Reasons & Solutions for Parrot's Noisy Behavior
Part 1: Common Reasons for Parrots' Noisy Behavior
1. Natural Instinct
Parrots, being avian creatures, are naturally inclined to vocalize. As social animals, they thrive on gathering with their peers, especially in the morning and evening, to play and communicate. This is deeply rooted in their nature, making it challenging to completely curb their vocal tendencies.
2. Seeking Interaction
When a parrot's vocalizations are not excessive and occur only in the presence of humans or when someone passes by, it's a sign that the bird is longing for connection. These sounds are usually not too piercing and can be quite endearing.
3. Mimicking Human Speech
Parrots have a knack for mimicking human speech. After living with their owners for some time, many parrots start to attempt to mimic human words. However, without deliberate training, their mimicry may not be very accurate, making it hard for owners to discern what they are saying.
4. Emotional State
Parrots may squawk when startled or when they are new to their environment and feeling anxious. Additionally, some parrots may loudly call out to alert their owners when they are hungry or thirsty.
Part 2: Dealing with Noisy Parrots
1. Ignore Them
Many parrots squawk to seek attention. If you notice that their cage is wellstocked with water and food, simply ignore them. Allow them to entertain themselves for a while to foster their ability to be alone. Since we can't be with our parrots 24/7, it's important to teach them that attention is not guaranteed by their squawks. Reward them with a treat once they settle down, reinforcing that silence can be rewarded.
2. Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment
For parrots that are newly arrived and continuously squawking, it's crucial to provide a secure and cozy living space. Covering their cage with a dark cloth at night can help block out light and noise, often calming them down quickly.
3. Train Them to Speak
Given their strong mimicking abilities, if your parrot enjoys being around people and squawks frequently, consider training them to speak. Remain disinterested when they squawk but excited and praise them when they mimic human speech. This reinforces that speaking is a more effective way to gain attention, reducing their tendency to squawk.
4. Distract Them
If the noise becomes too much to bear, placing a radio or speaker near the cage with soothing music or talk shows can help distract the parrot.
Remember, when a parrot is squawking, avoid scolding or hitting them, as this can lead to increased excitement or anxiety, which may worsen the situation. Patience in training is key, and it's also important to keep windows and doors closed to prevent disturbing neighbors.