Parrots and dementia

[Pajarita]

I was gratified to find out that a man who used to breed them, realizing how many of them are ending up in rescues, stopped and, instead of continue contributing to the problem, is now taking part in the solution.

But I was actually VERY surprised to find out that parrots have this effect on people with dementia... I would have thought that it would be the opposite, don't you? I mean, they are big and loud and one would think that would make 'fits' worse, no? What do you think?

http://www.chad.co.uk/news/local/video- ... -1-7916055

[seagoatdeb]

I was gratified to find out that a man who used to breed them, realizing how many of them are ending up in rescues, stopped and, instead of continue contributing to the problem, is now taking part in the solution.

But I was actually VERY surprised to find out that parrots have this effect on people with dementia... I would have thought that it would be the opposite, don't you? I mean, they are big and loud and one would think that would make 'fits' worse, no? What do you think?

http://www.chad.co.uk/news/local/video- ... -1-7916055

Maybe we are taking a look into humans and what make disease worse and what makes it better. Maybe having something alive to be calm for automatically brings that out in people.

[liz]

So grateful to him to stop breeding. Even more grateful that he is rescuing.

I guess a beautifully colored bird would draw their attention. The racket and antics of them would keep their attention and keep them "in the moment".

[Pajarita]

But what puzzles me is that, normally, when a parrot sees or hears a person that is 'carrying on', they get all upset themselves and start screaming or scolding them (Mami scolds us when my husband and I argue or talk too loud and Sophie gets VERY upset and start repeating the same thing over and over real loud) so I would have thought that having a parrot screaming would not have a calming effect, don't you?

[seagoatdeb]

When you take a parrot out Pajarita they are different than at home. It is kind of like the honeymoon period in a way. the parrot is being on its best behavior when out usually. They would of course be bringing their parrots that love outings and new people.

Gaugan joins in if hubby and I argue, and I never thought it was scolding, I thought she was joining in....lol..maybe its a bit of both.

[Pajarita]

Yes, you are right that parrots are on their best behavior when they are out. And you are right again in that it IS exactly as the honeymoon period. They don't want to attract attention to themselves because they feel vulnerable and insecure -basically, they are scared. But the parrots that are normally used for presentations, shows, etc should be quite gregarious, chatty things that love to 'ham it up' to anybody who glances their way . Well, I have to admit that this is nothing but assumption on my part, I really do not know because I've never talked to any professional bird trainer or read anything about it. Although, thinking about it, I don't think that professional bird trainers use rescued birds so, in reality, they would have no way of telling, would they? I know that whenever I do any kind of presentation with parrots, I always bring the ones that would not be unduly stressed out by the experience, like Freddy and Codee, for example. Freddy because he is a silly boy who loves to show off for people and Codee because, as long as she is on my chest, she figures the world is a good and safe place.

Thinking about it, I do believe you hit the nail on the head. It must be that the birds are quiet and thoughtful looking because they are out of their comfort zone and, as they are so big and colorful, the person having the fit becomes distracted when he/she sees them, thus 'flipping the breaker' and stopping the mental 'short circuit'. Good job, Sherlock!

[seagoatdeb]

For the parrots I have now, Gaugan would be the one I would bring, she loves her outings so much. She is good with strangers if they are not in her territory, and would be sweet and even talk and be interactive with the strangers. If they have a piece of nut she will even eat on them. But in her own territory, every one must win her trust....lol

I woud not bring Sunny he is more cautious and he needs little steps to feel safe. he does love to go next door though, he loves to flock with my daughter parrots. It was at my daughters place after he was playing and flocking with her parrots that he preened me for the first time. Sunny will allow almost anyone to pet the top of his beak. He really likes his beaks touched. But right now, he only allows Gaugan and I to preen him.

[Pajarita]

Well, Freddy is the consummate ham! He says Hello to anybody who looks his way, erects his crest, flips his entire body over in my hands, does the up and down and the figure 8 head whip, gladly leans over to give kisses to anybody that puts his/her face in front of his and asks for one and opens his wings for tickles on command even to strangers... the bird has no shame or fear of anything or anybody and he seems to believe that the world is his oyster and that all its inhabitants were put here for him to show off and to celebrate his antics But he is the only bird I have that is this way... the rest are 'normal' birds, some don't mind strangers too much as long as they don't impose while the others would rather be left in their own world.

[Viatrixa]

I'm greatly interested in the topic of birds as therapy animals so I found this a very interesting read, and always awesome to hear how someone goes from breeding to rescuing! Once or twice I've been contemplating about seeing how Simo would react to being with some elderly people and possibly even offer them some therapy time with him, but it all depends on how comfy he is with people!

[Pajarita]

Yes, you are 100% correct, Viatrixa. When it comes to parrots, one cannot really 'teach' them to be hams, they are either born that way or not. Socialization helps but been familiar with strangers is not something that parrots normally enjoy.