THE HUMAN - BIRD CONNECTION
Since the beginning of time, man and birds have experienced a unique and almost magical relationship. In most ancient cultures, the "winged beings" were considered powerful omens, the very messengers of Gods. Although culture beliefs have changed over time, birds still seem to possess the ability to profoundly alert the lives of the people around them. Despite this, as in any relationship, problems can arise. What makes sharing our lives with birds different from the way we interact with the more traditional companion animals?
At the very core of their uniqueness, is the fact that birds experience and react to the world differently than dogs & cats do. In fact, most instances that are perceived by most bird owners to be behavioral problems are simply examples of birds behaving normally, in what is for them, an abnormal environment. As a result, attempts to 'correct' many 'problems' can prove to be a futile exercise. To the bird's way of thinking, there is no problem! Consequently, if their behavior is to be addressed realistically, there must first be a shift in the perceptions of the humans towards the birds. Only then can the 'problems' be addressed and eventually corrected in a humane and responsible manner. After all, we are the wones who are supposed to be more intelligent!!
One of the biggest surprises to new bird owners, is the discovery that birds have no concept of the human-companion animal relationship. They have not had sufficient amounts of time in captivity to develop an altered genetic makeup that reflects the kind of extraordinary bonds evidenced in our relationships with dogs, cats, and horses. They still merely view us as members of their flock and assign us a certain status which can ultimately create problems.
For example, one of the most catalysts for undesired behaviors is keeping the bird in an improper height or in certain locations that prove uncomfortable to them.
In the wild, height is an indicator within the flock. Elitist by nature, they interact with others of the same social position. This is considered a normal aspect of bird society. A bird of a lower status would never interact with a superior individual and vice versa. If in some way we demonstrate to birds that we are inferior to them, we will be treated accordingly. This often places us in a position that is different from where we expect to be in the human-animal relationship.
In a domestic environment, we place our birds on our shoulders, on tall perches and on top of tall cages. These situations signal to the bird that it is the dominant member of the flock. As such, it can scream, telling its perceived "inferiors" to come back in the room, or to warn other birds on the block to stay away from it's territory. Height dominance can also lead to biting for a number of reasons, including the defending of territory, or when refusing the attempts of an inferior (human) to remove it from its dominant location.
Ironically, a bird that is placed in an inferior, or vulnerable position can also exhibit problems. Dogs and cats, like ourselves, are predators. Unfortunately, hookbills are prey; they are what predators eat. Because of this, they often react to the world completely different than we do.
For example, if the bird's perch is too low, placing the top of the head lower than the heart of the people standing nearby, or if the cage is placed next to a heavy path of traffic, especially where people and animals enter the room from a blind spot, most birds will become jumpy. More aggressive birds, such as Amazons and Macaws, often become biters and will lunge at people when placed in such a position. If a bird is more high-strung or shy, it may become a feather picker in an attempt to alleviate some of its feelings of nervousness. In either case, they all become screamers.
By positioning a bird so that its head comes to the heart level of people when they are standing, an interesting shift in behavior can take place. This is similar to when mother parrots settle gently on top of their babies to keep them snug, warm and protected. Youngsters safely drowse while listening to their mother's heartbeat. This is a gentle and loving way to situate your bird in the "child" role, while also keeping you in the "parent" position. Often, this is all that is needed to stop the development of many negative behaviors, or to halt those that are just beginning. When dealing with a bird who has had long-standing behavioral problems, it can be one of the best ways to begin a healthy interaction between them and their people; the building blocks that creates the foundation necessary to alter or control much of a bird's undesirable behavior.
The success of the human-bird relationship is usually the responsibility of the people who share the environment, and not the responsibility of the bird. It is essential that we look at the world from the bird's perspective. When they are understood and appropriate interaction is implemented, birds can be wonderful, sensitive and entertaining companions. As with all those who share our lives, it is essential that we love them for what they are and not for what we want them to be.
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