by Derek R. Snow

Created on: April 02, 2007   Last Updated: April 05, 2007

Stella, my Yellow Crested Cockatoo came to me through a rescue and she was a notorious biter. Clearly she had issues in her former environment but I was determined to help her transition to home.

Use the "Vet": Before trying behavior modification on your bird you must first make sure that the pet is not cranky or defensive from illness or injury. Avian Veterinarians can be easily located through Animal Hospitals in your area.

Use "Your Voice": Obviously animals can not understand the language that you speak but your tone is quickly translated into emotions that they immediately recognize. NEVER scream or allow anyone else to shriek at or near your bird. Your six year old may be screaming "Happy Birthday Birdie" but your pet is hearing "Danger!" and possibly "Aggression." Speak calmly and gently to your bird even if it is doing something that you do not want it to do.

Use "The Ladder": This technique works extremely well only if you are willing to stick with it until the bird calms down. The "ladder" is simply rotating your hands under the birds breast and gently pushing and saying "Step Up," while offering your other hand slightly higher than the current perch. Once you have climbed up the ladder, reverse the direction and start down. Repeat this process until the behavior has stopped or until you feel it is time to go to the next measure. When I use the ladder, if the behavior is not satisfactory I always end the exercise on the "Step Down" cycle just before placing the bird back in the cage. This gives notice that during "Step Down" something is not right and encourages a bird who wants to remain outside the cage to recognize and correct the bad behavior.

Use "Time Out": Finally, if the "Voice" and "Ladder" have not accomplished your behavioral goal put your bird in "Time Out" for a short period by covering the cage and leaving the room. This behavior by you is soon learned by the bird as a form of rejection. After a short period, return and begin again with the training.

The most valuable tools that you have in your personal arsenal for successfully adapting the behavior of an animal for inclusion into your family that was was born to the wild with eons of instinctive behavior ingrained in it's personality are gentleness and patience.

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