Stop Rewarding Your Parrot For Bad Behavior

[Michael]

Stop Rewarding Your Parrot For Bad Behavior

In this post I analyze some typical cases of parrot owners positively reinforcing their parrots to do things they don't want. It is important to use positive reinforcement only on wanted rather than unwanted behavior. So I look at some things you should NOT do to reward the parrot when it is doing things you don't like.

[Shelby]

This is a really great article, Michael! I love the examples you used. This will definitely be helpful when I get my bird.

[shantee4]

We really needed this reminder! Thank you!

[ginger]

This is an awesome article. I love that you took the time to make some examples that we can all relate to. I see myself in a couple of those too. Maybe now I can work to correct them.

[Nanna]

Hi Michael! I've been reading your blog for a while, and this morning I registered as a user on this site. Thank you for at great post! I really agree with you on the importance of preventing problems before they even occur. Which might be easier said than done though
(I just love this drawing of a grey!)

[cml]

Very good post, and while I'd like to think that I am always trying to read up, learn and do the best I possibly can for Stitch, sometimes you forget yourself and do things without thinking and the point with the computer I can definatly relate to ^^. Its easy just to remove the parrot when he's in the way and I think it has led to him being more nippy to get my attention. This was a heads up, that just because most things are going well, it doesnt mean there isnt something to improve!

Thank you!

[ctroy4215]

This was extremely helpful to me. My Sun Conure is a big screamer, especially when I leave the room, as he is more attached to me than my husband. We just moved into an apartment, so I live in fear that someone will complain. I will definitely follow this advice and not offer food, or run back to the room, when he does this. Lately, I have been rewarding his quiet times on his perch with a treat, and he is little by little, getting quieter. Maybe just getting adjusted to the new environment.