Five Ways To A Tame Parrot

One of the biggest problems people have when they begin the journey of parrot ownership is dealing with some unwanted and aggressive behavior. Parrots are not quite as easy to handle the domesticated lifestyle as dogs and cats are. They require certain and specific things to make them happy and content within your home. And when they don't get it they begin to act out by screeching and biting and self mutilating. All hope is not lost though. You can tame your aggressive parrot with these simple tips.

First you will need to figure out why your parrot is acting out, in particular biting. A parrot will bite for 4 reasons. Either he is exploring his environment with his mouth, fear, territorial aggression, and because he has learned that biting get him what he wants � attention.  Once you have figured out the why you can then address the how.

1. If your parrot is exploring with his mouth and has begun exploring your finger, fight the urge to pull away. Instead you will nee to teach him that fingers are not to be explored. To do this when he begins to peck at your finger give him a firm, �No!� of �Gentle!� Then push your finger into his beak causing him to break his grip. Do not pull, he'll just get a stronger grip.

2. If your parrot is biting out of fright, then you will have to remove him from that frightful situation. Then avoid it. Sudden loud noises and movements are some things that can cause a parrot fear so in particular when you're holding a parrot try not to make any sudden movements or loud noises.

3. Territorial aggression is relatively easy to resolve so long as your parrot is aware that his territory is his cage and not your living room. Warn guests not to stick their hands in the cage. When you approach the cage for feeding or to let him out to roam he shouldn't become aggressive because he will recognize you as his caregiver. You still should not stick your fingers inside the cage.

4. You cannot give into your own fears. Stand your ground with your parrot. If he gets food every time he bites you he's going to think that's how to get food. Establishing a predictable schedule for your parrot might help stop this aggressive biting for attention. Playing with your parrot and talking to him, as he's a social being will all be helpful in keeping him from beginning to bite for what he wants to begin with.

5. Build trust with your parrot. This is going to take time and work with your parrot. Teaching him tricks is a good trust building exercise, but remember positive reinforcement is always going to be better for your parrot than negative reinforcement. Praise and treats for a desired behavior is the best way to get your parrot to repeat that behavior for you. As social beings they do have this need to please.

Taming an aggressive parrot is essential to your parrot ownership. Biting and even screeching aggressively is done because a parrot is unhappy. Have a happy parrot and it will be a happy home life with your parrot. And parrots are happy when they get enough stimulation and attention.