Resources for Fearful and/or Phobic Parrots

Phobic Companion Parrots: Basic Information
By Sally Blanchard

Over the last 25 years I have probably worked with more "phobic" birds than anyone. This experience has taught me a great deal about these parrots.

I wrote my first articles about the subject almost a dozen years ago. The first was about a Senegal who became terrified of his owner when a friend approached him with newly polished long fingernails. Another was a poorly socialized African Grey who had become afraid of just about everything but the family dog.
 

I have changed many of my ideas since these articles and since have written dozens of articles on this topic for the Pet Bird Report (now the Companion Parrot Quarterly) and my Bird Talk column. I cover "phobic" birds and "Nurturing Submission" extensively in my Companion Parrot Handbook.

Over the years, I have read a lot of messages on the Internet about phobic birds. Some are quite helpful but I believe others really miss the point as to why many parrots become phobic. I believe this is such an important topic that I have prepared this message to help people with their parrots. In working with parrots, every aspect should be trust-building and not trust-destroying.

A phobic parrot is not one who adjusts slowly to new toys or other changes in his life—this is normal behavior for many parrots. A phobic parrot is generally a bird who has experienced some sort of sustained trauma (emotional or physical) or fearful event and "suddenly" becomes afraid of almost everything—and everyone who they normally trust. One man stated that one night his Rose-breasted cockatoo was eating spaghetti off of his plate and the next day the bird acted like the man was going to kill him. Phobic behavior can have both behavioral and physical reasons. Many parrots who are in pain, have external or internal injuries or chronic illness may become phobic, especially if they have some additional threat. While I would recommend talking to your avian veterinarian to determine what could be causing the problem, if you know the parrot has had a traumatic experience, I would not further traumatize him by taking him to the vet unless your veterinarian recommends doing so. Often a trip to a veterinarian, especially one who may be rough in handling the parrot, can be traumatic enough to trigger a phobic episode.

In some cases, the bird suddenly mistrusts the primary person in his life but often just as quickly forms a strong bond to someone who has shown him little attention. If your parrot becomes afraid of you, I recommend practicing "nurturing submission."

Basically the concept is to realize that your parrot probably perceives you as a predator and anything that you do directly can frighten him. For the time being, it is best to approach him as indirectly as possible. (Patience is essential. Things will seem better and then they may get worse again. It may be helpful to keep a journal so you can see that you are making progress, however slowly.) Keep your head lowered and don't make direct eye contact with him except for very short glances with head bowed. When you feed him or clean his cage, it is best to avoid eye contact and even kneel or make your self as short as possible. You won't have to do this permanently, but for now it is best to be as nonthreatening as possible.

The Chair Exercise

It often helps to just sit in a chair next to his cage with your side towards him for 5 or 10 minutes at a time—quietly read to him or talk to him softly without any direct eye contact. Offer him treats—again with your head lowered without direct eye contact. This is the best way to let him become comfortable with you again.

As he becomes more comfortable with you, you can slowly become more direct with him. You can open the cage door while you are sitting in the chair in front of it. Hold a treat in your hand, talk to him softly without any direct eye contact and he may approach you. It is essential to give him that choice rather than trying to force him to do anything. Normally anything you do too directly will create more withdrawal on his part. This is simply a very basic overview.

Please review our listing of selected Back Issues that address fearful or phobic behavior.

There are also some articles on our web site that might be helpful to you: Articles

Especially read the following articles:

The Basics Of Nurturing Guidance as it applies to Companion Parrots, by Sally Blanchard

Why You Can't Punish A Parrot by Sally Blanchard