoned parrots. Many parrot owners do not understand the commitment required in owning a parrot. They become easily frustrated, and ultimately choose to give up. Parrot rescue shelters and pet stores are full of parrots waiting for homes. However, if making the decision to choose a parrot companion from a shelter or store instead of from a breeder becomes a real possibility, owners must be aware of some behavioral problems that shelter or store parrots may have accumulated.
Many pet stores and shelters are not well equipped to deal with the needs and demands that specialty parrots may have. Often times, parrots are left alone to develop problems such as biting, chewing, and screeching. New owners must be aware that some of these behavioral problems will be challenging to remedy.
However, problems may still arise. Because parrots are such intelligent and sensitive creatures, they can become easily stressed. From one cage to another or from one home to another, parrots require slow and calm transitions. Providing the parrot with similar sized cage with similar toys and perches will allow the parrot to ease into their new home. This rule applies with diet changes, as well. If a new food needs to be integrated into a parrot’s diet, ease a new food into their meal plan a little at a time. Large changes, executed quickly will cause unnecessary problems that could easily be remedied with proper transitioning practices.
Another important problem to note, some varieties of parrots go through a normal phase of hormonal aggression, usually between 5-10 years of age. Most parrot owners may become concerned that their once cuddly parrot friend is now belligerent and aggressive. However, know that this phase is natural and will require patience. Limiting the parrot’s amount of sunlight, to a certain extent, may be a solution to mellowing them out some. Whatever the object, other animal, or person the parrot seems to be aggressive towards should have no or limited contact with the parrot until the aggression eases. Discuss solutions with the parrot’s vet; medication may be an option to easing the hormonal aggression problem, as well.
Parrots are intelligent and sensitive creatures. They require an enormous amount of understanding and attention. Behavioral problems will occur throughout the course of a parrot’s long life. The solutions may be challenging, even frustrating at times. However, with patience, love, and routine, owners can remedy the previously and newly accumulated problems. Over time, owners may even find that their newly trained, loving parrot pal is the solution to many of their problems, as well!