Establishing Control With Nurturing Guidance

By Liz Wilson,CVT

Nurturing guidance is a training concept developed by Sally Blanchard, and it is critical to enjoying cohabitation with a parrot. Without it, a parrot is often unclear as to his position within his human flock. Genetically an exotic bird is a wild animal, whether domestic-bred or not, and he understands little about cohabiting with people. With patient teaching and guidance, he can learn how to be a good companion.

Nurturing guidance is established by teaching and using basic commands. By setting these parameters, a parrot will have a better  nderstanding of what is expected of it.

The first command is "Up," which means step onto my hand. The second command is "Down," which means step off my hand onto an inanimate object (like a perch). This is not a directional command. Onto the hand is up, off the hand is down.

Teaching these commands requires a neutral room and a neutral perch. Ideally, the bird should have no experience with either the location or perch. This minimizes distractions and maximizes learning. Lessons should be short and upbeat, held once or twice a day for 10-15 minutes. Make sure you are relaxed before you begin, and smile and be patient. Under NO circumstance is aggression acceptable. Training a parrot is like teaching nursery school. You must keep your student involved or it won't learn. Sessions should be fun, not boring or frightening.

Simply put, behavior modification uses positive reinforcement for good behaviors and no reinforcement for bad behaviors. Instead,  isbehaviors are ignored. If the parrot follows a command, smile and praise the bird. If it doesn't, ignore the transgression and repeat the command, pushing gently at his legs with the side of your hand. If you don't expect him to behave, he won't.

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE is aggression allowed with parrots. If approached with respect and love, parrots learn quickly and happily. Aggression begets aggression and is absolutely unacceptable.

Experienced parrot behavior consultants agree that allowing a parrot to shoulder is asking for trouble. In this position, you cannot see a bird's body language, so you don't know if he's getting frightened or upset. You also can't anticipate and prevent a bite - and you DON'T want to be bitten in the face.

If you follow these guidelines and use these commands clearly and consistently, life with your parrot should improve immensely.