By Leslie Wieser

Last month we talked about why parrots scream in the morning and in the evening and about how biting is not a natural behavior. This month we'll explore parrot companionship.

Wild parrots usually travel in flocks. Why? Because there's safety in numbers. These flocks are social groups, consisting of up to hundreds or thousands of birds. Social flocks forage for food together and their large numbers help keep them safe from predators. The strong need to socialize is so important to parrots, therefore companion birds shouldn't be separated from their human flock in your home. A lonely parrot will be an unhappy bird.

Most wild parrots are monogamous and remain bonded for years, if not their entire lives. Pair bonds spend most of their lives side-by-side, nesting together, preening each other, foraging for food and vocalizing. Companion parrots come equipped with the same instincts to find life-long mates. For this reason it's understandable why pet parrots form strong bonds with their human companions. Notably, "if you can't be with the one you want, be with the one you're with." Companion parrots will defend their human mates just as their counterparts would defend their mates in the wild. It's important to understand this behavior in our pet birds. Physical contact by a human 'mate' is often misunderstood by companion parrots as foreplay; therefore it's best to avoid petting your bird below the neck or beak wrestling, particularly during hormonal times when the days get longer. For more information about sexual behaviors in parrots, please attend our free class, Sex and the Single Bird. 

Please join us on Sunday, March 29, for a very special presentation, The Plight of Parrots: From Wildlife to Human Companion.

Are parrots wild birds or pet birds? You'll learn about the differences and similarities as you journey through four thousand years of the natural history of parrots and humankind. Learn about the life of parrots in the wild, their decline and the conservation efforts on their behalf. You'll also learn about some very unusual parrot species and leave with a whole new appreciation for your own pet bird.

When: Sunday, March 29, 3 pm

Where: CPR Education Center at Parrot University

Reservations: 704.889.2325 or info@companionparrots.org

Static cling stickers for windows and mirrors

Mirrors and windows can serve as a threat to any flighted birds in the home. Flying into a hard, flat surface at full speed can result in serious injury for any sized parrot, and can cause broken bones, brain damage, or even death. Unfortunate accidents can happen, but there are a few things we can do to reduce the risk of injury.

Remember to always supervise your bird when he/she is outside of their cage. Try to make all mirror or window surfaces obvious to the parrot through the use of UV static cling stickers made especially for this purpose. Alternatively, you can always close blinds or drapes and cover mirrors to prevent a bird from flying into these hard surfaces.