Over-bonding
Together let’s grow your relationship with your bird in a positive direction
Clinical Animal Behaviourists in Birmingham Wolverhampton Derby Stoke-on-Trent Solihull Burton-upon-Trent Dudley Halesowen Redditch Kidderminster Stafford Stourbridge Walsall Tamworth Lichfield West Bromwich Atherstone Aldridge Evesham Tipton Cannock Bromsgrove Smethwick Willenhall Oldbury Droitwich Spa Uttoxeter Rugeley Stone Stourport-on-Severn Brierley Hill Wednesbury Brownhills Alvechurch
As a dedicated parrot owner, witnessing over-bonding in your beloved companion can be a complex issue to navigate. This behaviour, although seemingly affectionate, can pose significant challenges for both the parrot and you. Over-bonding can lead to possessiveness, aggression towards others, and even emotional distress for your parrot when separated.
Over-bonding doesn’t indicate any lack of care or affection on your part; it’s a manifestation of your parrot’s instincts navigating the complexities of domestic life. Parrots are social creatures, and their bonds can intensify in ways that may not align with their wellbeing in a home setting.
Here to help
As a parrot behaviourist, Zoe’s aim is to assist you in understanding these behaviours, identifying their root causes, and offering practical, customised strategies. Zoe will support you to work on fostering a healthier bond that respects your parrot’s natural behaviours, reduces their stress, and still maintains the loving relationship you share.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. With professional guidance and consistent effort, you can help your parrot adjust their bonding behaviour, contributing positively to their overall health and happiness. Zoe is here to support you and your feathered friend, helping you both enjoy a more balanced and harmonious relationship.
“Lilly’s constant mewing and apparent inability to be without me was becoming a real worry. Zoe’s professional guidance was incredibly insightful, helping us understand the issue and implement effective strategies. The shift in our relationship is significant – less possessiveness, more balanced activities. This supportive journey has actually greatly enhanced our bond. I cannot recommend Second Nature Behaviour enough.”
Zoe Demery
Clinical Parrot Behaviourist
I have a doctorate in parrot cognition and I am so far the only independently accredited clinical parrot behaviourist in the UK (CCAB). I am also a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society, registered with ABTC, and certified by IAABC as a parrot behaviour consultant. I am moreover very happy to be recognised as an Allied Professional Member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
I am a proud committee member of FAB Clinicians. I have given talks and published about these fascinating birds to a wide range of audiences around the world. Since starting practice in 2012, I have helped dozens of birds and their caregivers around the world better understand each other. I also mentor budding avian behaviourists.
Comprehensive support
- Zoe will visit you at your home in person or online, for an initial assessment generally lasting 2 hours and ideally, everyone in the household should be present.
- Zoe will take a full and detailed case history. Together with you, Zoe will work out a treatment plan that is realistic and tailored to you and your flock’s needs.
- You receive relevant information sheets, which tie in with the behaviour plan for your bird.
- Soon after the consultation, a report is sent to you, which is later copied to your vet. This outlines the reasons behind the problem and highlights the key steps of the plan.
- Your vet is kept informed of how your bird progresses.
- Plans are updated with new material for you to work on.
- Zoe will schedule one 1-hour follow-up session about a month later, which is conducted via an online video link.
- Zoe is available for optional weekly check-ins for 6 weeks after your initial consultation. Each week you can book a 15-minute call through our online calendar, or send us an email or WhatsApp message.
- If during the development of the case, the additional expertise of a veterinary behaviourist is required, then Zoe will integrate their advice into the plan. Zoe works closely with select, independently accredited avian vet behaviourists, who will review and discuss your parrot’s case with your vet.
- More follow-up support available as needed.
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Sunny’s story
Sunny, a lively Eclectus, developed an over-bonding issue with his owner, Lucy. Through observation and careful history-taking, I analysed Sunny’s behaviour and interactions, discovering his over-dependence, viewing Lucy as his mate at a detriment to others in the family and his own breadth of activities. We didn’t impose a quick fix but slowly introduced a plan, involving varying interactions and associating positive experiences with independent play. Lucy’s dedication was key, and gradually, Sunny’s behaviour started evolving. His dependency reduced, and he began enjoying his independent play in others’ company. Today, Sunny exhibits a significant relationship shift with all his family – he’s more comfortable with others, and is engaged with his wider environment. Sunny’s journey illustrates the impact of patient, empathetic, and customised parrot care.
Next steps
1. Vet referral
Over-bonding is sometimes due to hormonal or other physiological issues, so we need to address these first
3. History form
Give us some background about your bird and your relationship
4. Consultation
Let’s get started on the plan to dealing with your parrot’s behaviour
Recommended
by vets
you may be able to
claim on insurance
As an avian vet, I’ve observed significant improvements in parrots guided by Zoe’s advice. Her approach is tailored, understanding avian needs and behaviours. The resulting changes in my patients’ overall health and happiness are remarkable. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to any parrot owners facing behavioural challenges with their companion birds.”
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FAQ
Have a more general question? Check out our general FAQ.
Prefer to chat things through a bit more?
Contact Us!
Give us a buzz by email or phone
(+44) (0) 121 299 0188.
Can I just get some quick advice about my parrot? It’s not a very big problem.
Parrots are very complex for such little creatures. They’re very intelligent and social animals that require a lot to keep them busy. Even small behaviour issues can turn out to be at the root of something greater, so they take a while to resolve. Unfortunately, we do not offer telephone or email consultations, but you can certainly come along to one of our clinics if you don’t want a full home visit consultation. It is not necessary to bring your parrot to the clinic, but please bring with you all the recordings requested. If following your questionnaire, our behaviourists think a more in-depth investigation is required, we will let you know before your appointment. Also, have a look at our general enrichment service.
My parrot isn’t registered with any vets – what should I do?
It is still very important to obtain a referral from a vet, but it should be from an avian vet, or you can look for vets advertising exotic pet care. In the Birmingham area, you could consider Amicus Vets in Solihull, or the Manor Vets branch in Edgbaston.
If you are looking to make your parrot’s over-bonding a thing of the past, contact us to get started.
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