By Sonny Stollenmaier
Many parrot species such as Caiques and macaws are naturally confident by nature while others, such as the African Grey, are the opposite. This article looks at the art of gentle discipline and building a Grey’s confidence and trust in humans to make sure a baby bird doesn’t turn into a troubled adult.
The first few months for a new parrot in its new home are without doubt a crucial time. Your newly acquired parrot will go through a number of emotional stages, from feeling lost, frightened and bewildered to settling in, from feeling settled to trying to push the boundaries.
In the wild most parrot youngsters are cared for by their parents for a considerable time after fledging. In this period the parents don’t only teach their young how to feed and find food, but also teach them survival and social skills. By bringing a young parrot (in particular a recently weaned baby) into our home, we inevitably take on the role of the parrot parent. Without the correct guidance and discipline, a once sweet little amenable parrot baby can soon turn into a toddler and then into an adult from hell.