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11 Ways To Stop Parrots From Screaming (How-To)
As the saying goes:
“The most talented talker can also be a skilled screamer.”
Many parrot owners know how talkative these birds can get.
Do you experience the same sentiment, too?
Well, read on to learn more:
7 different sounds your parrot makes.
9 surprising reasons why parrots scream a lot.
11 helpful ways to stop parrots from screaming.
And so much more…
How to stop parrots from screaming? 11 ways
#1: Reward your parrots
Yes, screaming parrots can become annoying sometimes.
You might ask:
“How do you stop parrots from screaming so much?”
While it isn’t going to be an easy task, you may start by rewarding your parrots when they’re quiet.
Giving them positive reinforcements such as treats will encourage them to repeat certain actions that you want them to do.
You may offer them treats even when they’re quietly sitting on the porch.
Or observing when you watch TV and hang out in the living room.
#2: Don’t give them attention
Especially when they’re on their screaming spree.
Chances are, they’ll perceive it as a good thing to do when you give them attention.
Or when they see how you react to them.
Moreover, they’ll wait for your reaction every time they do some screaming sessions.
#3: Give them some company
Yes, parrots can get lonely or bored, too.
When you aren’t always at home, you can give your noisy pal a companion.
However, you can choose a same-sex bird if you’re not into raising more of them.
That said, you can put them in a separate cage in the same location at home.
This way, they can interact with each other and have nice chit-chats.
#4: Avoid screaming back at them
The truth is, parrots will regard your screaming response as a reinforcement.
Or a verbal reward.
And this will only worsen the case.
In fact, parrots love drama. Yelling back at them will fuel their urge to do it again.
#5: Train them with a song
It’s nice to have little adventures together like mastering a song.
You can have them listen to a song repeatedly until both of you can sing it together.
Take note, always reinforce or reward them with their favorite treats.
#6: Teach them how to talk
Aside from singing, parrots like to mimic whatever they listen to.
Especially at home.
It may look like a difficult task for both of you.
But always remember:
“Consistency is key.”
And of course, lots of treats.
#7: Understanding why they’re screaming
When planning to stop your parrot from screaming a lot…
Always bear in mind that some screaming is completely normal.
However, correcting them when they misbehave is a great step.
Meanwhile, your goal shouldn’t focus on eliminating this behavior.
But to minimize and reduce them.
One important step is to understand why your parrots are screaming.
This could mean they’re distressed, bored, or in pain.
Moreover, you may want to glance at your lifestyle at home as well.
It could also mean that the environment that your parrot is living in might need adjustments, too.
When you have screaming kids at home, this could be one possible reason.
Or when the vibe isn’t comfortable or suitable for animals and pets.
Bottom line is, change begets change.
#8: Provide them with their basic needs
According to PetMD, parrots need the following:
Food
A mix of good-quality pellets and fresh or dried vegetables and fruits make up your parrot’s ideal diet.
Cage
Parrots need adequate housing that will enable them to move around.
Plus, you may need to opt for a toxic-free cage material for them, too.
Perch or branches
You can DIY your bird’s perch by using a sturdy branch to provide them with comfy feet rest.
Also, be sure to go for the pesticide-free ones or you can buy directly at a local pet store.
Water and food bowls
When providing them with food bowls, go for the wide ones rather than the deep variations.
This will encourage your parrots to try new goodies and treats.
Cage liners
This is to ensure that the cage is clean and dry at all times.
Moreover, you may opt for paper towels or newspapers to collect their droppings easily.
A hiding spot
You can place a nest or cardboard box near your parrot’s cage to make room for their privacy.
Enrichment toys
Help your parrots stay active by adding the following enrichment objects:
Rawhide.
Pine cones.
Soft white pine.
Natural fiber rope.
Leather chews for pets.
However, be sure to avoid the following:
Cedar.
Redwood.
Balsa wood.
Pressure-treated pines.
First aid kit
This is a must to ensure your parrot’s safety at all times.
Tip: You can prepare a styptic pencil to quickly stop bleeding from injuries.
#9: Keep a record
For a more holistic approach, you can try recording your parrot’s screaming sessions with the following inputs:
Time and date.
Your mood before, during, and after the event.
Your environment before, during, and after the event.
Your parrot’s mood before, during, and after the event.
This will help you and your vet assess things should you seek professional help.
#10: Never restrain food
Restraining food as a way of correcting their behavior isn’t a great idea.
Chances are, your parrots may only develop stress and anxiety.
Take note, parrots can sense and understand emotions.
So, be sure to be gentle when reprimanding them.
#11: Avoid isolating them
Isolating or banging their cage when they scream is a big no-no, too.
Giving negative reinforcements may also trigger feather picking in parrots.
Feather picking is a phenomenon when birds pluck their own feathers out.
This occurs when they’re suffering from medical conditions, such as:
Poor diet.
Diseases.
Skin infections.
Meanwhile, feather picking can also occur as a behavioral response to the following:
Noise.
Stress.
Weather.
Boredom.
Inadequate sleep.
Sexual frustration.
Lack of interaction with owners or pet companions.
9 reasons why parrots scream a lot
#1: Communication means
In general, birds communicate in the wild by vocalization.
Or what appears to be screaming in human terms.
When they’re in the wild together with their flock, they’ll scream in the early mornings to gather for food.
Aside from feasting, they vocalize to also socialize.
So, when your parrot screams at certain times of the day…
They might have considered you to be part of their squad.
#2: Alarmed or threatened
In some cases, parrots make screaming noises when they perceive danger.
They do this to warn others in the flock or other birds nearby.
Moreover, parrots in the wild scream when they’re afraid.
Interestingly, vocalization helps other birds find their way to their flock by responding to it.
#3: Distressed or lonely
Parrots are flock animals that need constant company in the wild.
However, they’ll start to feel lonely if they live alone at home or in a cage.
And yes, screaming is one way to communicate their distress.
Moreover, parrots also scream when they miss a family member.
Or when they see a new face in the household.
#4: Feeling unwell or in pain
Screaming parrots shouldn’t be taken for granted.
That’s because they might be in pain or suffering from an illness.
In some cases, parrots scream when having seizures.
So, it’s best to seek your vet’s help when they scream excessively.
#5: Trying to get attention
Parrots are super smart animals.
However, these smartypants sometimes know how to get your attention.
And they do it pretty well!
Moreover, various parrot species can also be associated with their noisiness.
The noisiest species consist of the following:
Macaw.
Conure.
Lorikeet.
Eclectus.
Cockatoo.
African Grey.
Amazon Parrot.
Ringneck Parakeet.
Meanwhile, the following species are known to be the quietest:
Budgie.
Parrotlet.
Cockatiel.
Senegal Parrot.
Lineolated Parakeet.
Rosy Bourke Parakeet.
#6: Out of jealousy
Parrots scream when they see someone new at home.
Especially pets.
This is because parrots are also emotionally intelligent animals.
Although they’re not as emotionally receptive as humans…
Parrots can sense love, hurt, and jealousy among others.
#7: Inadequate sleep or rest
Yes, parrots sometimes find it difficult to rest.
Especially in the following conditions:
Cage location.
Noise (i.e. TV).
Crowded areas.
Inadequate lighting.
#8: Change in environment
Changing from one home to another can be stressful for parrots.
Not to mention, the long hours of travel.
So, make sure to guide your parrot all the way until they fully adapt to its new home.
#9: Boredom
This usually occurs when there’s a change in their routine or prolonged absence of their owners at home, such as:
Long work day.
Going on vacation.
Extended holiday trips.
7 different sounds your parrot makes
Parrots are naturally noisy animals.
So, it’s important to distinguish the types of noises they make, such as the following:
#1: Sound mimicking
Parrots mimic various sounds from their environment, such as:
TV sounds.
Telephone ring.
Pets or animals.
Family members.
#2: Squawking
Some parrots make noises when they celebrate sunrises and sunsets.
So, that’s why some alarm clocks are shaped like mini birdhouses!
However, squawking sounds can also signify that your parrot is bored or angry.
#3: Growling
Growling in parrots is usually a sound of warning or aggression.
When parrots are growling, they’ll likely bite anyone near them.
Moreover, you may notice the following signs of aggression in your parrots:
Dilated pupils.
Raised feathers and neck.
#4: Singing
Happy parrots usually sing a lot.
And as bird owners, this moment lives in your core memory rent-free.
You can give them treats or verbal rewards when they sing.
#5: Whistling
Just like singing, a whistling parrot exudes happiness.
Some of the great whistlers are the following:
Cockatiels.
Cockatoos.
African Greys.
#6: Purring
When your parrots are making purring sounds, it means they’re happy.
It may sound a bit like growling, but you can notice your parrot’s body language when they purr.
They’re usually relaxed and calm when they do.
#7: Chuckling
Parrots make chuckling or laughing noises when they also feel something funny.
Naturally, parrots can easily copy human sounds.
And interestingly, they’re even aware of when to use it.