A bird's eye view of breakdown in parrot–caregiver relations

Abstract

This article explores the reasons (the term differentials is often used by UK behaviourists) for aggression by pet parrots directed toward caregivers and household members when they attempt to physically interact with the parrot, and consequences that lack of touch may have on the caregiver–parrot relationship. It also outlines the role of a properly trained behaviourist in explaining the aggressive behaviour to the parrot's owner and developing a behaviour modification plan appropriate to the needs of both the parrot and the caregiver. Each owner–parrot relationship is individual, therefore an individual plan is required for each case; it is beyond the scope of this article to detail such plans.