Reading AGGRESSIVE Bird Body Language

This video is part two of our in home consultation with Ane and her Congo African Grey, Roman, view part one here: • THIS BIRD ATE HIS CAGE...
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Dave and Jamieleigh Womach specialize in parrot training and companionship.
#parrots #birds #parrottraining

[@Allen-by6ci]

Dave is half a genius. Jamieleigh is the other half.

[@jolienlubbersen4569]

so Capri is the whole genius 🎉

[@ninetailskwami]

that sounds about right

[@sheinz6119]

I really like how Dave and Jamie really interweave their comments and show what the body language is telling Ane. I have a happy CAG, she doesn’t like “hugs” either. It’s been many years for her to offer her head for scritchies. But now it’s pretty often. Patience, reading body language and trust building being the secret for me. Duuuuhhhh.

[@spiritmatter1553]

The funny thing is that Dave is the original trainer. Jamie used to be afraid of birds!

[@carolhartley4448]

Yes!!!😂❤

[@differentstones]

So helpful to hear you put into words what is being communicated through body language-consent is everything! ❤

[@mailmnswifey]

So good Dave & Jamie!! We need more of this type of video. So freaking good.

[@GholugHaddock]

Thank you ♥️ These videos with Ane & Roman are excellent and contains great training tips and practical problem solving. Everything well explained 👍👏♥️

[@IlainaM]

Try vet wrap on the dowel might make it easier to grip. More secure. Might try a hawk glove instead of towel. Also could put something on end of dowel like a bowl/with hole to protect Hans. Like a fencing foil

[@aneshields3028]

He eats the vet wrap off. Multiple tries…every time…

[@ceecee2275]

I recently got a grey & have trained him to step up and off on a stick so far. I wrapped a towel around my arm but put a zipper on top so when I have attempted to get him to step up on my arm he has tried to bite but didn’t have any effect. He doesn’t like towels so under the zipper worked better

[@Robbie1075]

@@aneshields3028 are you the Ane, owner of Roman in the video? If so, how is he doing? He such a beautiful Grey.

[@catzkeet4860]

He's a smart bird. I know greys are smart anyway but Roman is very clever. You can see him thinking things thru..... Admittedly it's mostly, "OK how can I bite you from here" lol but the biting IS a lot conditioned responses. He's not above just deciding to chomp tho.

[@Elevendyeleven]

As a behavior specialist I would sometimes meet parents that were too passive with and scared of their own kids, and the kids can bully their parents and push them around because thats the dynanic. But the two things the kids were missing was a healthy bond with their parent and the sense of security of knowing the parent was ultimately in control. Its not exactly the same as she may be taking on a bird who may not be over his previous owner and establishing that initial connection is hard. Food seems to be the way to the heart of many animals, you would just never want to reward bad behavior. If he tries to bite her every time she feeds him and he gets the food anyways, its rewarding. But tricky because he has to eat.

[@kirstenjones5331]

I made a very simple T stand out of an old table lamp and a piece of dowel. Kept thinking it would work very nicely for training the step up and moving back-and-forth from the cage. That way he could not rush your hand.

[@anrivenn8716]

Did anyone else cringe with the intolerance of how birds' minds and training works? Its like a young child, so unfortunately you have to bend to their will, its just part of having one of the magnificent gifts! Thank you BirdTricks for being so amazing ALL the time.

[@childofcascadia]

Yeah. They are like a young child whos mind works completely differently than a typical person's.

[@joebean3615]

Yay love your content and all that you do for birds have a great day day hi to your handsome Comet and super awesome Jinxy

[@dianedishman9799]

Try using a leather farm glove. You can get soft ones, that protect hands but allow you and the birds to feel each other better.

[@stalincat2457]

This once again underlines that allowing an animal to say "no" is oh so important. Now for the second part: How is the road back from "A hard bite equals no" back down to "A gesture or a tap from the beak equals no."?

[@childofcascadia]

I rescued a cockatiel whos reaction to any human hand approaching his space was a hiss and an open mouth lunge. Basically screaming *go away*. He had lived with a family with 2 young children who didnt respect his space at all. He bit me plenty of times hard at first. I would just calmly ignore the biting and lunging and continue working with him after a brief pause. But if he politely requested "no" using other body language, Id stop the interaction immediately. He figued out really fast he could communicate "I dont want that" without biting. He then learned human hands gave good scritches and treats (I think he wasnt handled much in a way that made him feel safe before I had him) and that he got better results when he didnt act like a tyrant. He was a great bird then, soliciting attention by flying over to me and "dancing" or singing if he was in his cage instead of shrieking, minded me (as much as a bird ever does - they are like toddlers) funny as heck little guy with a huge selection of whistles and songs. His only actual speech was "hello" "stop that!" "No!" and "shut up!" - Which I think says a lot about his previous environment. I almost kept him but someone with a much older child and less hectic household and also another cockatiel adopted him and last I heard hes a great lil guy still. He was my only "problem bird". Although my family has kept birds, Im actually a dog rescuer. I dont rescue birds. But I didnt want the little guy getting dumped in some pet shop - which is where he was headed when a friend in rescue told me about him. I spent a lot of time studying about parrot behavior and communication before I took the plunge so to speak. So I dont know if the technique I used would work with a much larger bird who could do serious damage with its bites, but I found it worked very well with him.

[@creepycreations3749]

His eyes pin every time he goes for a treat.

[@samanthapowersbeauvais8282]

I NEED A CAGE LIKE THAT

[@alkiebythesea]

Our 16 yr old Barney is 24/7 on my shoulder....I knowwww...I have spoiled him rotten.....YET, it took me 14 yrs to allow him to take seeds from my hands 😂as he loves to give me those sucker punches 😂

[@joebean3615]

You should watch ‘why your parrot shoulder rushes’ or ‘shoulder rules | rule of thumb’ (both amazing BirdTricks videos) so glad you waited that many years so many people give up in like 2 weeks (sometimes less!) just because the bird ‘doesn’t like’ them

[@kat99o21o]

Babyyyy!

[@Spiritualpanda2]

‼️need help!!! ‼️Thank you to anyone who responds! Seeing this video was what I needed for my zoe(13+ year old rescue severe macaw, likely WILD caught has no ID bands). Very aggressive, will bite you and is afraid of towels and sticks, even “playing” with toys in her cage she is tough like she’s an MMA fighting bird.…. She will chase feet(I have to wear steel toe boots sometimes to get her back, and have her rush a blanket that I use to carry back to the cage to get her in. In that sense Roman is light years ahead of my macaw sadly. What do I do to get her to trust me? I’ve had her now for maybe 6 months. She targets well without any issue. I’m afraid when she comes out of her cage I can’t get her back when she’s being naughty or I need to leave the house. I should also preface this by saying she doesn’t get put back in her cage for being naughty, BUT I would like to move her if she is being naughty(chewing curtains that sort of thing). Also my fiancé is scared 💩 less of her and I’ve gotten so many bites by now I’ve just accepted it.

[@mehere8038]

Add your thoughts in the comments at that mid-video brainstorming point? Ok, well I'm thinking of how birds of prey are handled with leather gloves & stuff & would that be a good option here? Replace the towel with something he's not associating with biting, but still protecting the hand/arm

[@joebean3615]

I would suggest using the dowel and then show less a bit every time (like teaching ‘spin’ when you slowly fading out the target stick)

[@TheNyah5]

Brainstorming: could you bring the T-Stand to his cage, let him get on the T-Stand and then move the T Stand to his spot in the kitchen/window?

[@kylevice6768]

As an AG owner. They are a grumpy species in general. They like very few people. Mine is super sweet and cuddly and needy with me or my son. But he will bite a stranger without fail first chance he gets. My MG Maccaw is a big Ole needy baby with everyone though. Lol

[@katrinagoldsmith5230]

The title of this KZbin episode is enticing but misleading. If you focused on specific examples of aggressive body language and discussed each example this would be a great episode. As it is, it doesn’t live up to its title.

[@johnkessels87]

Speak down. Its like a child.

[@camponotusinflatus9920]

Once dave stopped petting him he became calmed and relaxed, like he was feeling good that he is being understood.

[@CatCaffeine]

I work with wild birds sometimes and these body language videos are very helpful for not traumatizing the animals in my care more than they have already been traumatized to end up there.

[@spiritmatter1553]

I’m unlikely to ever have a bird, but this stuff is fascinating!

[@GuyG.KTalesOfAnimals]

This is the point where you’re on your way to change stuff and turn them right side up. You can see that this exercise of stationing has a therapeutic effect on Roman! this bird feels seen, it is open to letting some of the fear go and is willing to settle down (almost playfully), and seems receptive for passive bonding, now it is your turn to let go of some fear and give a chance to bond more, who knows - I hope that in year you’ll see roman in a new light. I wish you to form the best relationship and be best buddies soon! Been there with my African Grey! Ugh this is exciting!

[@crystalvibes2122]

Jamie the analogy that you said at 20:40 was so good! I like watching your videos because so many of your training techniques can be applied to other animals.

[@crystaltaylor9807]

You guys nailed it like you always do. She's reading her bird well but she's just not listening and accepting his answer. The Bird has so much potential. He just doesn't trust that when he asks somebody to leave him alone they will. Plus I do believe that he figured out that he runs her. Can't wait to see what you guys do next.....

[@Lonesome__Dove]

He definitely exploits her fear.

[@dudemorris7769]

Exactly!

[@taistudobom]

My friend just got bit by her aggressive kak and I was trying to remember any good BirdTricks video I could send her. I open KZbin and this is on top of my feed 😂 The bird gods smile upon me. Thanks for the content!

[@TSUNAMI-MAMI]

KAK?

[@taistudobom]

@@TSUNAMI-MAMI Kakariki :) Red-crowned parakeet.

[@gigglewithjnl37dyxce5]

#birdbathjamaica Bi.

[@carmenattallah6244]

This is just fascinating to me to hear the brainstorming you are going through trying to help this bird. I would be terrified of this particular bird and Ane's commitment to him is commendable. I can say that I think changing to the seasonal feeding system was a game changer for me and my Timneh. His health and feather condition are much better and he is much less of a grumpy all the time bird compared to when he was on all seeds and nuts and I had no treats of value to give him because he had them available all the time. I'm so grateful for your guidance on diet alone, and the behavior training has been of good value as well.

[@dudemorris7769]

It’s always sold out so does this bag last that long since it’s been 6 months and always sold our weekly when I’ve checked?

[@carmenattallah6244]

@@dudemorris7769 I make mine fresh using their cookbooks. I've never tried the freeze dried version.

[@dudemorris7769]

@@carmenattallah6244 thank you for this information. I kept seeing everyone using this feeding system but every single time I’ve tried to order it, it’s been sold out, never once saying back in stock. I did download the recipe and do a fresh chop that I freeze for a month at a time with chia seeds added.

[@marjake3147]

I would hang the towel over the T-bar, and place him on it and leave him there for awhile and after a few minutes target train him moving back and forth on it to desensitize him to it. I would also work on her delivery of treats- she always comes from under him both with the targeting stick AND the treat. Raise those up over his head so he learns that if he keeps his head up (and not able to bite!) he'll get a tasty reward.

[@LadyAutumn]

Where can we buy the premade seasonal feeding? The store always says sold out 😭 and I've never seen anything but the summer one

[@amandacovington2548]

I really gain from re-watching these. Thank you

[@peabrain3980]

I love that giant cage type room. Where do you get that from?

[@kylevice6768]

Kings cages has them. But they are super expensive.

[@Ldi2218]

Awesome Cage

[@louinwy1]

Why not use a falconers glove/sleeve? Or sew up a sleeve from towel material that you could slip on and off your arm easily. I almost feel as if you were totally not afraid of him biting he might stop.

[@kratze1738]

Try adding something to block the large stick, like a piece of cardboard on the stick, cone-of-shame style. He won't be able to rush the hand that way because the cardboard's in the way. Or clear plastic to help keep from scaring him.

[@pablothecongoafricangrey2793]

Why not use a bowl to deliver treats to Roman?

[@edenjones6803]

Are you guys going to put your dried seasonal feeding back on the website? I was looking to order some but it's all out of stock or not even on the website! Thanks for all you're doing for our feathered friends! Love you guys!

[@TattooedGranny]

Rewarding calm is genius.

[@connied8507]

With my aggressive Quakers I've been working on rewards. They like music but not petting. When they bite because I'm offering a treat and they want a different one, the rest of the day is spent showing them the bit finger😢. It's a brand new day the next day. They now just give me stink eye if the want a different treat. I spent a few days teaching them how to open sun flower seeds. They are 15 years into "never been trained"

[@rena3654]

We have found over the years that our birds like you to sing to them and insert their name into the song. Example...for Oscar the green wing macaw ...How much is that Oscar in the window the one with the beautiful tail etc.....Jethro our African gray... I'm a little Jethro short and stout here is my tail here is my snout,when I get to flapping ,Jethro 's coming to check you out. etc. They do not care that you are not America's got talent. They will prompt you to sing their song. But please sing their song and do not ignore them Add some smoochy kiss sounds etc. And sincere I love you's too. Since 1998

[@bkm2797]

Roman is definitely a challenge in more ways than one! You guys are doing such a good job trying to figure out how to work with him and teach her what Roman's signals mean. Really wish she could have an animal psychic visit to see what's going on in his birdie brain. Thanks Jamie and Dave.

[@spiritmatter1553]

Would love to see them collab with an animal psychic!

[@inejunta6569]

@@spiritmatter1553 why does roman feels like a good name for a cannibal

[@gigglewithjnl37dyxce5]

#birdbathjamaica Yy

[@allytrudie864]

This comment proves parrots are absolutely more intelligent than some humans. 🤷🏼‍♀️ but hey, if you have extra cash to give a grifter con man you are free to do so.

[@tracigermano]

I really don't think he is ever gain't too forgive that is how Parrots are especially birds like Amazon's and Grays I think she would be much happier getting a baby or adopting another parrot And he would be happier starting over again with An experienced parrot owner I believe she deserves to be happy and enjoy her parrot isn't that the reason why we have them She's a really sweet lady who made innocent mistakes Africans are not easy to deal with I hope she finds happiness she really deserves it look at what a wonderful Pet owner she is what a beautiful cage she made for him It makes me sad that she has to suffer every day

[@lisalee6393]

Love Ane! Thanks for sharing her and Roman's story. ❤

[@suelawson7273]

I'm not a fan of African Greys, but I find something about him gorgeous. I think he has so much potential ❤

[@judithweymark8643]

It's his fluffy little birdie butt. So cute.

[@Yunfei81]

You need one of those fully padded bodysuits dog trainers use :D

[@markfelice6066]

This woman should NOT have bids!!!!!

[@gittynothankyou4851]

I didn't finish watching the whole video but how about using an oven mitt instead of the towel? It might just be different enough that it doesn't have the same paired aggressive reaction, but still provides a safety barrier?

[@kriscanmanifest]

I really learn a lot watching these more challenging cases. I also have an African gray, and thankfully, she is more timid and skittish versus aggressive. But every once in a while, if I don’t read her correctly, she will nip me. I love that you film the sessions so we can see how you interact with the birds, and how to interpret their body language, and what to do, in terms of adjusting or thinking of other solutions. Thank you so much. And good luck to Roman and Ane!!

[@sjleo799]

All i can think of is a falconers glove and a shield lol. Really enjoying watching you all working towards a better life for all involved and having the courage to be honest. ❤

[@KindAnimalServices_official]

Teach him a “no thank you” or stop button signal. You could also use some training momentum built from a fresh behavior chain. And/or a bit of a start button. It looks like you are rushing right into getting him to step up. I think that going way back to the beginning and shape it again slower and looking for much smaller approximations. Slice it more! Capture all appropriate behaviors to the presentation of hand/towel/dowel. Clicking for calm neutral behavior working on decreasing the eye pinning and hyper active behaviors. A few suggestions. ❤

[@tamarapace3036]

So much to learn from these interactions and the sharing of ideas!

[@kellyb980]

I'd change the color of the towel and see if you could reprogram the step up that way

[@BOB-Route66Parrots]

I seem to always have much more success with my grey's when I take them out of their comfort zone. They are more " bond-y " when I am the only familiar and they learn to be more trusting of me. I hate grey bites, they always get infected and they always bleed lol..

[@misslesslie2235]

My thought was maybe getting him used to a towel in general. Hang one on a perch and target him to walk over it or stand on it and then give a treat. Once it's routine then try getting a step up with the towel around the arm. Hopefully he'd step right up like no big deal.

[@bad_manbot]

greys are often super eager to learn - so much fun to work with. Great video thanks!

[@annasalgado1806]

So glad to see this I have adopted 24 year old Congo and acts like Roman so these just like the other videos will be helpful , cause he came with the towel aggressive issues too

[@kylevice6768]

Just be patient. Greys are super smart. And they are generally grumpy. But if you respect their space and are consistent with your interactions with them, you won't find a better friend in the long run.

[@tgardenchicken1780]

Maybe if he learns to step up and step off forward w/o the towel. Use the towel for the step backwards? Any bird higher is in the power position from what I remember. Maybe tap the mobile stick with the target stick, like bringing his attention to it earlier. so, before you want him to step up, tap the mobile perch. 'step up and present perch to him. Same steps all the time.

[@edenjones6803]

Here's a thought: Maybe putting the towel on a stand or table and getting him to walk over/on it without biting. Maybe that would desensitize the towel itself before using it during "step up" training.

[@michellecraig6136]

The 5 love languages!!! Helping me with learning about African gray parrots and quotes from an amazing book. What else can we ask for!!!

[@carolannevans7533]

My A.Grey picks up on my emotions...if you feel stressed or anxious they do know but dont know why,it fears them...Shes 14 yrs old and very very loving,had a few nips because she is upset if i touch her toys in the cage...Loves me whistling a tune and she joins in,if i say this is Babzy song she knows...I rescued her at 3 yrs old and lesrnt by watching her habits and moods over time...A good talker and suddenly comes out with words I've not heard before,like hey Bambino"??...🤣🤣...Dont forget to worm them either,look it up on Google ...Lots of love and happy days with your new friend💝💝💝

[@GumriRN]

I wonder, can a Bird Vet, shave 🪒 down a bird’s beak (maybe w a Dremel tool) so it’s not sharp enough to puncture human skin? I know nothing about the Sharp Beaked birds. Do they really need the edge of their beaks so pointy & dangerous? It’s not like they’re out in the wild & need to defend themselves. I guess if there aren’t sensory nerves in the beak shaving couldn’t hurt?

[@MissNebulosity]

"only half???" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kyraiswatching6707]

yay more Roman

[@kylecooper4743]

Never seen such an aggressive African grey 😳..hope he's able to get retrained & calm down for Ane. Shes letting the bird run her life & train her instead of the opposite..may be why hes so aggro

[@muhammedshahvaizyounus5987]

Ever thinking of flying over to Pakistan, lots of grey parrots here and I could do with some help with mine

[@Lonesome__Dove]

You have ti make sacrifices if you want a healthy relationship with your bird. Same w any relationship

[@yvonneost12]

Once when my grey & I had a " disagreement " he started biting at my hand SO I bought one of those plastic hands off ebay that they use in nail salons , I held it in my hand and pulled my sleeve down so only the hand was showing it worked back then . He was about 5 or 6 yr old back then , now he's started again with the bite hard as soon as I go to do anything with him , bloody annoying really as I raised him from 5 weeks old , he's now about 9 yr old and I think he just hormonal and needs a girlfriend and at my age ( 65 ) and 40 + years of keeping large parrots I think ive had enough and might let him go to a breeder .

[@Anonymous-tm7rj]

Does sensory overstimulation play a role in bird aggression? (particularly the eyes).

[@danayneal4409]

Shorten the stick to give her more control. Then add a plastic, circular shaped shield for the hand. It will work kinda like a hilt on a sword or a dog's cone of shame. Maybe cut a hole in a bowl or plate? Glue the stick in it?

[@quantumsquid4314]

I really love how you two turned things around in this video! Awesome advice and insight into how to live and train with a bird

[@MeatsOfEvil]

"But REALLY do you want a hug? Hug? HUG? HUGGGGGGGGGG!?!?"

[@tracyatkins6120]

A hand held T perch would be awesome! Would remove her hand from his biting zone.

[@saraglickman5889]

Since comments are disabled on the kids channel, a few questions: What is in your pellets & do you make them? Where did you get the blue water tray thing in Blue's cage? I think my canaries would love that!

[@AshTheRose]

I wish the best for Ane and Roman 💜

[@PG-wz7by]

I'm going to try this food. My tiels eat Bird Bistro and China Prairie sprouts. I wonder if I switched their food to this food if they'd like it.

[@moeh8042]

I feel she should give him up to a better home. We have plenty of animals, and to hear she spends time with him because of guilt and she doesn't actually want to, man. I know he is a lot. But he deserves better than that...

[@Ketacah]

I adopted an AG that outlived his owner. We are 3 months into trust building. The stick lead to boops thru the bars. This week we are boopin with nothin between us and moving to head touching. We focus on “sweet” behavior and “mean” behavior … he is teaching me a lot. We are learning together.

[@heidisperry3393]

I just got my Amazon I can not even touch him . I really trying to learn he’s language

[@oliviarodarte2862]

Does anybody know of any good bird rescues/stores in Idaho. lol pls help me hahaha

[@rickjason215]

The bird is in prison. These are birds that naturally live in large groups. Why do people have to possess them?

[@machellewilson1263]

Blue the African at our shelter just bites for no reason. He will be lovey and In A good mood then bites the bejeesus out of you

[@ThomiBMcIntyre]

Rather than a towel I would try Kevlar sleeves - as for rabbit handling

[@derekfrancis3707]

Why on earth did this lady decide buy an African Grey? She reminds me of my mother.

[@wakejaden]

How is she getting the seasonal feeding system?! I’ve been ordering pellets and toys from you guys for a while now and the seasonal feeding system is ALWAYS sold out lol

[@i1-L22Belarus]

She has a beautiful home for him.

[@runninggreywolf8313]

IMO she should rehome this bird. He might do better with another owner.

[@shewolf2584]

What about trying to use a bird glove, to move away from the towel?

[@snuder9832]

Some kind of leather glove that mimics a hand more than a towel. Or an oven glove?

[@shannonstover8277]

Where did she get that cage? I LOVE IT!!!!!!

[@fosteringguineapigs3830]

I am wondering if you use a small t-stand for him to step up on instead of the towel?

[@birdhause]

Nice video

[@paradise2269able]

Yay was excited to see a part 2!

[@Lonesome__Dove]

Haha just like a cat to try to make it about them.

[@cynthiaobrien4481]

They make bite sleeves for k9's I wonder if he could be conditioned to that?

[@DavidGreg-dw1fk]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@vickylewis7238]

Can you guys come to the UK. Xx

[@heidisperry3393]

I in same boat with my new amazon

[@c0zm0q30]

can you help my bird

[@REIANification]

Can you help me tame my bugie

[@OBAgentcel]

why does it still feel like you're approaching him as an animal and not an equal? genuinely curious. why the click noise training? the spot training this late in life? do larger older parrots just need to be manipulated more into interaction? why not take it at his pace???

[@joebean3615]

Clicker training marks the precise moment the bird does something right and a treat is on its way, it’s never too late to train might just take longer (or learn how to), they are taking at his pace what time stamps feel to you that they aren’t?

[@GuyG.KTalesOfAnimals]

I feel like you have many great questions but the answers are not necessarily what you expect them to be Why approaching him as an animal, doe this means he’s not an equal? he is an animal, animals are no less than humans, but they also don’t obey to human standards, they have their own and in order to aproach them respectfully you have to acknowledge that (look up parrots and anthropomorphism to learn more) Why clicker training? our brain is faster at clicking a button than saying a word out loud, it takes less processing time and that way you can be clearly understood and not have a delayed response to something (parrot experience the world much faster than us, we are slow beings, it can reduce frustration and give clearer communication about what we liked to see- tells the bird “aha you won the game, a treat is coming”, so you can take your time and give them the treat as slowly as you need to.) Why training late in life? You can learn things from the moment yourself born - up until your last breath, smart brains likes exercise, and having a common game to do builds trust and common joy,and clear communication. It is much like common language, which many birds and their owners lack. Learning creates a learning environment, good experiences, and joyful bonding. Cognitively gifted animals needs and wants their brain to be working and to not be over stressed, if an old bird is over stressed (like many old birds like Roman are, we all know one or few birds like that) we can assume most of their mind exercises revolves around feeling anxious (which means mentally unwell and a hell to live in), and that is not a way to live. So, in this way we can also offer enjoyable exercises that we do with our bird, give them something else to think about can be simply therapeutic for an anxious old bird. Why not take it at his pace? This one kind of confuses me, It is his pace, though he seems tense (which he described as constantly tense bird, very aggressive bird, who lives in constant state of stress and is mostly overwhelmed all of the time), he is also very much engaged and receptive, you can see how he eventually enjoys the experience so much that he even let himself relax on the T stand, with the presence of this people around hime - sharing the same space. Does older birds needs to be manipulated into interaction? This one is upsetting to me, as a person who struggles with communication and is very sensitive (which lead me to habitual isolation at times), I have experienced being lonely, I experienced being anxious about interacting with people. Living in a home where you feel alone, different, and are deeply scared of your family members is not a way to live. I can’t imagine living that way for years on end and being happy, therapeutic experiences are much needed and very beneficial, no one can live in fear and be happy healthy and well at the same time, so yes - older birds needs interaction, and if most of their interactions with others are so stressful, the owner has the responsibility to offer the bird the help they need in order to have the bird’s to A) have healthy and joyful social interactions B) have basic needs met, prioritizing healthy lifestyle, positive interactions, and be well taken care of. if one owner doesn’t have the ability or willingness to provide their bird happy healthy life, the need to be very careful not to neglect this issues, and to actively do the right steps to offer the bird a chance to be effectively and appropriately taken care off, and not keep them in the same miserable condition for the rest of their life out of guilt, attachment, or lack of resources. It can be a very hard thing to do, but it is a responsibility that we have to take on ourselves as caretakers for sentient animals.