***QUESTION***
“How do I stop my blue fronted Amazon parrot from screaming? Whenever we leave the room, she screams. We’ve tryed spraying her with water, clapping our hands loudly, etc. We are about to look for a new home for her if we can’t get this behavior under control.”
Barbara F.
***MY COMMENTS***
From that one paragraph you wrote, I can already see two big mistakes that you are making. I’ll get to those later…
Firstly, let me differentiate between constant ear-piercing, nerve-racking, blatant screaming (that needs to be tackled) and a parrot’s “call to the flock” (which you should not attempt to stop)
It is important to understand that most parrots “call to the flock” several times per day, usually in the morning, around noon, at dusk, which is a natural behavior since birds are social animals.
You cannot, and SHOULD NOT, attempt to stop this natural process. This flock calling is a parrot’s way of determining which flock members are present or not present and it’s just checking up on you because YOU are part of the parrot’s flock.
Now, onto the annoying, ear-piercing screaming that drives you crazy…
Before attempting to resolve any screaming problem, you must ensure there’s NO medical reason involved by seeking medical evaluation by a certified avian veterinarian.
Something to consider is whether YOU have taught the bird to scream. Barbara, you mentioned that you clap your hands loudly in order to hush her up. What you’re actually doing is encouraging this screaming behavior…
“WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, DANNY??”
You see, when a parrot screams and the owner reacts by screaming back at the bird, the bird learns that screaming is an *ACCEPTABLE* form of communication.
There are bird owners that react by screaming back, throwing items at the bird, dousing the bird with water, etc. This human reaction is negative, but reaction none the less, which is exactly what the parrot wanted to begin with!
As a result, some parrots become confused and don’t know how to behave, but since they’ve learned to scream, this is how they react!
You need to understand that some parrots scream as a way to get ATTENTION!
By the way… don’t use water as a punishment… And then you wonder why the parrot doesn’t want to take a bath.
Basically, if there is a lot of screaming or noise in the home, a parrot may feel it is acceptable for it to scream in order to be heard or that screaming is a natural part of life.
Interesting little creatures, aren’t they?
A VICIOUS CYCLE IS CREATED
The cycle must be broken in order to change the negative behavior. Reward your bird when s/he doesn’t scream and never reward your bird when it does.
A reward can be as simple as a look from you.
You must…
COMPLETELY IGNORE THE SCREAMING BEHAVIOR!
Go outside, use ear plugs, lock yourself in a room or go out of ear range if you must, but do NOT reward screaming behavior by showing your bird any reaction to it.
However, shower your bird with attention and love once the screaming stops.
Try the techniques I’ve shared and let me know how you get on with your parrot.
Talk again soon,
Your friend,
Danny
P.S. Let me know what you thought of today’s e-mail and also any questions that you might have.
Thanks!
—–
Here are the pictures that I told you about in my e-mail.
Enjoy them!

How many treats do I get for washing all of this?

Okay, listen up! Today is wash day. Try not to fall in this time.

See… just drop the clothes in here.

“What the….?” Drop that in the machine.

Okay, fine! Give me the sock.

You have to shake it out first.

That isn’t how you pack it down.

I got your foot…. Now dig down deeper, your treat is at the bottom.

Hehehe… Blue soap on a yellow duck!

Everything is packed down, with Duckie at the bottom!
—-
What do you guys think about part 2 to this?
“DUCKIE GETS REVENGE!”
Anyways…
My e-mail to you tomorrow will be cleverly titled
“interesting screaming bird psychology” -
Even if you don’t have a screaming bird, I think
it’s still worth reading. We need every single
weapon in our arsenal to control these birds.
And what better weapon to have than to know the
psychology of these birds? That’s what I’ll talk
about in tomorrow’s e-mail.
I hope you enjoyed the video.
Would you believe me if I told you that it probably took me gazillion retakes to do that? (I might be exaggerating a bit…) Hopefully, with more practise I’ll get comfortable and NOT sound like a boring robot.
So please no mud slinging
I decided that it’d be best to send you a direct link to the online step-up training report in your e-mail. This way I can be sure that only exclusive members get access to it.
Now, if you don’t mind, could you “try” posting some comments below? I want to be sure that this thing works right.
Oh and while you’re at it, let me know what you thought about this video.
Okay, I’m done for now.
Look out for my e-mail tomorrow
————-
Poor diet can be one of the reasons for bird screaming.
In my Easy Parrot package I share the best type of diet needed for your parrot.
Does your parrot have an all-seet diet? I hope not… Good job, if you are giving your parrot a variety of food. But you need to know which food types are helpful and just as important which types are harmful to your bird. I talk about parrot diet extensively in my ebook:
http://www.TheTameParrot.com/cb/
————-

#1 by melinda on January 27th, 2008
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very good info loved it
#2 by Joni on January 28th, 2008
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Good job.
When my QP screams it is usually flock calling. She learned that when she is quiet she gets a treat or a kiss. I train by positive reinforcement, no yelling but stern if they are bad. I have an unruly parrotlett named Ziggy that thinks he is a macaw. What a pit bull he can be when he wants to, so I have to work with him constantly.
Don’t ever use water to train with or punish with. Remember..no yelling! “Kiss..no bite!”
JMK
#3 by Ben wilson on February 1st, 2008
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Hi Danny, Ive got a problem with my 9 year old african grey. He Doesn’t step up onto my hand any more, i’ve got to hold his feet and lift him if i want to move him. He tends to grab my finger with one foot and squeeze it very tightly, while regurgitating. He does get out of his cage but when i have to put him back in he tends to do this and not let me move him. What can i do?
Ben
#4 by Robyn on February 1st, 2008
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I love my notes from you!!!! Would love more audio, though – that accent of yours is great and it’s just alot more enjoyable to listen to the instruction, with some humor, of course! Can’t wait for each new lesson! Thanks so much!
#5 by Robbin Rogers on February 3rd, 2008
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Thank you so much. You are such a help to me. I have two green cheeked conures but they are fine. I have had birds all my life and I am pretty good at training them. Unfortunately all the birds I have ever had had been hand fed and socialized before given to me. But now my boyfriend and I now have been given three cockatiels by a friend of ours. They were hatched from thier parents wich she has. But the chicks that I have now have not been hand fed or man handled and they are about a year old now. I have not owned such wild birds before but our friend couldnt keep them and threatend to let them just fly away. So I took them in and I wont give up till they are as taimed as my conures. Any advise you have for me please let me know. I need any help I can get.
#6 by Jess on February 3rd, 2008
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Great info, very logical. Can’t wait to read, or hear some more!
#7 by Rami on February 6th, 2008
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Well, good info!
And I have a question. Is it better to use gloves the first days or not? I used the first 2 days but now I don’t. So that might help others… Do not use gloves!!
And how can I get my Indian Ringneck get comfortable of scratches and all that?
And a tip, again, do noy use gloves. When I used them then my IRN was afraid of my hands and not my gloves. But I only used them for two days. So my tip is do not use gloves!
#8 by debbie on February 8th, 2008
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i will give it a go, still trying to get alfie to step up on to my hand everytime i try he just thinks im giving him a tickle and just wants to play, cant wait for the next tip thanks debbie from hull
#9 by sara on February 10th, 2008
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Thanks for the advise. The question arose in my mind on teaching our feathered friends how to talk, is this encouraging them to be more vocal and to scream? My friend seems to be more quiet when I am. Any how thanks for the food for thought. Sincerly,
Sara
#10 by Gregory on February 17th, 2008
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when my ringneck screeches i reply , with, hello yellow bird, or i whistle , a tune. The bird, now also whistles the tune , and says hello yellow bird, every morning when the sun, comes up its geat, when i come home i whistle the tune even before i open the door. the bird somtimes replys.
#11 by Gabriele on February 22nd, 2008
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Great advice Danny. I wish everyone would do exactly what you recommend instead of “negative” rewards such as spraying with a water bottle, etc. Birds don’t scream to annoy us – they’re trying to tell us something. We just have to learn to listen…!
Looking forward to more emails.
G
#12 by lawal on February 23rd, 2008
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good day Danny
Today i read your blogs on parrots
i have an african grey parrot named MURFY over four months now.sometimes if i get close to him he will streched his wings along with his leg backward,please tell me what it means,i know is trying to communicate but i cant understand him.
I have been trying to teach him to say hello,but he respond by whistling,but it sound hello.is he going to say hello.
thanks.
from Nigeria
is very hard to get parrots books and video in nigeria,can u pls give me old ones
#13 by Terry on March 4th, 2008
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I really like your blogs. You are very Bird-Smart, and willing to share, which means to me that you really do care! I’m glad I’m on your E-Mail list. God Bless You, and the Birds you help. Terry in Land O Lakes, Florida
#14 by Lainie on March 5th, 2008
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I’ve owned my boy Herbie,(African Grey) since he was 12 weeks old and he is 14yrs old this july. We adore eachother, but we have our off days for different reasons,ie:( He gets cranky during breeding season, he’s still sleepy or he just doesn’t want to be bothered today; with me: I’ve got a headache, Im running late or the telephone is driving me crazy with cold callers,) but with love and patience it all comes good.
It’s wonderful that there are people who take the time to help others. My advice is Never assume that you know it all, believe me you don’t, the day will come where you are faced with a new dilemma, but don’t panic, Parrots are very perceptive, they emulate your mood, and where there’s a will there’s a way! Never be too proud to ask for help, they are wonderful little additions to your life, please don’t give up and lose what will eventually be one of the best family members you are ever likely to have.
Stay positive, Calm, and remember’ where there’s life there’s hope!’
#15 by Mary on March 25th, 2008
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Danny – Your advise on screaming is very logical. I have a U2 named Ozzy that I rescued from a second hand retail store. Ozzy has lived with our family for 10 yrs. so now he is 20 yrs. old. I have tried the ignore approach, over and over and over again and praise when it stops, but it still goes on. I am afraid that his past has a lot to do with the now. ‘When I leave for the day, and put my coat on, he screams “Come back”. Am I giving him too much credit here? I think he may have separation anxiety, is this possible? A dog can suffer from this, why not a highly intelligent Parrot. Just my thoughts……
Mary H.
#16 by penny on April 14th, 2008
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good techniques.i like them. the pics were very cute 2
#17 by Melissa on April 30th, 2008
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URGENT!!! Please help! My baby sun conure, Amara, we have spoken about her before, but she isn’t eating properly anymore. I’m still hand feeding her and she won’t take the food like she use to. She is clawing and flapping and trying to get back to me, even if someone else tries to feed her, all she wants to do is come to me. She doesn’t care if her crop is empty. So the only other solution is to wrap her up so she cant claw or flap and force feed her. But I dont want to have to make feeding time, torture time – for Amara or for me. The food is never too hot, or too cold, or too thick or too thin. She just wants me. I’ve tried different variety, cause I thought she may be getting bored of her food (Added mashed apples to her regular food) but it didn’t make a difference?? She knows “Stay”, “Come to me”, and “Step Up”, she doesn’t bite and isn’t scared of hands. She just won’t “Stay” when it is feeding time. HELP PLEASE! I don’t want to starve my bird neither do I want to resort to force feeding.
#18 by Sapphyre on April 30th, 2008
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Melissa how old is the Conure? I hate to have you force feed her because there is too high of a risk of choking her if she fights you on it. When I was in the process of introducing fruits and veggies to my babies we would make a game out of it.
Get a bag of fresh frozen mixed veggies, and what you do is run the veggies under hot water to take the chill off of them and place some in a bowl.
Then you sit down with your bird with the bowl of veggies and pretend your eating them, and make a big deal out if it to get the bird’s interest.
Since baby birds learn from watching parent birds eat they will join in. At first they may just hold it in their mouth and drop it then get another piece and do the same thing, my babies would like to take it from my lips as if I was going to feed them which is how the parents would feed them and they are eager to take the food. I also feed my babies Gerber baby food. I would 1st start them on stage 1 at the age of 3 to 4 weeks then move to stage 2 at 10 weeks and once they are stating to chew and sallow foods I would go to stage 3 along with small pieces of fresh fruit and veggies.
Give that a try, depending on how old the bird is she maybe just wanting to wean herself and wants other foods. I would get her some Cockatiel size Zupreem Fruit Blend pellets and keep those in her cage at all times. The reason I recommend that food is because it is the best in my opinion and that is what I raised all my babies on. It has a very strong fruit smell and tastes good. Yes I have tasted the pellets because our motto is, if we wouldnt eat it we dont feed it to our birds. Birds can smell, taste and see their food colors. If the food is tasteless, oderless and no color it is boring to the bird and they will refuse to eat it.
If you are still giving the baby handfeeding formula try adding a bit of Peanutbutter to the food, that will help add some taste, and it will give extra protein and fat from the peanut oil to help the baby with it’s growth.
Try that out, if you are still having problems with her please email me and let me know.
Sapphyre
Certified Avian Specialist
#19 by Susan on May 3rd, 2008
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Hi Danny,
Thanks for the info. I find your e-mails very interesting and I learn a lot from them!!
The parrot and the duck was excellent … just what the doctor ordered!
Glad that you are going to give us a direct link in your e-mails, that would be a great help!
Keep up the good work.
Have a super day!!!
Susan
#20 by Melissa on May 5th, 2008
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Amara is only 8-10 weeks old. She is only meant to be weaned off the food at about 12 weeks? I have been putting her in a cage and playing with her with the food. She shows interesed in it so I peeled some sunflowers for her to just give her the taste, she starting to get the idea but I still have to feed her with a syringe three times a day because her crop always empty. I’ve tried adding apple, banna and pear to the mix which she doesn’t really enjoy. The treats are working… I’ll carry on and inform you of our progress…
Many thanks!
Melissa and Amara
#21 by Robert on May 8th, 2008
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I am the proud owner of a 3 month old cockatiel that we believe is a male . We have not had this little guy but one week so he is still trying to get use to is surrounding. We my wife an I named the little guy Bucky. The first 3 days were miserible around here he screamed constantly . We put a cover over the cage at nite an I think the screaming has stopped . He bit me once an did draw blood . now this morning he let me touch him on the back an i did not get bit .
#22 by Petra on May 12th, 2008
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Hi danny
I like your comments very much as they are very practical.
any idea how I can give a little lorikeet 6months some treats besides wet food and wet fruit eg. watermelon or berries.
I would like to train him with some ‘dry’ food which i can keep in my hand to give him immediately he does something good.
Thank you
petra
#23 by Suzette on May 15th, 2008
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HI DANNY.
WHAT THE BREADER TOLD ME IS TO PUT THE BIRD IN BOX OR SOMETHING AND PUT THE BIRD IN THE CLOSET. WELL IT DIDN’T WORK, SHE JUST SCREMS IN TEH CLOSET. SO NOW I’LL HAVE ANOTHER TOOL. SO LET’S SEE IF IT WILL WORK.
SUZETTE
#24 by Pam on May 30th, 2008
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Hi I think you have some really good info to share. I have a sun Conure and when he screans I put my fingers to my mouth abd say Shhhh abd he stops. of course I’ve done this from day one so its a habit , I’ll tell him good boy afer he stops and give him a treat
#25 by jen on June 21st, 2008
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i allready fiqured out about the screamming stuff. i have to leave the room or cover the cage for 2 min. no more or less. thank you. jen
#26 by dany on July 19th, 2008
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Very good advice..i read it all and enjoy it
thank you
dany
#27 by Danelle on March 17th, 2009
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Hi, your advice is good and loved your video…hope to see lots more and receive continious advice…you can never have enough info.
I find that if my Sun Conure or LSC Cockatoo screams and I put him in his cage and close it up telling him that he is behaving naughty and that I will uncover him later when he behaves works well. I leave them covered for about 30 minutes and them uncover them it really does work.
But I agree, do not give them any type of attention when behaving bad…attention is attention whether it is positive or negative.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks