“How do all of your parrots play outside together without fighting?”

Our parrots are supervised while in our outside aviary. However, I (Christopher Zeoli, Director) do not visually monitor them the whole time. I am often in the kitchen, or working around the building. But I always stay within earshot, listening for any distressed or combative vocalizations. Parrots of similar size interact together outside. Smaller parrots occupy a separate section in our outside aviary. African Greys, Goffins and conures do not go out the same area as macaws and large cockatoos. And many water stations and areas to perch are provided so that everybirdy has a place to go. But other then segregating parrots by size, I do not dictate where a bird should be while outside. There are some things you have to let you birds work out on their own. If you try to control all interactions between your parrots, then you are preventing socialization. Sometimes socialization includes squabbling. Rarely to parrots seriously hurt each other. But they do get into the occasional tussle to figure out who’s higher in the social order. Seldom do I have to physically break up a fight. Usually when a squabble occurs, I let them know that I’m watching and they settle down. On occasion, one parrot bullies another parrot off of a perch. This may seem oppressive to us, but in the end, the bird that was chased off the perch is happy to know that there is a bigger, stronger member of the flock that is keeping an eye out for invaders or predators. Tips and hints aside, the most important way I keep the peace in our flock is to be a competent, benevolent Alpha Bird (leader). If you can convince your parrot(s) through firm, yet caring leadership that you are worthy of the title “Alpha”, then they will be calmer, less anxious, and more amicable with each other.

 

 

 

Garuda Aviary
18400 River rd. Poolesville, MD. 20837
E-mail:    GarudaAviary@earthlink.net