Incorporating Behavior Services into the Avian Practicea

Abstract

Although people have been sharing their homes and lives with pet parrots for the past 2000 years, only recently have most pet-bird owners started to realize the potential of these amazing creatures. Originally, birds appealed to humans because of their bright plumage and capacity to imitate human speech. Today, parrots are increasingly recognized as complex, intelligent, and highly social animals. Many parrots are hand raised by humans, making them much more integrated into their human flocks. Like any other animal, parrots are susceptible to several behavioral and psychological disorders. With the exception of the domesticated species such as budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), lovebirds (Agapornis species), and cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), most psittacine birds are only one or two generations from the wild state. They still retain many natural behaviors that help them survive and succeed in the wild but can make it difficult for