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Post by lesley on May 24, 2016 1:40:46 GMT -5
Hi, I hope that I am nor going to cause behavioral problems by doing this....when Coco gets a bit too noisy, I get a treat like a grape or a tiny quantity of millet seed and put it into a piece of paper crumpled up into a ball and give it to him. He seems to love the challenge and it gives me a bit of peace  |
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Post by beccilouise on May 24, 2016 3:07:40 GMT -5
Hello Lesley and welcome! Almost definitely, Coco will begin to associate the screaming with the treat if it comes quickly enough after the screaming happens. I know this may sound really, really difficult, but the best thing to do when a parrot screams is to ignore it. If it gets really bad, you can always walk out of the room. Return or give attention only when the screaming stops. It might only have stopped for a few seconds. If the parrot screams again, repeat this process. It might take a long time, but eventually the bird will learn that screaming results in being ignored and being quiet gets it attention.
When the bird is quiet, you can also offer an alternative noise, like a word or a whistle, and shower with praise if your bird repeats it. This will help to teach your bird to use this word or sound to get your attention instead of screaming. Maybe offer the grape in the paper when Coco is quiet? That way you won't be reinforcing the screaming. Vest of luck!
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Post by lesley on May 24, 2016 4:13:20 GMT -5
Thank you for the advice. He isn't screaming just being very 'chatty' but I agree and will start to ignore him when he gets too loud. He is just like a typical toddler as they say in all the info I have managed to find  |
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Post by julianna on May 24, 2016 13:00:05 GMT -5
Hi Lesley and welcome to the forum. It seems I spend a great deal of my day trying to figure out what my QP (Oscar) wants when he starts his screaming. They always want something and many times it is just a little attention.
I try very hard to entertain him as much as possible as this definitely keeps him quiet. I put him in various places in the house so that he can explore such as in the cupboards, or closet, or even in a drawer. These birds are very inquisitive and always want to know what is going on.
Good luck.
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Post by beccilouise on May 24, 2016 17:21:38 GMT -5
Hello again, Lesley! I think distracting chattiness should be ok, just be careful that he doesn't start making the noise to get the treat, as then the noise will persist! Screaming is a very specific noise and behaviour which normally indicates some form of need or want. Normally, in my experience, this want is for attention. Teaching your birdie some words or sounds might also help, as perhaps he will practice these during 'chatty' periods, rather than just squeak and shout. |
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Post by lesley on May 24, 2016 19:14:43 GMT -5
Hello again, Lesley! I think distracting chattiness should be ok, just be careful that he doesn't start making the noise to get the treat, as then the noise will persist! Screaming is a very specific noise and behaviour which normally indicates some form of need or want. Normally, in my experience, this want is for attention. Teaching your birdie some words or sounds might also help, as perhaps he will practice these during 'chatty' periods, rather than just squeak and shout. When he is very chatty I do encourage him to talk. I actually spend quite a bit of time with him. I find it amazing how many different sounds they make. |
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Post by beccilouise on May 25, 2016 7:17:22 GMT -5
Sounds like you're doing fine then Maya has chatty moments too! They don't tend to bother me too much, I quite like all the different noises, and I like her sitting on top of her playstand or on the back of the chair, all fluffed up on one foot, chattering away to me in her own little language. It's so adorable. |
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Post by aaron on Jun 6, 2016 13:25:55 GMT -5
I don't think this is a problem, but I would try to wait for a break in the chatter to bring over the treat. Even if we're only talking a 20-30 second break, it will still mean something to the bird. Try to begin your approach with the treat when there is no sound |
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