Behaviour is information before it is a problem to fix.

Some loud behaviour is normal bird behaviour

Parrots use calls to maintain contact, and calling around dawn and dusk can be normal communication. Constant or changed vocalisation is a different question and should be considered alongside environment, social life, routine and health.

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Biting is not evidence of a dominance contest

RSPCA Australia recommends low-stress, force-free handling and positive reinforcement. Forcing a bird through fear or restraint can damage trust and contribute to avoidance or aggression.

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Look for the pattern

Note what happens immediately before and after the behaviour, where it occurs, who is present, whether the bird can move away, and whether anything recently changed. Behaviour that changes suddenly or occurs alongside signs of illness warrants veterinary assessment.

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Change the conditions, not just the bird

Social opportunity, foraging, movement, rest, security and appropriate enrichment all affect behaviour. A behaviour plan that ignores the environment can miss the reason the behaviour is occurring.

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Write down what happened, without assigning a motive

A useful record separates what happened before, what the bird did, and what happened afterwards. This is often called an antecedent–behaviour–consequence record. Merck’s veterinary behaviour guidance also recommends noting frequency, duration and changes over time.

For example: “I reached towards the perch; the bird moved away and then bit; I withdrew my hand” gives more useful information than “the bird was being naughty”. It does not prove why the bite occurred.

A safely captured video can help a professional. Do not recreate a frightening interaction or provoke a bite to obtain footage. Read Merck’s general guidance on investigating behaviour problems.

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Three situations to think through

These are illustrative Little Beaks scenarios, not diagnoses of a particular bird.

A bird calls when you leave the room

Record the context and pattern before deciding it is an unwanted habit. Review social opportunity, routine and access to activities. The goal is appropriate communication and wellbeing, not a silent bird.

A bird moves away from a hand

Pause the approach and give room. For routine training, use voluntary participation and reward achievable steps instead of pursuing the bird until they comply. Ask for professional help with necessary medical handling.

A bird avoids a new toy or bowl

Consider whether the change itself is frightening. More exposure is not automatically better. See neophobia: when unfamiliar things are frightening for a gradual approach.

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When a behaviour question needs a vet

Seek veterinary assessment for sudden changes, self-injury, reduced eating or changes alongside illness. Persistent problems also deserve help. Bring the history and observations to a bird-capable veterinarian and ask whether a suitably qualified behaviour professional should be involved. Enrichment and training cannot rule out a medical cause.

For conflict between birds, use the compatibility and introductions guide.

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