Psittacine Behavior, Handling, and Restraint

Key Points

  • Study principles rather than methods. The mind that grasps the principles can develop its most effective methods.”—Author unknown
  • Any behavior that is being increased is being reinforced; any behavior that is being decreased is being punished.
  • “Old-school” capture and restraint focuses on physically overpowering the bird. Problems associated with this approach may include an increase in learned fear-eliciting stimuli and learned aggression.
  • Keeping sound behavioral science in mind when handling and restraining companion parrots, will result in increased sensitivity to their behavior and an earlier appreciation of fear-associated responses allowing us to adjust our technique for optimal comfort of the patient.
  • When getting a bird out of the cage or carrier, systematically take a brief period of time to sort through all potential fear-evoking stimuli as well as favorable stimuli to the bird.

Behavior is the most direct tool a wild bird has to respond to its environment, and it ultimately determines whether it survives and breeds in its natural environment. There are two functional categories of avian behaviors: self-maintenance behaviors and social behaviors . . .


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References

Carter SL, Wheeler JJ. Considering the intrusiveness of interventions. International J Special Education 20(2): 136-142, 2005.

Crowell-Davis SL. Desensitization and counter-conditioning: The details of success. Vet Continuing Education 30 (11): P 589-594, 2008.

Friedman SG, Edling TM, Cheney CD. Concepts in Behavior: Section I, The Natural Science of Behavior. In: Harrison G, Lightfoot T (eds). Clinical Avian Medicine. Palm Beach, FL: Spix Publishing; 2006: 46-59.

Hart, BL, Hart, LA, Bain, M. Canine And Feline Behavior Therapy. Ames, IA: Blackwell Publications; 2006.

Martin S. The Anatomy of Parrot Behavior: Behavior by Popular Demand. Annu Conf Proc Association of Avian Veterinarians; 2002, 3-16.

O’Neill RE, Horner RH, Albin RW, et al. Functional Assessment and Program Development for Problem Behavior: A Practical Handbook, 2nd ed . Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole; 1997.

Pepperberg IM. The Alex Studies: Cognitive and Communicative Abilities of Grey Parrots. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; 1999.

Pryor K. Don’t Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training. Bantam: Revised edition; 1999.

Sapolsky R. Biology and Human Behavior: The Neurological Origins of Individuality, 2nd Edition. Chantilly, VA: The Teaching Company; www.TEACH12.com.

Sibley DA, Dunning JB, Elphic C. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior. New York, NY: Chantier Press; 2001: 51-79.

Speer BL, Murad JW. Practical psittacine behavior, handling and restrain laboratory. Proceedings of the European Assoc Avian Vets, 2009, 433-444.

Further Reading

  1. The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies
  2. The Gabriel Foundation
  3. Living and Learning with Animals
  4. Good Bird Inc
To cite this page:

Speer B, Murad J. Psittacine behavior, handling and restraint. May 22, 2009. LafeberVet Web site. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/psittacine-behavior-handling-restraint/