Read About Bird Aggression

Bird aggression can sometimes be caused by lack of socialization, frustration on the part of the bird, or by putting the bird in a situation in which he feels vulnerable. Understanding how to communicate with your bird and reduce his frustration can also help to reduce bird aggression. Bird aggression can be characterized by behaviors such as biting, screaming or squawking, or becoming overly bonded to one individual and refusing to interact with other humans.

Early training and socialization, usually between fledglings and around 18 months of age, is one important key in reducing bird aggression. At this age, you can help the bird get used to his surroundings, people, and other animals before aggressive behaviors become habitual. Once aggressive behaviors become the norm for a bird, it is much harder to retrain him to be less aggressive.

Some birds act aggressively when food is present, using instinctive behaviors to protect their food source. Territorial aggression is also common among many species of birds. Regardless of species, most birds tend to be very territorially aggressive when breeding to protect their nests. For parrots that show a great deal of territorial aggression, one suggestion is minimizing the time the bird spends in his cage. By expanding the areas in which he is allowed, the bird may display less aggression surrounding his own immediate territory: his cage. Sexual maturation sometimes causes an increase in bird aggression as well.

Birds in the wild need to act aggressively in order to protect themselves when they feel threatened. Pet birds are no different, and they will lash out when they feel vulnerable or in danger. A bird may be especially intimidated in new surroundings and should be dealt with slowly and cautiously. Reaching into the cage to take a bird out can cause a great deal of fear for him, resulting in bird aggression. Take time to allow the bird to become accustomed to you and to his surroundings. Deal with him slowly, patiently, and consistently. Birds who are in familiar settings and know what behaviors, actions and reactions to anticipate are less likely to behave aggressively.

Bird aggression should always be dealt with quickly and firmly to prevent the behavior from becoming a habit. As with most other areas of animal training, consistent behavior modification through positive reinforcement should be employed. Completely ignore your bird while he is acting aggressively, and lavish him with praise, when he behaves well. He will soon associate the positive reinforcement with not performing the aggressive behavior, and the bird aggression should stop.