Parrot aggression towards people
Together let’s rebuild your parrot’s relationship with you and those around you
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As a devoted parrot owner, experiencing aggression or biting from your feathered companion can be disheartening and stressful. These unexpected behaviors can strain the bond you share with your parrot and may leave you feeling anxious or worried about your interactions.
Aggression or biting isn’t a reflection of your care or love for your bird. Rather, it’s a sign your parrot might be uncomfortable, fearful, or frustrated. Parrots, like all creatures, have unique needs and ways of expressing discomfort. Domestic life may occasionally fail to meet these instinctual needs, leading to challenging behaviors.
Here to help
As a parrot behaviourist, Zoe’s role is to help you decode these communication signals, understand the root cause, and provide actionable solutions. Whether it’s noticing subtleties in their body language, new ways of interacting, or changing their associations with people through training, Zoe’s guidance is tailored to you and your parrot’s unique needs.
Together, Zoe can help you navigate this stressful situation, working to alleviate the triggers for your parrot’s aggression, and help restore the joyful companionship that inspired you to invite a parrot into your home in the first place. Your parrot’s well-being is Zoe’s priority, and she’s committed to helping you create a more harmonious relationship with your beloved feathered companion.
“Facing my African Grey’s aggression was incredibly stressful. Thankfully, the professional advice I received helped to disentangle the underlying issues, providing tailored, effective solutions. The change in my parrot’s behavior is astounding – she hardly ever feels the need to show she’s worried now. The support Zoe provided transformed our relationship, making our interactions joyful again. I highly recommend her services.”
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 we 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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Pepper’s story
Pepper, a spirited Cockatoo, began exhibiting reactive behaviour, occasionally resorting to biting, causing distress for his owner, Jake. Upon seeking professional help, we analysed Pepper’s interactions and body language, revealing his discomfort with close proximity. The solution wasn’t a one-size-fits-all but required careful, patient steps respecting Pepper’s pace.
We implemented a trust-building plan where Jake’s presence gradually became associated with tasty treats, converting what was once perceived as a threat into a positive experience. Over time, and with Jake’s unwavering commitment, Pepper’s behaviour evolved. His reactivity reduced, and his trust in people noticeably improved.
Today, Pepper exhibits a significant behavioural evolution – he is less reactive, very rarely resorts to biting, and is more open to human interaction. This case demonstrates the power of patient, empathetic and customised approaches to parrot care.
Next steps
1. Vet referral
Aggression can often be due to a source of pain or some other medical issue, so we need to address this first
3. History form
Give us some background about your bird and their change in reactivity towards people
4. Consultation
Let’s get started on the plan to helping your bird to feel comfortable around people
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 aggression a thing of the past, contact us to get started.
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