INTRODUCING HYACINTH MACAW "BABY"
Baby at Higgs Beach under construction photo by Nancy Forrester
EDUCATIONAL SIGN ON BABY'S CAGE AT
NANCY FORRESTERS SECRET GARDEN
NANCY FORRESTERS SECRET GARDEN
I, Nancy Forrester am "Baby's" caregiver and trainer. I have keenly observed his behavior for 16 years. I am the author of this page.
Hyacinth Macaws are called the gentle giants. I would say "Baby" fits this description.
A history of "Baby's" routine activities at Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden by Nancy Forrester
Baby's normal daily activities as an educational parrot participating in Parrot 101 for 16 years.
Baby's daily routine is, morning lights on, wake up, step upon my arm or volunteers' arm, or stick. He is asked to go potty on the washable rug before the trip downstairs. Transport from sleeping cage (1) in upstairs room to cage (2) in downstairs room where his fresh breakfast chop awaits him in one of his two daytime cages is flawless. He has two inside cages and an outside cage (3). He spends time outside of cages on orbiters or play stations when I or volunteers are available to watch him. He is trained to stay on these objects and he does 99% of the time. He shows little interest in his fresh breakfast CHOP. At 10 AM (Our Opening Time) Baby is asked to "Step Up", Baby eagerly comes out of his cage onto my arm and accompanies me as I walk outside to greet and educate our first visitors of the day. I have not treat trained him to step up or go potty, but I always use the word good. All other verbal or sign language prompts are accompanied with the word good and followed by a treat. He seems to be able to deal with this discrepancy. I have been watching his extremely friendly interaction with people for the past 16 years. At 10 AM, I walk out of the house into the garden with him on my arm. He is placed on a round 42" table. There is a tablecloth covering this wire mesh table to protect his toes and nails from the possibility of getting caught in the wire mesh. He likes going on this table. The table is ringed by possibly as many as 10 seated visitors all strangers to him. These seated visitors are close but at enough of a distance that he cannot physically touch them. I ask the guests not reach out to him or have their objects like cell phones so close that he is able to touch them. There may be other visitors moving about or standing nearby to watch. I ask people not to reach out to him because he is trained not to come off the table and has never done that. His body language indicates that he would gladly come off the table unto their arms if offered. He is trained to stay on the table, he complies. He has never come off the table onto a visitor and I intend to keep it that way! I few times during his 16 years with me he has come off the table because something frightened him like an iguana or palm leaf falling from overhead. When on the table, he usually makes the rounds cerefully looking and engaging with his guests. He has always exhibited more curiosity towards some people than others. Most days, he is friendly and curious about the visitors, some days he is disinterested in them. He walks around the table often pausing to look seriously at individuals and sometimes singling out favored people by revisiting them several times. He is friendly to everyone and does not exhibit fear of people. I lift him on an off the table as I provide education either when he indicates he wants physical time on me or I invite him to exhibit cuddles. In earlier years for this educational event which I call Storytelling, I would ask him or directed him to do many things that I have taught him to do. These last several years the education is more free form, I let Baby mood decide the behaviors he wants to exhibit. So our days are more spontaneous and everyday is different. He understands many English words, I ask him to do things. He is rewarded with a food treat by me and others if he does what I ask of him. He enjoys the attention. He has choice. During this up-close 1-to-2-hour encounter, many interesting topics arise depending on his behavior. No two days are the same his behavior leads me to discuss many topics. Baby regularily chews the indestructible hard metal edge that rings the table he is on and the soft tablecloth covering the table (this leads to the topic of chewing, toys, his favorite things to chew, what he is allowed to chew and not to chew and beak health. Baby demonstrates how precise and gentle he is when taking a small, shelled pine nut from fingers and the awesome power of his beak when opening a hard mac nut in its shell and eating the nut meat, this leads to the topic of beak health, jaw muscles, crop function and diet. Baby usually preens, this leads to the topics concerning feathers, hygiene, barbering, plucking and self-mutilation. Baby usually wants to cuddle this leads to the topic of physical contact, touching and correct petting. Baby likes to play games, like drop an object off the table and have a visitor pick it up and put it back on table. About eight months ago Baby created something new. He decided to be the teacher and I and the visitors would be the learners.
A long time ago I taught him to bounce up and down (verbal cue BOUNCE) and sway side to side (verbal cue DANCE). He takes charge as the teacher by situating himself in front of alert people and then he starts vigorous bouncing (always the first lesson) until everyone is bouncing energetically and then he switches to vigorous swaying (always the second lesson). He is a good teacher because people seem to get it without any help from me! They imitate him! After that he picks up his foot and waves his toes and people follow suit. After his bounce-dance-wave class he insists on sitting on my lap and stretching his wings out one at a time. I respond by capturing this wing behavior, I say "STRETCH" when his wing is held in the outstretched position and then deliver a treat. He innates these behaviors everyday. He is clearly the teacher! The driving force! We humans are the learners.
Before Covid 19 lockdown Baby was eager to sit on all visiting strangers' arms every day. He was comfortable being cradled upside down like a baby in children's arms. He did these actions thousands of times. He was not forced or commanded to comply! He was given a prompt by me, either an audible sound or a visible sign via sign language requesting these actions by me! He could choose to comply or not! Nearly 100% of the time he complied!! My understanding was that he enjoyed these interactions because they offered him out of cage time, socialization, the physical closeness that handling provides, human smiling faces, human sparkling eyes, human vocalizations directed at him and a low value treat. After the year and a half of lock down with just me and no one else he was not as willing to go on arms. I always give him choice often he does not want to be held. He is not aggressive but clearly objects or shows lack of interest. I only put him on arms that he readily wants to be on. Something new in his behavior in the last year is he has taken to low whimpering when his perceives the visiting audience leave the property.
"BABY" chooses to "CUDDLE" most days! He has choice. He does not have to Cuddle.
Baby enjoys cuddling with me almost every day during Educational Parrot 101. Parrot 101/Storytelling can be an hour or two hours. Exhibiting cuddling takes a short time, maybe 8 minutes depending on Baby's mood. I invite him to cuddle with sign language. I tap my right shoulder with two fingers with my left hand. I say "CUDDLE". I offer him me left hand. He then comes forward and steps on my left hand. I support him on my left hand bring him close to my body. He moves swiftly to rest the right side of his head on my chest close to my neck just below my right shoulder, his feet are anchored to my left hand. I support his still body resting horizontally across my chest. The full length of the right side of his body is resting against my chest. He maintains that position for some head feather petting and some touching and verbal word education concerning his body parts. I teach Baby and our visitors his body parts, using words and touch. I start with Beak, Nares, Tongue, Eyes, Ears, yellow facial skin, Crop, Wing, Leg, Foot, Toes, and Tail. When I say Wing or Tickle Tickle he raises his wing
for a very brief tickle touch under the wing. I explain inappropriate touching. I rarely touch his tail although he has no objection if I fan his tail feathers. He is docile. He does not regurgitate or show any sexual behavior towards me. Sometimes I ask him to roll over. If he wants to he obliges by shifting his weight and listing to one side, I then turn him over and hold him like a baby cradled in my arms.
Baby's daily routine is, morning lights on, wake up, step upon my arm or volunteers' arm, or stick. He is asked to go potty on the washable rug before the trip downstairs. Transport from sleeping cage (1) in upstairs room to cage (2) in downstairs room where his fresh breakfast chop awaits him in one of his two daytime cages is flawless. He has two inside cages and an outside cage (3). He spends time outside of cages on orbiters or play stations when I or volunteers are available to watch him. He is trained to stay on these objects and he does 99% of the time. He shows little interest in his fresh breakfast CHOP. At 10 AM (Our Opening Time) Baby is asked to "Step Up", Baby eagerly comes out of his cage onto my arm and accompanies me as I walk outside to greet and educate our first visitors of the day. I have not treat trained him to step up or go potty, but I always use the word good. All other verbal or sign language prompts are accompanied with the word good and followed by a treat. He seems to be able to deal with this discrepancy. I have been watching his extremely friendly interaction with people for the past 16 years. At 10 AM, I walk out of the house into the garden with him on my arm. He is placed on a round 42" table. There is a tablecloth covering this wire mesh table to protect his toes and nails from the possibility of getting caught in the wire mesh. He likes going on this table. The table is ringed by possibly as many as 10 seated visitors all strangers to him. These seated visitors are close but at enough of a distance that he cannot physically touch them. I ask the guests not reach out to him or have their objects like cell phones so close that he is able to touch them. There may be other visitors moving about or standing nearby to watch. I ask people not to reach out to him because he is trained not to come off the table and has never done that. His body language indicates that he would gladly come off the table unto their arms if offered. He is trained to stay on the table, he complies. He has never come off the table onto a visitor and I intend to keep it that way! I few times during his 16 years with me he has come off the table because something frightened him like an iguana or palm leaf falling from overhead. When on the table, he usually makes the rounds cerefully looking and engaging with his guests. He has always exhibited more curiosity towards some people than others. Most days, he is friendly and curious about the visitors, some days he is disinterested in them. He walks around the table often pausing to look seriously at individuals and sometimes singling out favored people by revisiting them several times. He is friendly to everyone and does not exhibit fear of people. I lift him on an off the table as I provide education either when he indicates he wants physical time on me or I invite him to exhibit cuddles. In earlier years for this educational event which I call Storytelling, I would ask him or directed him to do many things that I have taught him to do. These last several years the education is more free form, I let Baby mood decide the behaviors he wants to exhibit. So our days are more spontaneous and everyday is different. He understands many English words, I ask him to do things. He is rewarded with a food treat by me and others if he does what I ask of him. He enjoys the attention. He has choice. During this up-close 1-to-2-hour encounter, many interesting topics arise depending on his behavior. No two days are the same his behavior leads me to discuss many topics. Baby regularily chews the indestructible hard metal edge that rings the table he is on and the soft tablecloth covering the table (this leads to the topic of chewing, toys, his favorite things to chew, what he is allowed to chew and not to chew and beak health. Baby demonstrates how precise and gentle he is when taking a small, shelled pine nut from fingers and the awesome power of his beak when opening a hard mac nut in its shell and eating the nut meat, this leads to the topic of beak health, jaw muscles, crop function and diet. Baby usually preens, this leads to the topics concerning feathers, hygiene, barbering, plucking and self-mutilation. Baby usually wants to cuddle this leads to the topic of physical contact, touching and correct petting. Baby likes to play games, like drop an object off the table and have a visitor pick it up and put it back on table. About eight months ago Baby created something new. He decided to be the teacher and I and the visitors would be the learners.
A long time ago I taught him to bounce up and down (verbal cue BOUNCE) and sway side to side (verbal cue DANCE). He takes charge as the teacher by situating himself in front of alert people and then he starts vigorous bouncing (always the first lesson) until everyone is bouncing energetically and then he switches to vigorous swaying (always the second lesson). He is a good teacher because people seem to get it without any help from me! They imitate him! After that he picks up his foot and waves his toes and people follow suit. After his bounce-dance-wave class he insists on sitting on my lap and stretching his wings out one at a time. I respond by capturing this wing behavior, I say "STRETCH" when his wing is held in the outstretched position and then deliver a treat. He innates these behaviors everyday. He is clearly the teacher! The driving force! We humans are the learners.
Before Covid 19 lockdown Baby was eager to sit on all visiting strangers' arms every day. He was comfortable being cradled upside down like a baby in children's arms. He did these actions thousands of times. He was not forced or commanded to comply! He was given a prompt by me, either an audible sound or a visible sign via sign language requesting these actions by me! He could choose to comply or not! Nearly 100% of the time he complied!! My understanding was that he enjoyed these interactions because they offered him out of cage time, socialization, the physical closeness that handling provides, human smiling faces, human sparkling eyes, human vocalizations directed at him and a low value treat. After the year and a half of lock down with just me and no one else he was not as willing to go on arms. I always give him choice often he does not want to be held. He is not aggressive but clearly objects or shows lack of interest. I only put him on arms that he readily wants to be on. Something new in his behavior in the last year is he has taken to low whimpering when his perceives the visiting audience leave the property.
"BABY" chooses to "CUDDLE" most days! He has choice. He does not have to Cuddle.
Baby enjoys cuddling with me almost every day during Educational Parrot 101. Parrot 101/Storytelling can be an hour or two hours. Exhibiting cuddling takes a short time, maybe 8 minutes depending on Baby's mood. I invite him to cuddle with sign language. I tap my right shoulder with two fingers with my left hand. I say "CUDDLE". I offer him me left hand. He then comes forward and steps on my left hand. I support him on my left hand bring him close to my body. He moves swiftly to rest the right side of his head on my chest close to my neck just below my right shoulder, his feet are anchored to my left hand. I support his still body resting horizontally across my chest. The full length of the right side of his body is resting against my chest. He maintains that position for some head feather petting and some touching and verbal word education concerning his body parts. I teach Baby and our visitors his body parts, using words and touch. I start with Beak, Nares, Tongue, Eyes, Ears, yellow facial skin, Crop, Wing, Leg, Foot, Toes, and Tail. When I say Wing or Tickle Tickle he raises his wing
for a very brief tickle touch under the wing. I explain inappropriate touching. I rarely touch his tail although he has no objection if I fan his tail feathers. He is docile. He does not regurgitate or show any sexual behavior towards me. Sometimes I ask him to roll over. If he wants to he obliges by shifting his weight and listing to one side, I then turn him over and hold him like a baby cradled in my arms.
Baby participates in many activities. His body language indicates he is comfortable and motivated to do a wide variety of recreational and learning pursuits that I have designed for him.
I believe my "Trust Account" with Baby is excellent. Baby is eager to do all sorts of activities with me nearly 100% of the time!
He has many favorite activities, sharing breakfast with me and Mr. Peaches, bathing, playing games, cuddling, singing together in the house and in the car, growling together, dancing together, target training, higher level learning, working with apps on cell phone and Samsung tablet, off property excursions or just quietly hanging out together. He was recently chosen by Fitts to take part in a scientific study. He is a month into the study and doing very well after a few bumps like chewing the tablet holder and a bump that kill the Samsung tablet. He is learning ell and I am a better trainer. Baby likes to ride in the van. He likes "bath time" in the public shower at Higgs Beach. He does not like flock bath time at home with the garden hose. He likes me to hold him on my arm in the public beach shower until he is drench. He gets very physically and vocally active. After bathing he likes walking on the metal railings at Higgs Beach for an hour. He is a showoff and enjoys curious visitors who ask questions about him and take his picture. He likes running, walking back and forth and bunny hopping on the picnic benches at the beach and the empty tennis courts. He likes mimicking people (especially kids) dancing to live music on Sundays at Salute, sharing my dinner at Salute. While at the restaurant he is trained to station on the back of a sturdy wooden chair. I tie toys to the chair's wooden back rest for him to chew. He chews the toys not the wooden chair. He likes going to Key West festivals, musical events, bird friendly restaurants. He likes to eat bread and butter, ice cubes, drink water from a plastic glass, to look at and listen to and play apps on cell phones and tablets, to see YouTube Parrot TV videos and kids' apps and books, riding on a two-wheel bike, a three-wheel bike or traveling on my arm me on foot for a stroll around town. We play a game where he likes climbing around on my body using me as a jungle gym. He climbs down from the back of wooden chair to the seat of chair then onto either to my offered arm or knee. If to my knee he then climbs up the front of my body to my shoulder, then crosses my back to my other shoulder and then down the other arm to be placed back on the back of chair by me. We do this maybe five times, when I have had enough of this game I give him the "NO MORE" hand signal and he stops. While on and off property, I use hand signals to cue him. I use many English words and phrases to cue many responses. He does not have to comply but does so nearly 100% of the time because he likes my attention, our play and the treats I always carry.
Once, Baby met a miniature horse at Higgs Beach. He showed no fear of the horse and wanted physical contact. I took a photo of him and the pony touching/kissing beak to nose. He has always gravitated to dogs, of all types and all sizes. When he sees any dog, he strains to get close to them. He likes dogs and wants physical contact with them. "beak to nose". I find this trust and fascination odd, because some dogs could kill him and yet he exhibits no fear. I have to be careful to keep him safe from the jaws of death
His favorite toy is Nylabone puppy teething rings (the dog toy comes with three rings, green, yellow and blue. The yellow ring is his favorite, not sure if it is the color yellow he likes best or if the composite is not as strong but the yellow ring is singled out and chipped into little pieces. He is fond of finagling a piece of rope and a nylabone ring together so as to drive the soft rope with his bottom beak into the hard composite making the objects inseparable. He likes to ring and bat with his foot a heavy-duty stainless-steel bell, He likes to hang upside down and bat the bell with his foot. He is not big on shredding but he likes to chew pizza boxes, large paper bagels, bottle caps, empty plastic drink containers, soft cloth and rope.
Baby likes me. He likes people. Before Covid lockdown Baby liked to be held on arm by everyone. He trusted most people and young children to be held upside down and cradled like a baby. Baby is very interested in baby dolls, children's toys and stuffed animals. These items are of more interest if they are held or played with by a child. Seeing children, their quick actions and them holding their toys often overstimulates him to the point where his body stance changes, this head feathers rise, and he may start repeated back and forth grabbing motions. I see this as more playful and wanting the toy than aggressive, but I always redirect him as I want no striking motion towards humans especially children ever encouraged. For my safety sometimes when he is overstimulated redirecting requires him to "Step Up" onto a stick rather than my hand. He growls but complies. He is then place on a nearby station where he can still see the stimuli or taken to a different area totally where he cannot see the stimuli. Creating a greater distance between him and stimuli calms him. I see him as an overstimulated playful parrot not an aggressive parrot.
Baby is very vocal. He has created his own audible language which I imitate and understand.
Baby is not interested in speaking English. He says Hi, Hello, Hi Baby, I love you and Peek-a-boo in a high voice. He is the only bird that has created and says a name for me. He began calling me "Oh Ahh" ou-ahh! shortly after I met him.
We often sing together. He likes to do this in the morning. We duet together. Just the two of us. He does not sing when other people are present. He sings in a high voice making a variety of sounds when singing. He likes operatic female voices the best. Sara Brightman singing with Andre Bocelli "Time to say Goodby" is a favorite. He likes to growl when playing. We growl together. He makes a variety of growl sounds. He growls when I ask him to. He screams occasionally for attention but not for long because I give that no attention. I do not scream back. He PROTESTS (my label) loudly with a sound like a human baby crying every evening as I am saying goodnight and turning off the light in his room to put him in dark time for 12 hours! This loud crying lasts for a very short time once I am gone from the room and it is dark, he is totally quiet the rest of the night. He has recently started to whimper very softly when our morning Parrot 101 education class ends. This "Sad Sound-Whimper" (my label) happens when the visitors stand up and begin walking away from us and towards the exist. He whimpers a few times softly and then stops when he is returned to his inside habitat. He understands many English words and phrases. He does not say them. I have to spell "Bath time" and "Go for a ride in the car" because if I say them he expects the action. He does special squeals of delight while bathing in the public shower at the beach and a number of grumbles when he wants something and I am not delivering fast enough! He does not say "Mac Nut" but it is one of his best-known words representing his favorite food Macadamia nut!
He knows the meaning of manty English words and phrases but does not say. Step Up. Go potty, treat, pinenut, mac nut, water, ice cube, drink water, no bite, it is not for you, I have something for your, all the way up, shake hands, hi fi, wave, bunny hop, walk, touch your tongue to my finger,
pick up your foot and wave, toes, touch with tongue, touch with foot, wing wing, cuddle, tickle tickle. sweetie kiss. no bite, dog, puppy, give sweetie kiss, roll over, drop, stretch, wag your tail, I'm going to open your wing, and cheerio
Baby's Normal Behavior in and around his cages, orbiters and play gyms.
Baby's normal routine behavior around the use of his cages, going into them, coming out of them and inhabiting them. While caged he is alert and quiet, engages with his toys, eats and drinks, occupies the perches on upper half of cage, takes treats gently thru cage bars.
Cage 1, is in a small upstairs room where four other parrots are housed in separate cages. This is where Baby and others sleep every night in dark time and hunker down for rare daytime bad weather events. His cage is not in a corner, its back side is against a wall. The caged birds are close. Birds cannot reach out and touch each other. No are no signs of stress from any of these birds as to the room arrangement or being in close proximity with the other parrots. All go in and out of their cages when asked.
Baby receives 12 hours or an extended 14 hours of quiet dark time in cage 1 depending on his behavior.
Cage 2, is in a spacious well lite downstairs room with three other caged parrots nearby. This room is bustling with human activity during the day by me and volunteers known to the parrots. Strangers or the visiting public does not access this area. His cage is positioned near a wall not in a corner, he is near other caged birds (all but one bird in this room is different from the ones upstairs) No apparent stress. All go in and out of their cages with no difficulty.
Cage 3 is outside in the back yard shade garden where the public is invited to visit. Our quiet well behaved non noisy flock is housed outdoors. The cages are close to each other. Baby occupies this cage only when either I or a designated educational volunteer is committed to being in charge of this space and its visitors and birds. When visiting the garden/birds is self-guided and there is not a designated educator or bird handler present Baby has separation anxiety and starts screaming for attention. He is then carried inside to reduce neighborhood noise as we are located in high density Old Town Key West.
Babys behavior when asked to "STEP UP" on hand is compliant. A stick is offered at times when he is overstimulated.
Nearly 100% of the time when moving Baby from cage to cage, stands, jungle gyms or orbiters, etc., he is compliant to the 1st prompt/cue/request we ask of him. We only ask twice, if he does not respond, we walk away and come back in a minute or two and then he is compliant. We use the request "Step Up" for both on and off, making sure he always has a higher elevation to step onto and we are not bumping his tail. He is not given food treats for this. We say 'GOOD" when he complies. When we move towards him with the intention of asking him to come out, he moves towards either me or volunteer parrot handler Sean and the cage door signaling he wants to come out onto arm or stick. He rapidly comes forward towards cage door, hangs near top of inside door or sometimes goes back and forth quickly near the top of the cage door making little eager sounds because he very actively wants to come out. He does "STEP UP" on either hand or stick with no hesitation. As soon as he is out of either of his two inside cages. He is prompted to "GO POTTY" on a rug, towel or waste bucket on the floor. This keeps his poop off the stairs and floors. He complies. His complying is met with audible "GOOD"
Occasionally, not often, when he prefers not to go into a cage, I give him a food treat for doing so. When on a hanging orbiter or on a gym he is trainer to stay there.
I believe my "Trust Account" with Baby is excellent. Baby is eager to do all sorts of activities with me nearly 100% of the time!
He has many favorite activities, sharing breakfast with me and Mr. Peaches, bathing, playing games, cuddling, singing together in the house and in the car, growling together, dancing together, target training, higher level learning, working with apps on cell phone and Samsung tablet, off property excursions or just quietly hanging out together. He was recently chosen by Fitts to take part in a scientific study. He is a month into the study and doing very well after a few bumps like chewing the tablet holder and a bump that kill the Samsung tablet. He is learning ell and I am a better trainer. Baby likes to ride in the van. He likes "bath time" in the public shower at Higgs Beach. He does not like flock bath time at home with the garden hose. He likes me to hold him on my arm in the public beach shower until he is drench. He gets very physically and vocally active. After bathing he likes walking on the metal railings at Higgs Beach for an hour. He is a showoff and enjoys curious visitors who ask questions about him and take his picture. He likes running, walking back and forth and bunny hopping on the picnic benches at the beach and the empty tennis courts. He likes mimicking people (especially kids) dancing to live music on Sundays at Salute, sharing my dinner at Salute. While at the restaurant he is trained to station on the back of a sturdy wooden chair. I tie toys to the chair's wooden back rest for him to chew. He chews the toys not the wooden chair. He likes going to Key West festivals, musical events, bird friendly restaurants. He likes to eat bread and butter, ice cubes, drink water from a plastic glass, to look at and listen to and play apps on cell phones and tablets, to see YouTube Parrot TV videos and kids' apps and books, riding on a two-wheel bike, a three-wheel bike or traveling on my arm me on foot for a stroll around town. We play a game where he likes climbing around on my body using me as a jungle gym. He climbs down from the back of wooden chair to the seat of chair then onto either to my offered arm or knee. If to my knee he then climbs up the front of my body to my shoulder, then crosses my back to my other shoulder and then down the other arm to be placed back on the back of chair by me. We do this maybe five times, when I have had enough of this game I give him the "NO MORE" hand signal and he stops. While on and off property, I use hand signals to cue him. I use many English words and phrases to cue many responses. He does not have to comply but does so nearly 100% of the time because he likes my attention, our play and the treats I always carry.
Once, Baby met a miniature horse at Higgs Beach. He showed no fear of the horse and wanted physical contact. I took a photo of him and the pony touching/kissing beak to nose. He has always gravitated to dogs, of all types and all sizes. When he sees any dog, he strains to get close to them. He likes dogs and wants physical contact with them. "beak to nose". I find this trust and fascination odd, because some dogs could kill him and yet he exhibits no fear. I have to be careful to keep him safe from the jaws of death
His favorite toy is Nylabone puppy teething rings (the dog toy comes with three rings, green, yellow and blue. The yellow ring is his favorite, not sure if it is the color yellow he likes best or if the composite is not as strong but the yellow ring is singled out and chipped into little pieces. He is fond of finagling a piece of rope and a nylabone ring together so as to drive the soft rope with his bottom beak into the hard composite making the objects inseparable. He likes to ring and bat with his foot a heavy-duty stainless-steel bell, He likes to hang upside down and bat the bell with his foot. He is not big on shredding but he likes to chew pizza boxes, large paper bagels, bottle caps, empty plastic drink containers, soft cloth and rope.
Baby likes me. He likes people. Before Covid lockdown Baby liked to be held on arm by everyone. He trusted most people and young children to be held upside down and cradled like a baby. Baby is very interested in baby dolls, children's toys and stuffed animals. These items are of more interest if they are held or played with by a child. Seeing children, their quick actions and them holding their toys often overstimulates him to the point where his body stance changes, this head feathers rise, and he may start repeated back and forth grabbing motions. I see this as more playful and wanting the toy than aggressive, but I always redirect him as I want no striking motion towards humans especially children ever encouraged. For my safety sometimes when he is overstimulated redirecting requires him to "Step Up" onto a stick rather than my hand. He growls but complies. He is then place on a nearby station where he can still see the stimuli or taken to a different area totally where he cannot see the stimuli. Creating a greater distance between him and stimuli calms him. I see him as an overstimulated playful parrot not an aggressive parrot.
Baby is very vocal. He has created his own audible language which I imitate and understand.
Baby is not interested in speaking English. He says Hi, Hello, Hi Baby, I love you and Peek-a-boo in a high voice. He is the only bird that has created and says a name for me. He began calling me "Oh Ahh" ou-ahh! shortly after I met him.
We often sing together. He likes to do this in the morning. We duet together. Just the two of us. He does not sing when other people are present. He sings in a high voice making a variety of sounds when singing. He likes operatic female voices the best. Sara Brightman singing with Andre Bocelli "Time to say Goodby" is a favorite. He likes to growl when playing. We growl together. He makes a variety of growl sounds. He growls when I ask him to. He screams occasionally for attention but not for long because I give that no attention. I do not scream back. He PROTESTS (my label) loudly with a sound like a human baby crying every evening as I am saying goodnight and turning off the light in his room to put him in dark time for 12 hours! This loud crying lasts for a very short time once I am gone from the room and it is dark, he is totally quiet the rest of the night. He has recently started to whimper very softly when our morning Parrot 101 education class ends. This "Sad Sound-Whimper" (my label) happens when the visitors stand up and begin walking away from us and towards the exist. He whimpers a few times softly and then stops when he is returned to his inside habitat. He understands many English words and phrases. He does not say them. I have to spell "Bath time" and "Go for a ride in the car" because if I say them he expects the action. He does special squeals of delight while bathing in the public shower at the beach and a number of grumbles when he wants something and I am not delivering fast enough! He does not say "Mac Nut" but it is one of his best-known words representing his favorite food Macadamia nut!
He knows the meaning of manty English words and phrases but does not say. Step Up. Go potty, treat, pinenut, mac nut, water, ice cube, drink water, no bite, it is not for you, I have something for your, all the way up, shake hands, hi fi, wave, bunny hop, walk, touch your tongue to my finger,
pick up your foot and wave, toes, touch with tongue, touch with foot, wing wing, cuddle, tickle tickle. sweetie kiss. no bite, dog, puppy, give sweetie kiss, roll over, drop, stretch, wag your tail, I'm going to open your wing, and cheerio
Baby's Normal Behavior in and around his cages, orbiters and play gyms.
Baby's normal routine behavior around the use of his cages, going into them, coming out of them and inhabiting them. While caged he is alert and quiet, engages with his toys, eats and drinks, occupies the perches on upper half of cage, takes treats gently thru cage bars.
Cage 1, is in a small upstairs room where four other parrots are housed in separate cages. This is where Baby and others sleep every night in dark time and hunker down for rare daytime bad weather events. His cage is not in a corner, its back side is against a wall. The caged birds are close. Birds cannot reach out and touch each other. No are no signs of stress from any of these birds as to the room arrangement or being in close proximity with the other parrots. All go in and out of their cages when asked.
Baby receives 12 hours or an extended 14 hours of quiet dark time in cage 1 depending on his behavior.
Cage 2, is in a spacious well lite downstairs room with three other caged parrots nearby. This room is bustling with human activity during the day by me and volunteers known to the parrots. Strangers or the visiting public does not access this area. His cage is positioned near a wall not in a corner, he is near other caged birds (all but one bird in this room is different from the ones upstairs) No apparent stress. All go in and out of their cages with no difficulty.
Cage 3 is outside in the back yard shade garden where the public is invited to visit. Our quiet well behaved non noisy flock is housed outdoors. The cages are close to each other. Baby occupies this cage only when either I or a designated educational volunteer is committed to being in charge of this space and its visitors and birds. When visiting the garden/birds is self-guided and there is not a designated educator or bird handler present Baby has separation anxiety and starts screaming for attention. He is then carried inside to reduce neighborhood noise as we are located in high density Old Town Key West.
Babys behavior when asked to "STEP UP" on hand is compliant. A stick is offered at times when he is overstimulated.
Nearly 100% of the time when moving Baby from cage to cage, stands, jungle gyms or orbiters, etc., he is compliant to the 1st prompt/cue/request we ask of him. We only ask twice, if he does not respond, we walk away and come back in a minute or two and then he is compliant. We use the request "Step Up" for both on and off, making sure he always has a higher elevation to step onto and we are not bumping his tail. He is not given food treats for this. We say 'GOOD" when he complies. When we move towards him with the intention of asking him to come out, he moves towards either me or volunteer parrot handler Sean and the cage door signaling he wants to come out onto arm or stick. He rapidly comes forward towards cage door, hangs near top of inside door or sometimes goes back and forth quickly near the top of the cage door making little eager sounds because he very actively wants to come out. He does "STEP UP" on either hand or stick with no hesitation. As soon as he is out of either of his two inside cages. He is prompted to "GO POTTY" on a rug, towel or waste bucket on the floor. This keeps his poop off the stairs and floors. He complies. His complying is met with audible "GOOD"
Occasionally, not often, when he prefers not to go into a cage, I give him a food treat for doing so. When on a hanging orbiter or on a gym he is trainer to stay there.
"Baby" is the most fearful parrot I have ever met.
When a slight breeze carries off one of his small, molted feathers he panics and flees in the opposite direction as if his life depends on it! It is my responsibility to anticipate and avoid situations that may frighten him and to provide him training that lessens his fears.
Baby has many fears not of humans themselves but of the stuff humans wear and carry on their bodies when he meets them here at the sanctuary or off property. He is afraid of umbrellas, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, rolling suitcases, baby strollers, skateboards, backpacks and large parcels. Hats on heads are OK but the motion of hats being removed from heads is NOT OK especially when hats with visors or wide brims are removed from heads and used to fan the air when it is hot.
Baby has never flown. He has not been taught to fly, he is phobic about having his wings and toenails trimmed which he needs to have done every 3 to four months. Baby has had his wing feathers and toenails trimmed his entire life. He does his best to resist this. He is fearful of restraint, of being wrapped in a towel and of having his wings and toenails trimmed. Until recently, I managed to towel and restrain him while a volunteer did the cutting of nails and wing feathers. This procedure has always been very difficult. He has done a lot of running away, struggling and screaming. Over the years it became increasingly hard for me to capture him. It got to the point that when I did capture and restrain him our relationship suffered thereafter for about a week. He was afraid of me, especially my hands. Because I am older and not as nimble. When I captured him, it was so damaging to our relationship that I now arrange for a professional to come in to clip him here at the Sanctuary. Recently he got so traumatized he had to have a mild sedation of drops in his nose to calm him and ease the procedure. He is a bird who would greatly benefit from being taught to fly and recall and learn to wear an aviator harness. He has become less fearful of scissors, nail clippers, Dremel and an aviator harness as I continue to introduce these items to him. He accepts these items at a close distance now even touching them with his foot or tongue, but I am still a long way from putting the harness on him. I would like to have his next owner/caregiver teach him to fly, recall and willingly accept wearing an aviator harness and toenail clipping.
Picky Eater!
Baby does not like his morning meal of fresh chop and does not ingest the healthy fruits and vegetables and leafy greens that I want him to eat. Occasionally he eats fresh green peas and jarred green pea baby food and other jarred baby foods. I have seen him eat honeydew melon. Baby likes his dried food bowl, he eats a variety of hard in the shell nuts, Lafeberrr nutriberries and freeze-dried un-sulphurated unsweetened banana chips. His favorite food is Macadamia nuts. He understands the word "Mac Nut" which equals a macadamia nut. He is not fond of Tops pellets. He will eat breakfast with me, sharing my egg and cheese sandwich, cheerios and oatmeal. He likes bread and will fill up on is if allowed. Baby trains for pine nuts he understands they are treats. Mac nut is his favorite nut he usually gets 4 to 6 whole nuts each day. He loves butter (dairy is not good for him) and gets a tiny dab on my finger on Sundays at Salute. I have to hide the butter dish from him. He eats the soft part of bread and drops the crust for the free roaming chickens to clean up.
Baby's Has minimal Personal Space Requirements 48 weeks of the year.
He occasionally has personal space requirements and resource guards his cage if a human wielding a broom, mop or vacuum for cleaning gets too close. He moves to the bottom of his cage, stands on the cage grate and does aggressive body motions towards the human repeatedly striking the bars of his cage with his beak. This makes a loud noise. If he is given greater personal space this behavior ceases. I see this as a fear response to brooms and mops. I take measures to discourage this behavior.
This only happens if a volunteer is cleaning nearby with brooms or vacuum. If this happens, the person is instructed to back off a few feet and stop the cleaning action. Baby stops striking. A more effective way of handling this is to not have him in a cage where nearby cleaning is scheduled. I see Baby's action as fear related. He is afraid of vacuum cleaners, brooms, mops and stick like objects. He would bolt out of the cage and the area if able to do so. Once out of his cage, he would not attack the person working nearby. He would be fearful and flee the area.
When a slight breeze carries off one of his small, molted feathers he panics and flees in the opposite direction as if his life depends on it! It is my responsibility to anticipate and avoid situations that may frighten him and to provide him training that lessens his fears.
Baby has many fears not of humans themselves but of the stuff humans wear and carry on their bodies when he meets them here at the sanctuary or off property. He is afraid of umbrellas, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, rolling suitcases, baby strollers, skateboards, backpacks and large parcels. Hats on heads are OK but the motion of hats being removed from heads is NOT OK especially when hats with visors or wide brims are removed from heads and used to fan the air when it is hot.
Baby has never flown. He has not been taught to fly, he is phobic about having his wings and toenails trimmed which he needs to have done every 3 to four months. Baby has had his wing feathers and toenails trimmed his entire life. He does his best to resist this. He is fearful of restraint, of being wrapped in a towel and of having his wings and toenails trimmed. Until recently, I managed to towel and restrain him while a volunteer did the cutting of nails and wing feathers. This procedure has always been very difficult. He has done a lot of running away, struggling and screaming. Over the years it became increasingly hard for me to capture him. It got to the point that when I did capture and restrain him our relationship suffered thereafter for about a week. He was afraid of me, especially my hands. Because I am older and not as nimble. When I captured him, it was so damaging to our relationship that I now arrange for a professional to come in to clip him here at the Sanctuary. Recently he got so traumatized he had to have a mild sedation of drops in his nose to calm him and ease the procedure. He is a bird who would greatly benefit from being taught to fly and recall and learn to wear an aviator harness. He has become less fearful of scissors, nail clippers, Dremel and an aviator harness as I continue to introduce these items to him. He accepts these items at a close distance now even touching them with his foot or tongue, but I am still a long way from putting the harness on him. I would like to have his next owner/caregiver teach him to fly, recall and willingly accept wearing an aviator harness and toenail clipping.
Picky Eater!
Baby does not like his morning meal of fresh chop and does not ingest the healthy fruits and vegetables and leafy greens that I want him to eat. Occasionally he eats fresh green peas and jarred green pea baby food and other jarred baby foods. I have seen him eat honeydew melon. Baby likes his dried food bowl, he eats a variety of hard in the shell nuts, Lafeberrr nutriberries and freeze-dried un-sulphurated unsweetened banana chips. His favorite food is Macadamia nuts. He understands the word "Mac Nut" which equals a macadamia nut. He is not fond of Tops pellets. He will eat breakfast with me, sharing my egg and cheese sandwich, cheerios and oatmeal. He likes bread and will fill up on is if allowed. Baby trains for pine nuts he understands they are treats. Mac nut is his favorite nut he usually gets 4 to 6 whole nuts each day. He loves butter (dairy is not good for him) and gets a tiny dab on my finger on Sundays at Salute. I have to hide the butter dish from him. He eats the soft part of bread and drops the crust for the free roaming chickens to clean up.
Baby's Has minimal Personal Space Requirements 48 weeks of the year.
He occasionally has personal space requirements and resource guards his cage if a human wielding a broom, mop or vacuum for cleaning gets too close. He moves to the bottom of his cage, stands on the cage grate and does aggressive body motions towards the human repeatedly striking the bars of his cage with his beak. This makes a loud noise. If he is given greater personal space this behavior ceases. I see this as a fear response to brooms and mops. I take measures to discourage this behavior.
This only happens if a volunteer is cleaning nearby with brooms or vacuum. If this happens, the person is instructed to back off a few feet and stop the cleaning action. Baby stops striking. A more effective way of handling this is to not have him in a cage where nearby cleaning is scheduled. I see Baby's action as fear related. He is afraid of vacuum cleaners, brooms, mops and stick like objects. He would bolt out of the cage and the area if able to do so. Once out of his cage, he would not attack the person working nearby. He would be fearful and flee the area.
RECENT PROBLEMS WITH BABY
THE PROBLEMS
Cage resource guarding, Pair-bonding, Aggression towards humans
Cage resource guarding, Pair-bonding, Aggression towards humans
Each bird is unique in how hormonal breeding season affects them.
It is possible that "Baby" may experience stronger hormonal surges than others like him.
It is possible that "Baby" may experience stronger hormonal surges than others like him.
Within the past two years I have observed what I believe to be several categories of slowly evolving aggressive behavior by Baby towards me, several volunteers, attempts to what I see as inappropriate pair bonding with five individuals, cage bound behavior and recourse guarding.
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR: ISSUE 1: RESOURSE GUARDING. (Cage)
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR: ISSUE 2: PAIR BONDING. (total of 5 people, 4 strangers, 1 volunteer)
AGGRESSVE BEHAVIOR: ISSUE 3: AGGRESSION TOWARDS HUMANS, (me and volunteers)
These behaviors by Baby are rare and I believe they are a consequence of his recent sexual maturity.
I will attempt to describe in words Baby's behavior. I believe these issues stem from his LATE arrival as a SEXUALLY MATURE MALE. I view these aggressive behaviors that may be strengthening as a result of hormones, the desire to mate, pair bond with a human and breeding behavior.
I do not have videos of these incidents. I know videos are really helpful for diagnosis. Because the incidents with humans were spontaneous infrequent surprises, and I was not carrying my cell phone. I was not able to record what was happening and I admit I was slow to process or interpret these encounters at the time because they were infrequent, and they were so out of character for Sweet Easy Going Friendly to Everyone "Baby". I am glad these incidents are few and far between and I want to keep it that way. The repetition, escalation and grave consequences of these behaviors were not apparent to me until this last Feb 2023. It was then, I became alarmed because his behavior was so aggressive towards me that it reminded me of two other parrots here that have exhibited targeted aggression towards me and others. I was not as educated on the subject as I am now and could have helped myself and these other birds in our habits towards one another, if I had intervened much sooner.
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR: ISSUE 1: RESOURSE GUARDING. (Cage)
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR: ISSUE 2: PAIR BONDING. (total of 5 people, 4 strangers, 1 volunteer)
AGGRESSVE BEHAVIOR: ISSUE 3: AGGRESSION TOWARDS HUMANS, (me and volunteers)
These behaviors by Baby are rare and I believe they are a consequence of his recent sexual maturity.
I will attempt to describe in words Baby's behavior. I believe these issues stem from his LATE arrival as a SEXUALLY MATURE MALE. I view these aggressive behaviors that may be strengthening as a result of hormones, the desire to mate, pair bond with a human and breeding behavior.
I do not have videos of these incidents. I know videos are really helpful for diagnosis. Because the incidents with humans were spontaneous infrequent surprises, and I was not carrying my cell phone. I was not able to record what was happening and I admit I was slow to process or interpret these encounters at the time because they were infrequent, and they were so out of character for Sweet Easy Going Friendly to Everyone "Baby". I am glad these incidents are few and far between and I want to keep it that way. The repetition, escalation and grave consequences of these behaviors were not apparent to me until this last Feb 2023. It was then, I became alarmed because his behavior was so aggressive towards me that it reminded me of two other parrots here that have exhibited targeted aggression towards me and others. I was not as educated on the subject as I am now and could have helped myself and these other birds in our habits towards one another, if I had intervened much sooner.
ISSUE 1 CAGE-BOUND AND CAGE RESOURSE GUARDING Baby's aggression was aimed towards me and a few volunteers.
This past Nov 2022 at the age of 16 is the first time Baby exhibited any behavior that suggested hormonal maturity. Suddenly one Nov morning he refused to come out of his upstairs sleeping cage and remained cage-bound in that cage for 4 weeks. (I learned that Nov. is when Hyacinth Macaws breed in Brazil). While doing my daily work of cleaning and servicing the upstairs cages, I left his cage door open, tried luring him out with favorite toys and treats. Nothing worked. Luckily, after 4 weeks he came out of his own accord and was trying to go back in as I quickly shut the door. Once out of the cage he was not as aggressive, and I was able to transport him by stick him downstairs to his daytime cage where once he entered that cage, he continued to be cage bound and exhibited territorial aggression for another two weeks. AND THEN IT ALL JUST MAGICALLY WENT AWAY. He come out! Accompanying this cage bound behavior was an alarming six-week aggressive behavior towards anyone approaching his cage. Baby was cage bound for a full six weeks. Then magically one day the behavior just went away. He wanted out, no more aggression. Aggressive Behavior by Baby towards me, Sean a trusted volunteer and expert bird handler and several other volunteers who help with cleaning.
Description of Baby's aggressive behavior. He stands on the grate at the bottom of his cage, his body makes vigorous back and forth lunging motions. He strikes the cage bars with his beak, hitting the cage bars with such resoundingly force it makes a loud noise. He slams his beak so hard that I am afraid he will injure his beak. He was cage bound in his upstairs cage for a month. Nothing I had to offered him brought him out, by sheer luck he came out one day, I quickly shut the door so he could not retreat back in and I was able to transport him to his downstairs cage, which he then resource guarded for another two weeks. Sean and I had to force him out during this time because the building next door was being fumigated and we had to take all birds off property for their safety. Sean was able to turn the cage on its side and together we were able to get him out. Once out he was hand able.
CAGE BOUND FOR 6 WEEKS. WOULD NOT COME OUT. AGGRESSIVE TO ME AND VOLUNTEERS WHEN WE APPROACHED TO CLEAN OR SERVICE THE CAGE,
This past November he became cage bound in his upstairs sleeping cage for a month. He would not come out, striking at anyone coming near him in this cage. He would not come out and his aggressive striking was long lasting and alarming. I got him out one day after about a month, once out of the cage his aggression stopped, and I carried him downstairs where I put him into his downstairs cage. He stayed in that enclosure cage bound and striking for another several weeks. He displayed the same aggression to anyone approaching the cage. It is easier to get him out of his downstairs cage because we could lay it down on its side and still with dificulty maneuver him out. Once out of cage his aggression stopped. The upstairs room is small and meant only for evening meal (dry foods) and sleeping. He stayed there for a month alone by himself with no stimulation during the day. If he did see that space as his nest, there were no toys, objects or shredibles in the cage or on grate to stimulate nesting behavior. During this time I still had to service the room and cages. He began the slamming behavior as soon as I opened the door and stepped into the room. When in the downstairs room, which is much larger he did not beak slam when I or others entered the room. Slamming ensued if one stepped inside his 5 ft space requirement.
This past Nov 2022 at the age of 16 is the first time Baby exhibited any behavior that suggested hormonal maturity. Suddenly one Nov morning he refused to come out of his upstairs sleeping cage and remained cage-bound in that cage for 4 weeks. (I learned that Nov. is when Hyacinth Macaws breed in Brazil). While doing my daily work of cleaning and servicing the upstairs cages, I left his cage door open, tried luring him out with favorite toys and treats. Nothing worked. Luckily, after 4 weeks he came out of his own accord and was trying to go back in as I quickly shut the door. Once out of the cage he was not as aggressive, and I was able to transport him by stick him downstairs to his daytime cage where once he entered that cage, he continued to be cage bound and exhibited territorial aggression for another two weeks. AND THEN IT ALL JUST MAGICALLY WENT AWAY. He come out! Accompanying this cage bound behavior was an alarming six-week aggressive behavior towards anyone approaching his cage. Baby was cage bound for a full six weeks. Then magically one day the behavior just went away. He wanted out, no more aggression. Aggressive Behavior by Baby towards me, Sean a trusted volunteer and expert bird handler and several other volunteers who help with cleaning.
Description of Baby's aggressive behavior. He stands on the grate at the bottom of his cage, his body makes vigorous back and forth lunging motions. He strikes the cage bars with his beak, hitting the cage bars with such resoundingly force it makes a loud noise. He slams his beak so hard that I am afraid he will injure his beak. He was cage bound in his upstairs cage for a month. Nothing I had to offered him brought him out, by sheer luck he came out one day, I quickly shut the door so he could not retreat back in and I was able to transport him to his downstairs cage, which he then resource guarded for another two weeks. Sean and I had to force him out during this time because the building next door was being fumigated and we had to take all birds off property for their safety. Sean was able to turn the cage on its side and together we were able to get him out. Once out he was hand able.
CAGE BOUND FOR 6 WEEKS. WOULD NOT COME OUT. AGGRESSIVE TO ME AND VOLUNTEERS WHEN WE APPROACHED TO CLEAN OR SERVICE THE CAGE,
This past November he became cage bound in his upstairs sleeping cage for a month. He would not come out, striking at anyone coming near him in this cage. He would not come out and his aggressive striking was long lasting and alarming. I got him out one day after about a month, once out of the cage his aggression stopped, and I carried him downstairs where I put him into his downstairs cage. He stayed in that enclosure cage bound and striking for another several weeks. He displayed the same aggression to anyone approaching the cage. It is easier to get him out of his downstairs cage because we could lay it down on its side and still with dificulty maneuver him out. Once out of cage his aggression stopped. The upstairs room is small and meant only for evening meal (dry foods) and sleeping. He stayed there for a month alone by himself with no stimulation during the day. If he did see that space as his nest, there were no toys, objects or shredibles in the cage or on grate to stimulate nesting behavior. During this time I still had to service the room and cages. He began the slamming behavior as soon as I opened the door and stepped into the room. When in the downstairs room, which is much larger he did not beak slam when I or others entered the room. Slamming ensued if one stepped inside his 5 ft space requirement.
BABY'S BEHAVIOR WHEN HE IS HORMONAL BIG SHOCK! NOVEMBER 2022
BABY'S TERRITOTIAL BEHAVIOR
Baby became cage bound and aggressive overnight, This surprised me. I was not expecting this from the gentle giant
Baby had no history of being "cage-bound". He has shown minor aggression when fearful of cleaning brooms and mops used by volunteers near his cage! Baby's body language was clear "I'm not coming out of this cage" and "Stay away! Do not come close to my cage". His behavior was vigorous aggressive lunging/striking with beak at me and others.
Same behavior similar to when broom or mop is used near his cage (I always see this as fear related because given a choice he would flee the cage and area) although the behavior looks similar the cage bound resource guarding aggression entails "stand you ground" and "defend the home turf" "fleeing is not an option"
Cage-bound, Cage Resousce Guarding and Excessive Lunging and striking with beak behavior
Baby practiced excessive lunging and striking for the six weeks he was cage bound. I spent Four weeks in the upstair cage and the last two weeks in his downstairs cage. He provoded excellent communication on his part
Baby became cage bound and aggressive overnight, This surprised me. I was not expecting this from the gentle giant
Baby had no history of being "cage-bound". He has shown minor aggression when fearful of cleaning brooms and mops used by volunteers near his cage! Baby's body language was clear "I'm not coming out of this cage" and "Stay away! Do not come close to my cage". His behavior was vigorous aggressive lunging/striking with beak at me and others.
Same behavior similar to when broom or mop is used near his cage (I always see this as fear related because given a choice he would flee the cage and area) although the behavior looks similar the cage bound resource guarding aggression entails "stand you ground" and "defend the home turf" "fleeing is not an option"
Cage-bound, Cage Resousce Guarding and Excessive Lunging and striking with beak behavior
Baby practiced excessive lunging and striking for the six weeks he was cage bound. I spent Four weeks in the upstair cage and the last two weeks in his downstairs cage. He provoded excellent communication on his part
BABY DID NOT EXHIBITS THESE SIGNS OF A HORMONAL PARROT
No nest building, shredding paper, using feathers and insulating materials to build a nest, no access to blankets or towels, no increased volalizations, mating displays (Do boy parrots do mating displays to attract a mate?). He did not do behaviors like: eye pinning, wing flapping, tail fanning, bowing displays, no crouching down low and panting.
Baby gave no signs of regurgitation of food as a signal of interest to mate. Biting can be common side effect of hormonal behavior. This I have been told is known as “bluffing” and affects even sweet and gentle parrots with no biting history. Signs of bluffing include: Nipping and Biting and Hissing. Baby gave no nipping, biting or hissing signs prior to becoming cage bound or aggressive. Hormonal Parrots may, pluck their feathers and over preening. Baby gave no signs of molting, over preening or plucking or of rubbing his cloaca or vent against me, others or anything.
No nest building, shredding paper, using feathers and insulating materials to build a nest, no access to blankets or towels, no increased volalizations, mating displays (Do boy parrots do mating displays to attract a mate?). He did not do behaviors like: eye pinning, wing flapping, tail fanning, bowing displays, no crouching down low and panting.
Baby gave no signs of regurgitation of food as a signal of interest to mate. Biting can be common side effect of hormonal behavior. This I have been told is known as “bluffing” and affects even sweet and gentle parrots with no biting history. Signs of bluffing include: Nipping and Biting and Hissing. Baby gave no nipping, biting or hissing signs prior to becoming cage bound or aggressive. Hormonal Parrots may, pluck their feathers and over preening. Baby gave no signs of molting, over preening or plucking or of rubbing his cloaca or vent against me, others or anything.
ACTIONS I CAN TAKE IN THE FUTURE TO HELP BABY WHEN HE IS HORMANAL
CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENT Some people believe bird rooms are a bad idea because parrots have big personalities and a well-defined sense of territory. Some people believe it is stressful for larger parrots to live in close proximity to others, especially others of different species. They say parrots seem most comfortable with a minimum of about five feet between cages, which is hard to accomplish in the typical bird room. I will not house Baby in the small bird room upstairs which is used for "dark time sleeping" only. In this room he is only 18 inches from the other parrots in cages. Last November he spent 4 weeks in this small room in isolation. It has zero stimulation during daylight hours. The only daily activity occurring in this room is 45 minutes of room, floor, cage cleaning and refreshing food and water bowls. He refused to come out of his cage. It was not possible to lay his cage down on the floor and force him out. When he was hormonal his need for greater personal space included the whole room. So, when I would open the door and entered the room, he immediately started the aggressive motion of beak slamming. During these times I am sure he would have delivered bad bites. I did not allow this to happen. In the future (perhaps if this happens again next Nov.) I will house him in his cage in the larger downstairs room. It is spacious. It is possible to wheel his cage to different areas of the room. I will move his cage often if it discourages aggression. It is possible to give him the greater depths of personal space he requires when hormonal because the room is larger. This room is busy with daily activities. It provides greater mental stimulation, and he has possibilities to engage in parallel activities. It is possible to deliver brief, playful social interactions with him. Perhaps in the cage target training if he is agreeable. He will have access to music on radio and Parrot TV on YouTube.
CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENT Some people believe bird rooms are a bad idea because parrots have big personalities and a well-defined sense of territory. Some people believe it is stressful for larger parrots to live in close proximity to others, especially others of different species. They say parrots seem most comfortable with a minimum of about five feet between cages, which is hard to accomplish in the typical bird room. I will not house Baby in the small bird room upstairs which is used for "dark time sleeping" only. In this room he is only 18 inches from the other parrots in cages. Last November he spent 4 weeks in this small room in isolation. It has zero stimulation during daylight hours. The only daily activity occurring in this room is 45 minutes of room, floor, cage cleaning and refreshing food and water bowls. He refused to come out of his cage. It was not possible to lay his cage down on the floor and force him out. When he was hormonal his need for greater personal space included the whole room. So, when I would open the door and entered the room, he immediately started the aggressive motion of beak slamming. During these times I am sure he would have delivered bad bites. I did not allow this to happen. In the future (perhaps if this happens again next Nov.) I will house him in his cage in the larger downstairs room. It is spacious. It is possible to wheel his cage to different areas of the room. I will move his cage often if it discourages aggression. It is possible to give him the greater depths of personal space he requires when hormonal because the room is larger. This room is busy with daily activities. It provides greater mental stimulation, and he has possibilities to engage in parallel activities. It is possible to deliver brief, playful social interactions with him. Perhaps in the cage target training if he is agreeable. He will have access to music on radio and Parrot TV on YouTube.
I CAN DELIVER LOWER TEMPERATURE AND LESS LIGHT
I can decrease the amount of light Baby gets to 8-10 hours. I can avoid artificial light. I can minimize light exposure and keep the temperature down. I can provide 14 hours of dark time. I can add a window A/C if nescerry because too much warmth makes parrots believe it’s Spring.
I can decrease the amount of light Baby gets to 8-10 hours. I can avoid artificial light. I can minimize light exposure and keep the temperature down. I can provide 14 hours of dark time. I can add a window A/C if nescerry because too much warmth makes parrots believe it’s Spring.
DIETARY ALTERCATIONS
I can change his diet by limiting foods high in calories and fat. I can taper off these foods as November approaches.
I can change his diet by limiting foods high in calories and fat. I can taper off these foods as November approaches.
MORE ENRICHMENT AND EXERCISE
When housed downstairs, I can provide Baby with exercise, toys, music, target training thru the cage. I can rearrange perches and toys, introduce games, music, YouTube parrot TV. In the larger room with the help of a second person I will be able to force him out of his cage if that is necessary. With him out I can reset the territory by rearranging the perches and toys. Parrots in the wild are constantly problem solving. Their physical environment requires this. In captivity, most parrots are bored. I can introduce target training when he is in his cage on a daily basis when he is hormonal, I might be able to accomplish some very important things. Being housed downstairs offer the plus of Parrell Activities
in the form of brief, playful social Interactions. with him being located are located in a living area, it is easier to interact with him throughout the day.
When housed downstairs, I can provide Baby with exercise, toys, music, target training thru the cage. I can rearrange perches and toys, introduce games, music, YouTube parrot TV. In the larger room with the help of a second person I will be able to force him out of his cage if that is necessary. With him out I can reset the territory by rearranging the perches and toys. Parrots in the wild are constantly problem solving. Their physical environment requires this. In captivity, most parrots are bored. I can introduce target training when he is in his cage on a daily basis when he is hormonal, I might be able to accomplish some very important things. Being housed downstairs offer the plus of Parrell Activities
in the form of brief, playful social Interactions. with him being located are located in a living area, it is easier to interact with him throughout the day.
ADHERE TO APPROPIATE TOUCHING
At all times be aware of and discourage any dominant behavior by Baby.
Appropriate touching only, limit petting, pet on the neck, head, and around the feet and beak. No Petting the down the back and under the wings, do not have him on the shoulder for extended periods, no cuddling at night before bed, no allowing the parrot under the covers. These activities give the parrot the wrong message. Do not invite a sexual relationship.
At all times be aware of and discourage any dominant behavior by Baby.
Appropriate touching only, limit petting, pet on the neck, head, and around the feet and beak. No Petting the down the back and under the wings, do not have him on the shoulder for extended periods, no cuddling at night before bed, no allowing the parrot under the covers. These activities give the parrot the wrong message. Do not invite a sexual relationship.
MEDICAL HORMONAL THEARPY INTERVENTION
This is a possibility for parrots. It works for some but not for all. l am not considering it at this time. I am interested in exploring solutions using behavioral methods first.
This is a possibility for parrots. It works for some but not for all. l am not considering it at this time. I am interested in exploring solutions using behavioral methods first.
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR ISSUE 2
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR ISSUE 2: PAIR BONDING WITH OTHERS, AGGRESION TOWARDS ME Baby's aggression is aimed at me only because I am his main handler. "I AM THE VILLIAN" standing in the way of his "LOVE AFFAIR" (Labels by me)
The antecedent that triggers this aggressive behavior is a rare human dynamic (a threesome between me, Baby and a third person. (a complete stranger or now in recent years Michele a volunteer who has been coming to Key West for over 10 years about three times a year to volunteer about 10 days at a time. Baby has exhibited excessive aggression towards me when a just a few people (perhaps three times at most) have come to visit us. He has demonstrated increased aggression towards me when Michele comes to visit only in the last TWO YEARS. I noticed a change in his behavior when it comes to meeting certain new people in the last two years. I Label it "CHEMISTRY". This Chemistry has happened with about four random strangers over a period of two years. Immediately, he becomes overly interested or fixated on a person. It has only happened in the morning ED class when he is on the table ringed with seated visitors. I jokingly use labels and say to that person, "he is in love with you", "he is smitten". "he has lost his mind", "I am out of the picture". I say to them "He would be happy to go home with you right now". Defining his aggressive behavior towards me. He stays on table or perch making lunging and biting beak motions. I have no doubt that he means to inflict a serious bite. I have to educate the viewers as to what is going on I remove him from the table on a long stick. He makes a loud flailing scene by verbally protesting and striking at the stick with his beak. I succeed in removing him. I bring him indoors and place him in his indoor cage. After a short while (30 minutes) he forgets this person and returns to his sweet open trusting self with me again. Most Recently in Feb. as I removd him he called after this "potential lover Michele" with a not so faint whimper.
The antecedent that triggers this aggressive behavior is a rare human dynamic (a threesome between me, Baby and a third person. (a complete stranger or now in recent years Michele a volunteer who has been coming to Key West for over 10 years about three times a year to volunteer about 10 days at a time. Baby has exhibited excessive aggression towards me when a just a few people (perhaps three times at most) have come to visit us. He has demonstrated increased aggression towards me when Michele comes to visit only in the last TWO YEARS. I noticed a change in his behavior when it comes to meeting certain new people in the last two years. I Label it "CHEMISTRY". This Chemistry has happened with about four random strangers over a period of two years. Immediately, he becomes overly interested or fixated on a person. It has only happened in the morning ED class when he is on the table ringed with seated visitors. I jokingly use labels and say to that person, "he is in love with you", "he is smitten". "he has lost his mind", "I am out of the picture". I say to them "He would be happy to go home with you right now". Defining his aggressive behavior towards me. He stays on table or perch making lunging and biting beak motions. I have no doubt that he means to inflict a serious bite. I have to educate the viewers as to what is going on I remove him from the table on a long stick. He makes a loud flailing scene by verbally protesting and striking at the stick with his beak. I succeed in removing him. I bring him indoors and place him in his indoor cage. After a short while (30 minutes) he forgets this person and returns to his sweet open trusting self with me again. Most Recently in Feb. as I removd him he called after this "potential lover Michele" with a not so faint whimper.
My note or further clarification on topics pertaining to Baby's Aggressive Behavior
PARROTS ARE HIGHLY SOCIAL ANIMALS
Parrots are complex social creatures. Their survival as a species hinges on their capacity for social living. Most of their history in the wild is spent in small groups in which each individual is dependent on others for survival. A solitary parrot in the wild is lacking infromation from fellow parrots on where food is fruiting each day or where a lethal predator is located. Without this flock feed back they do not survive for long! The tenor/quality of a parrots social life is one of the most important influences on their mental and physical health. Without positive, durable relationships, their minds and bodies decline.
Baby parrots begins life dependency for survival on their relationships with their primary caregivers, in the wild this role is filled by mother and father parrot in capitivity by a human usually the breeder of the parrot or his employee.
Parrots form many different kinds of relationships on a number of levels within their family flocks whether composed of parrots or humans or both.
They create tight or loose friendships, have different degrees of trust and may choose to pair-bond or mate for life. Whether in the wild or in captivity it is essential for each parrot to cooperate with all flock members whether parrots or interspecies humans. This is essential for survival. The same complex supportive bonding relationships occur when birds rely on humans for all their needs in captivity.
Parrots are complex social creatures. Their survival as a species hinges on their capacity for social living. Most of their history in the wild is spent in small groups in which each individual is dependent on others for survival. A solitary parrot in the wild is lacking infromation from fellow parrots on where food is fruiting each day or where a lethal predator is located. Without this flock feed back they do not survive for long! The tenor/quality of a parrots social life is one of the most important influences on their mental and physical health. Without positive, durable relationships, their minds and bodies decline.
Baby parrots begins life dependency for survival on their relationships with their primary caregivers, in the wild this role is filled by mother and father parrot in capitivity by a human usually the breeder of the parrot or his employee.
Parrots form many different kinds of relationships on a number of levels within their family flocks whether composed of parrots or humans or both.
They create tight or loose friendships, have different degrees of trust and may choose to pair-bond or mate for life. Whether in the wild or in captivity it is essential for each parrot to cooperate with all flock members whether parrots or interspecies humans. This is essential for survival. The same complex supportive bonding relationships occur when birds rely on humans for all their needs in captivity.
NANCY CAREGIVER TO BABY
I have been Baby's primary caregiver and trainer for sixteen years. For most of that time he was a juvenile and exhibited juvenile behavior.
It became clear to me Nov. 2022 that he is a hormonal sexually mature parrot when I observed six weeks of very aggressive cage resource guarding on his part. Prior to Nov 2022 I observed 4 isolated episodes or attempts by him to pair bond with different humans. In Feb 2023, he exhibited pair-bonding behavior to towards our volunteer Michele Dodd. When the people who trigger this response (an unhealthy bond) in him are removed he is a nice friendly parrot to all including me
Baby and I continue to have a tract record of nearly 100% positive interaction.
Baby and I have taught each other many things. As an educator and caregiver, it is my responsibility to make sure that the human and parrot interactions and communications are clearly understood by both, and healthy bonds are established for everyone's well-being.
I have been Baby's primary caregiver and trainer for sixteen years. For most of that time he was a juvenile and exhibited juvenile behavior.
It became clear to me Nov. 2022 that he is a hormonal sexually mature parrot when I observed six weeks of very aggressive cage resource guarding on his part. Prior to Nov 2022 I observed 4 isolated episodes or attempts by him to pair bond with different humans. In Feb 2023, he exhibited pair-bonding behavior to towards our volunteer Michele Dodd. When the people who trigger this response (an unhealthy bond) in him are removed he is a nice friendly parrot to all including me
Baby and I continue to have a tract record of nearly 100% positive interaction.
Baby and I have taught each other many things. As an educator and caregiver, it is my responsibility to make sure that the human and parrot interactions and communications are clearly understood by both, and healthy bonds are established for everyone's well-being.
MY HOPES FOR BABY'S FUTURE WHEN I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO CARE FOR HIM
This is what I want for Baby and every parrot here at the sanctuary. I want Baby to have a life full of greater possibilities, to have personal choice, to continue to trust humans, to remain friendly and open to being handled by most people, to understand what humans want from him, to be able to entertain himself, to learn to eat a healthy diet, to forage for food, to interact with all sorts of enrichment, to understand the concept of learning, to play with toys and be home schooled. I want him to be taught to fly and recall, to learn to wear an aviator harness and have his toenails trimmed with no angst. I want him to overcome his fears of objects. I want him to have a better quality of life, more choices, greater freedom. I want his social connections to be based on friendships not pair bonding. I want him to have the best Avian Vet., to keep him exposed to change. He has a long history of going off property with me in KW, he likes to ride in the van, go to restaurants, attend musical events and festivals, to take a walk around town, to bathe in the public shower at Higgs beach. He likes to sing with me. He likes to learn. He likes to show off what he has learned to the public. He likes to be the trainer and teach an audience to bounce, dance, wave, and stretch out a wing.
This is what I want for Baby and every parrot here at the sanctuary. I want Baby to have a life full of greater possibilities, to have personal choice, to continue to trust humans, to remain friendly and open to being handled by most people, to understand what humans want from him, to be able to entertain himself, to learn to eat a healthy diet, to forage for food, to interact with all sorts of enrichment, to understand the concept of learning, to play with toys and be home schooled. I want him to be taught to fly and recall, to learn to wear an aviator harness and have his toenails trimmed with no angst. I want him to overcome his fears of objects. I want him to have a better quality of life, more choices, greater freedom. I want his social connections to be based on friendships not pair bonding. I want him to have the best Avian Vet., to keep him exposed to change. He has a long history of going off property with me in KW, he likes to ride in the van, go to restaurants, attend musical events and festivals, to take a walk around town, to bathe in the public shower at Higgs beach. He likes to sing with me. He likes to learn. He likes to show off what he has learned to the public. He likes to be the trainer and teach an audience to bounce, dance, wave, and stretch out a wing.
DEFINITION OF PAIR-BONDING
Healthy Parrot Pair-bonding
Parrot to Parrot Pair-bonding is normal for parrots. The pair-bonding in the wild is essential for their survival. It is similar to swans and geese whose pair-bonds last for a lifetime. When a parrot reaches sexual maturity and becomes hormonal it has an overwhelming urge to mate and produce offspring at certain times of the year.
During mating season an increase of hormones rage in their blood streams. This powerful chemical messaging to procreate cannot be overridden and often causes noticeable changes in the birds behavior. These birds often resource guard their nesting sites and each other to protect their mates from flirtation by other would-be suitors.
Healthy Parrot Pair-bonding
Parrot to Parrot Pair-bonding is normal for parrots. The pair-bonding in the wild is essential for their survival. It is similar to swans and geese whose pair-bonds last for a lifetime. When a parrot reaches sexual maturity and becomes hormonal it has an overwhelming urge to mate and produce offspring at certain times of the year.
During mating season an increase of hormones rage in their blood streams. This powerful chemical messaging to procreate cannot be overridden and often causes noticeable changes in the birds behavior. These birds often resource guard their nesting sites and each other to protect their mates from flirtation by other would-be suitors.
UNHEALTHY PARROT PAIR-BONDING
Parrot to Human pair-bonding
The majority of parrots in captivity do not have a suitable parrot to choose as their mate. In this circumstance it is common for a parrot to choose a human as their pair-bond/lover. Pair-bonding or interspecies pair-bonding is unhealthy for parrots and humans.
Pair-bonding (parrot to human) in captivity can have grave consequences for the bird and the human. Many of these unfortunate birds remain caged for the rest of their lives because they are jealously aggressive (resource guard) the other people in the home. They view these humans as rivals who threaten their mating-bond with their chosen lover. It is difficult to manage an inappropriate pair bond relationship once it gets underway. It is easier to make sure one is not allowed to flourish in the first place. It is instinctual behavior and hard to mitigate. I can tell you from experience that you don’t want a pair-bond with your parrot. Such a bond often leads to increased aggression, screaming and feather destructive behavior. Some say that a pair bond can be evolved into a more appropriate relationship with consistent effort over time. This is instinctual behavior on the part of the parrot and very hard to mitigate once it becomes habitual.
Parrot to Human pair-bonding
The majority of parrots in captivity do not have a suitable parrot to choose as their mate. In this circumstance it is common for a parrot to choose a human as their pair-bond/lover. Pair-bonding or interspecies pair-bonding is unhealthy for parrots and humans.
Pair-bonding (parrot to human) in captivity can have grave consequences for the bird and the human. Many of these unfortunate birds remain caged for the rest of their lives because they are jealously aggressive (resource guard) the other people in the home. They view these humans as rivals who threaten their mating-bond with their chosen lover. It is difficult to manage an inappropriate pair bond relationship once it gets underway. It is easier to make sure one is not allowed to flourish in the first place. It is instinctual behavior and hard to mitigate. I can tell you from experience that you don’t want a pair-bond with your parrot. Such a bond often leads to increased aggression, screaming and feather destructive behavior. Some say that a pair bond can be evolved into a more appropriate relationship with consistent effort over time. This is instinctual behavior on the part of the parrot and very hard to mitigate once it becomes habitual.
BABY'S PAIR BONDING
I am aware of Baby's need to pair-bond. Within the last two years I have witnessed Baby making strong attempts to pair-bond with five different humans. Five inappropriate relationships, four with complete strangers and one with a known person our volunteer Michele Dodd. These relationships took a wrong turn.
I am aware of Baby's need to pair-bond. Within the last two years I have witnessed Baby making strong attempts to pair-bond with five different humans. Five inappropriate relationships, four with complete strangers and one with a known person our volunteer Michele Dodd. These relationships took a wrong turn.
WHAT BABY"S PAIR-BONDING BEHAVIOR LOOKS LIKE
Baby's Pair bonding behavior with complete strangers.
This has happened only four times in the last 2 years. It always occurred during the Parrot 101 presentation at the sanctuary, always in the AM, always with adult females (youngish to pre-middle age). Each interspecies introduction that resulted in a pair-bonding incident lasted less than 15 minutes and Baby's time together with this individual ended as soon as it dawned on me what was happening. No videos of this behavior exist because I was slow to realize what was happening the first two times, it is a rare occurrence and there is no predicting when it will occur. I did not have my cell phone on me these four times. Each time, I separated Baby from his chosen person he resisted being separated and his physical and vocal displeasure got louder and more aggressive. The separations were achieved by me using a long stick for transport. No one was physically hurt.
Baby participates in Parrot 101 education given by me to the public 365 days a year.
BABY's normal daily or routine behavior during Parrot 101 lasts anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. Usually starting at 10 AM
Baby is walked by me on arm from his cage in the house to the back yard and placed on a 48" round metal tablet covered with a tablecloth. The table has a thick sturdy metal rim. The surface of the table is open metal mesh, a tablecloth covers the mesh to protect his feet. The visiting public arrives and is either already seated or taking eight or so seats that surround the table. Baby is trained to stay on the table, he complies. It is a short distance between parrot on table and seated visitors. The public is asked not to reach out to him or have their belongings like cell phones where he can reach them. Baby has no fear of humans. He often makes gestures that indicate he would like to be held by them. Baby is the center of attention and engages with the visiting public in many different ways. He usually shows interest in all the peoples by studying their facial expressions. At times, he enjoys the company of a particular visitor more than others. He revisits them numerous times. He is playful, alert, physically active, looks at everyone, moves about freely on the table, walks, bunny hops, waves with foot and toes, bounces, dances, fetches, stretches his wings, chews the edge of the metal table and the tablecloth which he is allowed to do. There are objects present that he is not allowed to chew. He complies, he preens, plays, is feed by the audience, he opens and eats nuts. Sometimes we share higher level learning. All his actions and antics lead to in-depth storytelling.
The pair bonding behavior starts by him focusing on a single person who is in a seat ringing the table.
He stops moving about on the table and positions himself (not standing) hunkered down directly in front of chosen person as close to the edge of the table and the person as possible. He makes and keeps constant soft eye contact; he tucks his head down a little and begins little repetitive wing flips. He loses interest in everything but the person, will not pay any attention to me, refuses to comply to any prompts I give, refuses to step up on my hand or arm when asked. Each time I have forced him to leave the table and step onto a long stick. He has a "physical, mental and vocal melt down" aggressively attacking the long stick with his beak, making erratic compulsive biting motions towards his chest and loud snarling growling noises. I am able to walk him into the house on stick and put him into his downstairs cage. He makes loud repetitive whimpering noises when separated from the person of choice for about a minute. After 20 minutes of physical separation from what I call "the toxic person" he returns to his sweet friendly self. He does not come in contact with that person again. Problem solved! No more aggression. He is more than compliant. He is eager to engage.
Baby's Pair bonding behavior with complete strangers.
This has happened only four times in the last 2 years. It always occurred during the Parrot 101 presentation at the sanctuary, always in the AM, always with adult females (youngish to pre-middle age). Each interspecies introduction that resulted in a pair-bonding incident lasted less than 15 minutes and Baby's time together with this individual ended as soon as it dawned on me what was happening. No videos of this behavior exist because I was slow to realize what was happening the first two times, it is a rare occurrence and there is no predicting when it will occur. I did not have my cell phone on me these four times. Each time, I separated Baby from his chosen person he resisted being separated and his physical and vocal displeasure got louder and more aggressive. The separations were achieved by me using a long stick for transport. No one was physically hurt.
Baby participates in Parrot 101 education given by me to the public 365 days a year.
BABY's normal daily or routine behavior during Parrot 101 lasts anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. Usually starting at 10 AM
Baby is walked by me on arm from his cage in the house to the back yard and placed on a 48" round metal tablet covered with a tablecloth. The table has a thick sturdy metal rim. The surface of the table is open metal mesh, a tablecloth covers the mesh to protect his feet. The visiting public arrives and is either already seated or taking eight or so seats that surround the table. Baby is trained to stay on the table, he complies. It is a short distance between parrot on table and seated visitors. The public is asked not to reach out to him or have their belongings like cell phones where he can reach them. Baby has no fear of humans. He often makes gestures that indicate he would like to be held by them. Baby is the center of attention and engages with the visiting public in many different ways. He usually shows interest in all the peoples by studying their facial expressions. At times, he enjoys the company of a particular visitor more than others. He revisits them numerous times. He is playful, alert, physically active, looks at everyone, moves about freely on the table, walks, bunny hops, waves with foot and toes, bounces, dances, fetches, stretches his wings, chews the edge of the metal table and the tablecloth which he is allowed to do. There are objects present that he is not allowed to chew. He complies, he preens, plays, is feed by the audience, he opens and eats nuts. Sometimes we share higher level learning. All his actions and antics lead to in-depth storytelling.
The pair bonding behavior starts by him focusing on a single person who is in a seat ringing the table.
He stops moving about on the table and positions himself (not standing) hunkered down directly in front of chosen person as close to the edge of the table and the person as possible. He makes and keeps constant soft eye contact; he tucks his head down a little and begins little repetitive wing flips. He loses interest in everything but the person, will not pay any attention to me, refuses to comply to any prompts I give, refuses to step up on my hand or arm when asked. Each time I have forced him to leave the table and step onto a long stick. He has a "physical, mental and vocal melt down" aggressively attacking the long stick with his beak, making erratic compulsive biting motions towards his chest and loud snarling growling noises. I am able to walk him into the house on stick and put him into his downstairs cage. He makes loud repetitive whimpering noises when separated from the person of choice for about a minute. After 20 minutes of physical separation from what I call "the toxic person" he returns to his sweet friendly self. He does not come in contact with that person again. Problem solved! No more aggression. He is more than compliant. He is eager to engage.
WHAT BABY'S PAIR-BONDING BEHAVIOR LOOKS LIKE WITH MICHELE DODD
Michele has been coming to Key West for many years, sometimes four times a year for 10-day stays. She is a friend and always volunteers at the shelter when she is in town. She is a loving responsible bird owner handler and trainer. Years ago, when I met her, she had more parrot training experience than I had, and she was generous in teaching me basic skills. She has had full access to all my birds for many years. I have trusted her to handle and train them when I am not present. She has befriended, played and trained Baby over a number of his juvenile years with no issues. The last two years I noticed subtle changes in Baby's behavior when we were a three some. I noticed when she trained him, played with him, or hung out with him he preferred her company to mine. He would hesitate slightly in returning to me when I asked him to, but he would comply to my request. I remember laughing and remarking to Michele two years ago that I was jealous because he seemed to like her better than me. I admit I was a little hurt that he seemed to prefer her company. (I was also glad he liked her because Michele was to be his next owner/caregiver when I am no longer able to take care of him). She had mentioned that a Hy was she and her husband's dream bird!
The next indication that there may be a problem occurred when the three of met at Salute on the Beach for Sunday Funday. Something Baby and I do every week 52 weeks out of the year. Our human friends often join us. I asked Michele to take Baby into the public beach shower so I could video Baby's very enthused bathing, his vigorous bouncing, biting at the water and wing flapping. This is his favorite place to bathe and up to this time I was the only person to hold him in this shower. We have done this every Sunday for many years. Michele held him, he bathed successfully. I got a good video. We preceded to Salute for dinner. During drinks and dinner Baby spent most of the time on Micheles arm. This was OK because he was acknowledging me and complying to my requests. I put him on her husband's arm. He complied; he hung out there for a while. He was calm and gentle. Michele insisted on driving Baby and me home in my van. We arrived home, parked the van, Baby would not step up on my hand or come out of the van for me. He was very aggressive towards me lunging with body and beak as if to bite. Michele easily got him out of the van on hand, into the house, up the stairs and place him into his sleeping cage. Red flag for me!
This year on Valentines Day, Feb. 2023 Michele surprised us with a five-day visit. On her next to last day here, I was busy in the house catching up on work. Michele presented Parrot 101 as she often does when here. My understanding is that Baby was with her for an extended amount of time. Not sure how long they hung out together. I decided to take a break from my computer work to relax and enjoy listening to her presentation to the visitors. Michele is a very accomplished and interesting educator. I probably watched her talk for about for about 15 minutes before I woke up to the fact, I was seeing familiar pair bonding behavior on Baby's behalf. Michele held Baby the entire time I watched and apparantly she had had him out of age with her for quite a while! She said at times when she tried to get him off her body, he did not comply. I asked her to place him on the jungle gym. She tried to place him on the jungle gym he did not comply. It was then I realized I was seeing the same head, neck, beak tucked down pose with repetitive little wing flips behavior, plus sitting on her arm rather than standing. I felt it was imperative to separate them. I asked her to put him on the table as soon as possible. She did succeed in dumping him on the table after several tries. On the table he became very aggressive towards me with slamming body gestures coupled with beak wielding. His body language was clear I'm going to bite you if I can. With some difficulty, I was able to swoop him up off the table onto a long stick. Major protesting from him. Very aggressive body language, body lunging with beak striking. He acted like a mental case, biting at his own chest repeatedly (no harm done to chest) accompanied with very loud snarly growly protesting. He did not travel down the stick to get me. I carried him inside the house, put him in his cage. He vocalized repetitive whimpering sounds which were much louder than I had heard the last time I separated him from an attempted pair-bond. All whimpering stop after about a minute. Within an hour he had calmed down and returned to his sweet self. I did not allow them to be together again. Aggression towards me ended. Problem solved. I believe Michele is not a safe person for him to be around because of inappropriate pair bonding.
I intervene if I suspect pair-bonding behavior on Babys part toward anyone. Such a bond needs swift attention. It can lead to a lot of stress, increased caged time, increased aggression, screaming and feather destructive behavior.
Michele has been coming to Key West for many years, sometimes four times a year for 10-day stays. She is a friend and always volunteers at the shelter when she is in town. She is a loving responsible bird owner handler and trainer. Years ago, when I met her, she had more parrot training experience than I had, and she was generous in teaching me basic skills. She has had full access to all my birds for many years. I have trusted her to handle and train them when I am not present. She has befriended, played and trained Baby over a number of his juvenile years with no issues. The last two years I noticed subtle changes in Baby's behavior when we were a three some. I noticed when she trained him, played with him, or hung out with him he preferred her company to mine. He would hesitate slightly in returning to me when I asked him to, but he would comply to my request. I remember laughing and remarking to Michele two years ago that I was jealous because he seemed to like her better than me. I admit I was a little hurt that he seemed to prefer her company. (I was also glad he liked her because Michele was to be his next owner/caregiver when I am no longer able to take care of him). She had mentioned that a Hy was she and her husband's dream bird!
The next indication that there may be a problem occurred when the three of met at Salute on the Beach for Sunday Funday. Something Baby and I do every week 52 weeks out of the year. Our human friends often join us. I asked Michele to take Baby into the public beach shower so I could video Baby's very enthused bathing, his vigorous bouncing, biting at the water and wing flapping. This is his favorite place to bathe and up to this time I was the only person to hold him in this shower. We have done this every Sunday for many years. Michele held him, he bathed successfully. I got a good video. We preceded to Salute for dinner. During drinks and dinner Baby spent most of the time on Micheles arm. This was OK because he was acknowledging me and complying to my requests. I put him on her husband's arm. He complied; he hung out there for a while. He was calm and gentle. Michele insisted on driving Baby and me home in my van. We arrived home, parked the van, Baby would not step up on my hand or come out of the van for me. He was very aggressive towards me lunging with body and beak as if to bite. Michele easily got him out of the van on hand, into the house, up the stairs and place him into his sleeping cage. Red flag for me!
This year on Valentines Day, Feb. 2023 Michele surprised us with a five-day visit. On her next to last day here, I was busy in the house catching up on work. Michele presented Parrot 101 as she often does when here. My understanding is that Baby was with her for an extended amount of time. Not sure how long they hung out together. I decided to take a break from my computer work to relax and enjoy listening to her presentation to the visitors. Michele is a very accomplished and interesting educator. I probably watched her talk for about for about 15 minutes before I woke up to the fact, I was seeing familiar pair bonding behavior on Baby's behalf. Michele held Baby the entire time I watched and apparantly she had had him out of age with her for quite a while! She said at times when she tried to get him off her body, he did not comply. I asked her to place him on the jungle gym. She tried to place him on the jungle gym he did not comply. It was then I realized I was seeing the same head, neck, beak tucked down pose with repetitive little wing flips behavior, plus sitting on her arm rather than standing. I felt it was imperative to separate them. I asked her to put him on the table as soon as possible. She did succeed in dumping him on the table after several tries. On the table he became very aggressive towards me with slamming body gestures coupled with beak wielding. His body language was clear I'm going to bite you if I can. With some difficulty, I was able to swoop him up off the table onto a long stick. Major protesting from him. Very aggressive body language, body lunging with beak striking. He acted like a mental case, biting at his own chest repeatedly (no harm done to chest) accompanied with very loud snarly growly protesting. He did not travel down the stick to get me. I carried him inside the house, put him in his cage. He vocalized repetitive whimpering sounds which were much louder than I had heard the last time I separated him from an attempted pair-bond. All whimpering stop after about a minute. Within an hour he had calmed down and returned to his sweet self. I did not allow them to be together again. Aggression towards me ended. Problem solved. I believe Michele is not a safe person for him to be around because of inappropriate pair bonding.
I intervene if I suspect pair-bonding behavior on Babys part toward anyone. Such a bond needs swift attention. It can lead to a lot of stress, increased caged time, increased aggression, screaming and feather destructive behavior.
LABELS I have used to explain his behavior to visitors who witnessed it during my Parrot 101 talk are as follows.
"Chemistry", "You have cast a spell on this bird", "He has fallen in love with you", "he is smitten with you", "he has lost his mind, "I am suddenly out of the picture and you are in", "he wants to go home with you now" and "he will not miss me", "he has gone nuts", "crazy", "gonzo", "our 16 year history is erased"! Like the musician Jay Hawkins say in his song "I put a spell on you"
"Chemistry", "You have cast a spell on this bird", "He has fallen in love with you", "he is smitten with you", "he has lost his mind, "I am suddenly out of the picture and you are in", "he wants to go home with you now" and "he will not miss me", "he has gone nuts", "crazy", "gonzo", "our 16 year history is erased"! Like the musician Jay Hawkins say in his song "I put a spell on you"
BABY AND NANCY ARE FRIENDS
I am grateful that Baby is not pair bonded with me. I believe Baby and I are friends.
Together we have met thousands of people who have held him on arm and fed him treats. Baby does not hate everyone but me, He does not try to run anyone off or threaten biting anyone because of jealousy when others approach me. Baby likes and trusts most people. He will gladly sit on most people's arm. Baby has never tried to masturbate on me or anyone else when they are holding him.
I can get him off of my shoulder (He is seldom on my shoulder). Baby has never shown any interest in preening my or anyone else's hair, eyebrows, or beard. He does not feed me pr regurgitate food to me or others.
QUESTION
Is Baby over dependant on me or dominant over me? I understand that over-dependent parrots can adopt a dominant role are more likely to create problems for their owners. He and I have a big trust account with each other. We have two-way conversations. I do not dominate him. He does not dominate me. I invite him on my shoulder or on my lap occasionally. I invite him to cuddle. He has choice.
I am grateful that Baby is not pair bonded with me. I believe Baby and I are friends.
Together we have met thousands of people who have held him on arm and fed him treats. Baby does not hate everyone but me, He does not try to run anyone off or threaten biting anyone because of jealousy when others approach me. Baby likes and trusts most people. He will gladly sit on most people's arm. Baby has never tried to masturbate on me or anyone else when they are holding him.
I can get him off of my shoulder (He is seldom on my shoulder). Baby has never shown any interest in preening my or anyone else's hair, eyebrows, or beard. He does not feed me pr regurgitate food to me or others.
QUESTION
Is Baby over dependant on me or dominant over me? I understand that over-dependent parrots can adopt a dominant role are more likely to create problems for their owners. He and I have a big trust account with each other. We have two-way conversations. I do not dominate him. He does not dominate me. I invite him on my shoulder or on my lap occasionally. I invite him to cuddle. He has choice.
USING THE ABC's OF BEHAVIOR TO DIAGNOSE BABYS AGGRESSION
The ABC's of Behavior
Anticedent
Under what circumstances does this behavior occur
environment, things, people, other animals in the space that can influence behavior
Issue 2. Bonding Issue with people who are complete strangers has happened four times in 2 years. They were not a series spaced close to each other. They were spaced out with many months between them over the two years. No special month or time of year was noticed by me. When It happens again I will make a note of the date and time of year.
Bonding issue with Michele Dodd (volunteer from NY who visits us three times a year for about 10 days each visit) Bonding problem (aggression toward me) has gotten worse with each visit for the last two years
Issue 1 First time cage bound, six weeks in Nov/Dec 2022. 16 years old, Sexually Mature
"late bloomer"
Behavior
Anything the bird does that is observable.
describe the behavior in observable terms
Consequence
Antecedent
Under what conditions does the behavior occur?
Immediate antecedents and distant antecedents
What else is going on in the room at the same time?
Behavior
Describe the behavior in observable terms.
Behavior = anything an animal does that is observable
Record: playback, start, stop, slow motion, review
Labels What labels do I use to describe my bird not wanting to participate in normal activities or routine.
nervous, sassy, obstinate, moody, hormonal, neurotic, phobic
MY LABELS "Hormonal", "Smitten" "Lost His Mind", "likes you better than me", "Would just as soon go home with you now", I'm out of the picture". "In Love". Fallen in love, "Inappropiate bonding", "Overbonding", "crazy about you", "Everything I have taught him has gone out the window". "I'm out of thePicture", Pair-bonding
What does that look like.
Labels
What Does it look like?
Labels describe what an animal IS
We don.t know what an animal IS.... but we do know what an animal IS DOING
We DON'T know what an animal thinks or feels
We DO know what an animal DOES.
How do we know if they WANT to know to do the behavior we are requesting of them.
Body Language (universal language)
What does it look like when they WANT to?
What does it look like when they DON'T WANT TO?
Consequence
What is increasing, what is decreasing, or maintaining the behavior?
Issue 1. It remains to be seen if this cage bound issue and aggression in regards to guarding increased space around the cage happens again next November when breeding season happens for Hys in Brazil.
Issue 2 "Overbonding my label" or BONDING to a complete stranger or Michele Dodd occasional volunteer in such away that it negates my entire 16-year relationship with the bird.
Is the consequence something the bird moves towards/enjoys?
Is the consequrnce something the bird avoids/dislikes
Consequence
Probable future behavior
Will the behavior likely maintain increase or decrease?
in the future under similar circumstance? 1. YES, to cage bound and resource guarding the cage and greater personal space around the cage during breeding season, 2 Yes, to "chemistry" with a rare occasional stranger and Michele Dodd frequent volunteer whose presence brings on targeted aggression toward me.
How can I modify the environment? (A) and/or the consequence Issue 1 Attention to diet like lessen fat in diet to help mitigate effect of hormones, More toys and foraging objects near top of cage to keep him off the floor of cage. Issue 2 At First sign of "overbonding" separate the bird and from the person
(C) so I can influence a behavior change?
Consequence
Is the behavior repeating?
If the behavior is repeating, from the birds perspective there is something in the environment
maintaining that behavior. From the bird's perspective the consequence of doing the behavior is valuable enough to repeat the behavior in the future in the future.
Proactive (Antecedent) Reactive (Consequence)
Consequence
Desirable consequences from the birds perspective.
treats
attention
personal space
choice and control the power or right to say NO
Choice: I choose whether or not I approach
Control: My body language controls your body language which controls my body language=
two way communicatio
Anticedent
Under what circumstances does this behavior occur
environment, things, people, other animals in the space that can influence behavior
Issue 2. Bonding Issue with people who are complete strangers has happened four times in 2 years. They were not a series spaced close to each other. They were spaced out with many months between them over the two years. No special month or time of year was noticed by me. When It happens again I will make a note of the date and time of year.
Bonding issue with Michele Dodd (volunteer from NY who visits us three times a year for about 10 days each visit) Bonding problem (aggression toward me) has gotten worse with each visit for the last two years
Issue 1 First time cage bound, six weeks in Nov/Dec 2022. 16 years old, Sexually Mature
"late bloomer"
Behavior
Anything the bird does that is observable.
describe the behavior in observable terms
Consequence
Antecedent
Under what conditions does the behavior occur?
Immediate antecedents and distant antecedents
What else is going on in the room at the same time?
Behavior
Describe the behavior in observable terms.
Behavior = anything an animal does that is observable
Record: playback, start, stop, slow motion, review
Labels What labels do I use to describe my bird not wanting to participate in normal activities or routine.
nervous, sassy, obstinate, moody, hormonal, neurotic, phobic
MY LABELS "Hormonal", "Smitten" "Lost His Mind", "likes you better than me", "Would just as soon go home with you now", I'm out of the picture". "In Love". Fallen in love, "Inappropiate bonding", "Overbonding", "crazy about you", "Everything I have taught him has gone out the window". "I'm out of thePicture", Pair-bonding
What does that look like.
Labels
What Does it look like?
Labels describe what an animal IS
We don.t know what an animal IS.... but we do know what an animal IS DOING
We DON'T know what an animal thinks or feels
We DO know what an animal DOES.
How do we know if they WANT to know to do the behavior we are requesting of them.
Body Language (universal language)
What does it look like when they WANT to?
What does it look like when they DON'T WANT TO?
Consequence
What is increasing, what is decreasing, or maintaining the behavior?
Issue 1. It remains to be seen if this cage bound issue and aggression in regards to guarding increased space around the cage happens again next November when breeding season happens for Hys in Brazil.
Issue 2 "Overbonding my label" or BONDING to a complete stranger or Michele Dodd occasional volunteer in such away that it negates my entire 16-year relationship with the bird.
Is the consequence something the bird moves towards/enjoys?
Is the consequrnce something the bird avoids/dislikes
Consequence
Probable future behavior
Will the behavior likely maintain increase or decrease?
in the future under similar circumstance? 1. YES, to cage bound and resource guarding the cage and greater personal space around the cage during breeding season, 2 Yes, to "chemistry" with a rare occasional stranger and Michele Dodd frequent volunteer whose presence brings on targeted aggression toward me.
How can I modify the environment? (A) and/or the consequence Issue 1 Attention to diet like lessen fat in diet to help mitigate effect of hormones, More toys and foraging objects near top of cage to keep him off the floor of cage. Issue 2 At First sign of "overbonding" separate the bird and from the person
(C) so I can influence a behavior change?
Consequence
Is the behavior repeating?
If the behavior is repeating, from the birds perspective there is something in the environment
maintaining that behavior. From the bird's perspective the consequence of doing the behavior is valuable enough to repeat the behavior in the future in the future.
Proactive (Antecedent) Reactive (Consequence)
Consequence
Desirable consequences from the birds perspective.
treats
attention
personal space
choice and control the power or right to say NO
Choice: I choose whether or not I approach
Control: My body language controls your body language which controls my body language=
two way communicatio
"Baby" is cute, & pretty & beautiful. He is funny & sweet & very smart. He smells good. He loves to cuddle!
Baby is very intelligent. His favorite form of interaction is going to school or having a lesson by me on subjects involving higher level learning. This game/fetch lesson I am showing you is more in the category of playtime/doing tricks rather than more serious lessons like learning shapes, colors and numbers. When asked he does "Bunny Hop" on flat surfaces.
November 2021. Target Training Baby and teaching him colors. He is a little overstimulated but still able to focus on the lessons at hand and get most of them right. Now in May 2023, Baby has developed greater skills at learning how to learn. His becoming overstimulated is nearly a thing of the past! I am using food as a reward. He will work for small, shelled pine nuts.
Baby is at Higgs Beach, walking the rail a social and physical activity he has done with me weekly for many years. He likes to walk the rail after "Bathtime" in the public shower at Higgs Beach whether it is calm or windy. Today it is so windy that is the predominant sound you hear on the video and more importantly he needs to face into the wind in order to stay on the railings and not get blown off! This video is just a couple of minutes of an hour-long activity of walking on the rails.
Baby has spent a lot of time with me off property at Key West festivals, animal friendly establishments featuring food & or music! Here he is at Salute on the Beach dancing with a woman to live music! Baby's dance moves are bouncing up and down, swaying side to side and combining bounce with sway.
He knows how to hold paper money in his beak and drop it in to the bands tip jar, when asked to "drop"
He knows how to hold paper money in his beak and drop it in to the bands tip jar, when asked to "drop"