When Birds Scream

Exotic birds can begin screaming for a whole list of reasons, or a combination of different reasons. Finding out why they're doing it gets you halfway to dealing with it.

Natural screaming. There are times when it's natural for a pet bird to scream or call out. If something is wrong, sometimes this will cause a bird to call out to alert you to the situation.

All birds have the instinct to sing in the morning as the sun comes up and in the evening when the sun sets. This can be curbed by having a specific bed and wake time for the bird. And covering its cage at night. This type can be minimized, but never really ends.

Attention Screaming. Your pet bird wants nothing more than to be with you. So it's not unusual for them to call out when they want your attention. With this type of screaming it's very important not to pay attention to the bird and inadvertently reward it for the behavior. Instead, wait for the screaming to stop and then give the bird the attention it wants.

Once a bird screams for attention and you give in, it's hard to correct the problem. The bird has already learned that when it wants something, all it has to do is scream. So it's a good idea to not let the behavior get started.

Mating. At certain times of the year, male birds will become hormonal and begin looking for a mate. That can often involve singing and calling out for a female. Just like other forms of screaming, it shouldn't be rewarded with any type attention. If you have a male and female of the same species but in different cages, the calling out can get deafening.

Male birds will also become enamored with their owners. So when they sing to a mate, they sing to you. It's cute at first, but a male looking for a friend can begin biting. When the behavior starts, put the bird down and leave the room long enough to let the bird calm down.

The most important thing to remember when your bird is screaming, do not give it a reaction. If you yell back, they love the drama and it just encourages them to continue. And please, never tell you bird to shut up. Tell them to hush or be quiet in a soft tone. Do you like to be told to shut up? Didn't think so, show your avian companion the same respect.