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ARTICLE
WORKING WITH COCKATIELS:
COMMUNICATION & BODY LANGUAGE
© 2008 SUSAN W. FARLOW
CF Professional Bird Behaviorist
"All Rights Reserved"
c. 2007 Jane Gillespie
A majority of bird behavior problems are caused by the lack of clear, consistent communication between bird
and human. Human reliance on language compromises the average person’s ability to read body language
and vocalization in avian companions.  The tendency to attribute human intentions to bird behavior cultivates
misperceptions about what motivates our companion birds. As a bird behaviorist, I am often introduced to one
very confused human describing the bird problem while one very frustrated bird looks on. Though there are
many fine, clearly written guides to bird behavior in print or online, many individuals have difficulty applying the
information in their own lives.  A few simple strategies can help anyone communicate more effectively with
birds; success lies in clear consistent bird handling techniques coupled with thoughtful self-awareness.

Those of us who are accustomed to living with dogs and cats must make a behavioral compromise when living
with birds. The breeding of cage birds as human companions has enhanced certain qualities of personality
and sociability but birds are not fully domesticated pets. Cage birds are prey animals unlike our pet predators –
cats and dogs.  Prey animals such as birds generally rely on safety in numbers in the wild; they have relied on
this strategy for thousands and thousands of years. Their motivating behaviors and social structures are
beautifully designed to stave off predation by other animals. Because we have bred birds in captivity over a
period of time and multiple generations does not mean we have bred all the wildness out of a bird, or its
inherent prey animal perspective on life.

Given the delightful, comical behaviors and intelligence displayed by companion birds, it is easy for people to
assume birds are motivated in ways that are similar or identical to humans. What motivates a bird’s behavior is
far different than many people expect. Assumptions can create difficult challenges in the bird to human
interactions.

It is encouraging to see - among participants in my bird behavior classes and private clients - how many
people have the instincts and motivation to learn how birds naturally behave and why. Those who choose to live
with companion birds deserve adequate instruction and support while constructing a healthy long-term
relationship with a bird, and thereon after.

A foundation for clear and mutual understanding is built on how a bird is approached and picked up.  This
particular activity either reinforces mutual trust or sets up a cycle of miscommunication that can lead to biting
and difficulty handling the bird in general.  Paying close attention to your attitude, body language, approach and
technique is the key to ongoing good relations with your bird.


The first item to take into account is your mood. If you are tired, grumpy, distracted by hunger, impatient, or
irritated, now is probably not the time to handle your bird. In fact, it may not be the time to seek out your bird at
all. Our feathered companions are very sensitive to our moods, and observant of our behaviors, and will
respond or react accordingly. This ability relates to their keen senses in the wild, where vigilant awareness of
what is in the birds’ presence at all times can mean the difference between life and death. Even if you have
established a loving relationship with your bird, these instincts of self-preservation will override all else to
some degree or another. An unexpected bite is sometimes delivered when a distracted person
absentmindedly scoops up a bird.  We are often unaware that our eyes are set in our faces like other predators.
If we use our eyes to stare at birds rather than softly observe them, we become more threatening. Like other
predators, we often approach birds directly from the front, which can be perceived as confrontational and or
threatening.  If our mood is ambiguous, and we approach too directly, our intentions . join now to read the rest
of this 3800 word article!
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Susan W. Farlow owns a bird behavior consultation business, Jacot Unlimited, which provides services to parrot owners, bird
clubs and organizations. She appears in radio and television shows, including National Geographic Explorer, and she lectures widely
on bird behavior. Sue has served as a behavior consultant to Dr. Irene Pepperberg in her language work with African Grey parrots
at MIT and Brandeis University. The avian advisory consultant for the internationally exhibited art installation project, MAYPORE, her
account of the project has appeared in Amazona Quarterly and online at www.parrotchronicles.com (issue 6, 2002). Her articles
have also appeared in Cockatiel & Parakeet World magazine as the former bird behavior columnist.

A strong commitment to wildlife education brings her consultation and volunteer support to Wind-Over-Wings, a raptor rehabilitation
and education center in Clinton CT. Sue is a former social worker and also completed a 2-year advanced training in Spiritual
Psychology in 2003. In addition to her bird behavior work, she provides bereavement support for individuals coping with dying or
deceased companion animals.  Her services are available under the online business card page.
Disclaimer
Articles on this website are not meant to take the place of proper veterinary and other medical care. If your bird appears ill or shows
symptoms of illness, please contact your avian veterinarian as quickly as possible. Birds are prey animals and hide their symptoms in order
to survive; by the time owners see symptoms, a bird may have become extremely ill. Owners are advised to seek medical attention
immediately. To find an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the Association of Avian Veterinarians at  www.aav.org.
c. 2007 Susan W. Farlow
Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.