Keeping Parrot As Pets: Interactive Submissive Postures

This set of parrot patterning techniques has been used for years by all kinds o/ successful bird owners.

It involves holding the bird in a submissive position, possibly including only voice; direct, intense, or severe eye contact; lowering the bird; or restraining the bird or some part of the bird; and suggesting appropriate behavior.

This gets the bird's attention, reinforces the authority-based relationship, and suggests what we expect of the bird. Again, the bird's response to this process is most important. The bird must respond positively or the process should be discontinued.

The most common interactive submissive posture is the one called "the evil eye." This might also be called a "termination stimulus." It is a way of reminding the bird to terminate an unwanted behavior or the threat of an unwanted parrot behavior.

This process seems to work well in some birds, works not at all in other birds, and is too frightening for some birds. The "evil eye" probably stimulates a fear response in sensitive parrots, because it is similar to the straight-on, even-eyed gaze of a predator.

Parrots are prey species, not predators, as can be demonstrated by the eyes in the sides of their heads.

This enables parrots to see danger approaching from beside or behind so that they can escape being a predator's meal.

When a prey-species bird is examining something with great interest, it looks first with one eye and then with the other eye. When approaching a shy or unfamiliar bird, use less threatening eye contact with one eye closer and your nose pointed to the side of the bird.

Straight on eye contact in the manner of a predator can "freeze" a knowing bird into stillness.

Once the bird's actions have been stopped by the gaze, humans can then suggest an appropriate behavior to replace the unwanted activity. Be careful when using new or unpatterned submission devices, as even a straight-on gaze can be too frightening for some birds, while flipping another bird over on its back might just barely get its attention.

Although some owners report success by merely looking in a particular way at their birds, others must revert to more direct interactive submissive postures.

The second most common interactive submissive posture involves holding the bird still, possibly restraining the beak by holding the maxilla (upper beak) gently with the thumb and first knuckle of the index finger on each side. Preferred behavior is then suggested, with the patterned phrases, "Be a good bird" or "Be careful."

Be sure not to shake the bird's head, as this can provoke anger or annoyance in the bird.

Be sure not to hold the bird in the submissive posture too long, as this can stimulate other unwanted reactions. A bird that does not voluntarily and peacefully submit to the submissive interaction should be released within a couple of seconds.

Then you must start over and gradually introduce and desensitize the bird to the interaction. The bird must enjoy or at least gladly tolerate this kind of handling and should be rewarded with praise and affection for doing so.

Go To The Home Page