Parrots are known to be extremely social and gregarious in the wild, performing behaviors that to human observers appear to be play. Since this is an important part of natural behavior for birds in the wild, owners should replicate this as well as possible to help improve a captive bird’s mental welfare. Unfortunately, for some birds, a human’s idea of attempts at play can be misunderstood as courtship or reproductive behaviors. In certain birds this can lead to a number of undesirable and unhealthy consequences, including screaming, biting, improper molt, preferring the company of only one human, cloacal prolapse and in some cases feather plucking.
Confusion occurs when humans attempt to interact with pet parrots as they would a pet dog or cat, as the behaviors of these species are very different. Desirable play activities attempt to reproduce and enforce behaviors seen in non-mating flocks of social birds. Undesirable play activities tend to reinforce sexual behaviors seen in mated pairs. This is not desirable for most owners, since mated birds can be secretive or aggressive. When a parrot perceives a human as a mate, the bird may bite other family members, defend the cage or other favorite spots from intruders, scream when the preferred person leaves the room, or demonstrate masturbating and other sexual mating behaviors. The following desirable play activities tend to replicate social parrot behavior. The undesirable play activities replicate inappropriate pair-bonding and mating behavior.
Desirable Play Activities
- Step up and step down onto various perches on command for all family members and confident strangers
- Staying on perch or play gym when placed their on own
- Social vocalization such as talking, singing
- Social eating- sharing food items with other human flock members
- Trick training, clicker training with food rewards
- Limited social grooming- occasional scratch on head by owners, preening pin feathers on head
- Exploring toys and other safe new objects
- Foraging behaviors- toys or objects that replicate searching for food items
- Meeting and socializing with unfamiliar but friendly humans
Undesirable Play Activities
- Perching on human shoulders or head
- Leaving perch or play gym to explore the house
- Constant screaming
- Taking foods directly from human mouths (simulates courtship feeding)
- Intense cuddling with owner, for example, under clothing or blankets
- Long periods of grooming by owner, especially near the tail or under the wings
- Masturbating on humans/toys
- Nesting in boxes or other materials
- Interacting exclusively or mostly with one family member