Q. How can I make my bird be quiet?

Birds are designed, by nature, to make noise. Some birds, like cockatoos and macaws tend to be experts at noise-making and while there are a few things you can try to minimize the noise – you cannot ‘make’ your bird be quiet. The biggest part of dealing with noise is choosing an appropriate species and accepting that noise is a part of bird/parrot ownership.

• If you feel your bird is screaming excessively or suddenly changed from a normally quiet bird seek medical attention.
• Once you have ruled out any illness or injury you can look toward dealing with the noise.
• Most birds ‘chatter’ in the morning… and again in the evening. This is normal ‘flock’ behavior.
• You may cover your bird’s cage at night – this will help minimize early morning singing.
• Never reward your bird for ‘screaming’. Any attention only worsens the problem.
• Even yelling and spraying with water constitute ‘Attention’ in your bird’s eyes and negative treatment only worsens the problem.
• Try to predict when and why your bird screams – then work to change what causes the screaming.
• Be sure to offer your bird plenty of toys, time out of the cage and regular baths to keep them happy and healthy.
• A busy bird is less likely to scream but do NOT offer the toy to stop the screaming (reward)… instead offer it BEFORE the screaming starts.
• If the noise is truly driving you crazy, walk away if you can. A short ‘time-out’ of covering the cage can work. (no more than 20 minutes)
• Many people will place a noisy bird in the basement – this is often a very sad place for a bird to be. Try other options first please.
• Have a play-gym or other area for exercise and amusement. Have two or three set-up and move your bird around so they don’t get bored.
• Too much attention given to a new bird can cause problems when the ‘novelty’ wears off. Teach your bird to play with toys.
• Foraging toys can keep some birds busy for long periods.
• Chewing toys can keep a noisy beak busy.
• Remain calm. Birds are very keen on human emotions and pick up on household tensions.
• Feed a proper and healthy diet. A diet with Variety is much more appealing (and healthier) than plain old pellets or seeds.
• A swing or boing can provide lots of exercise if your bird likes them.
• Natural branches (safe and chemical free) offer hours of bark stripping and chewing fun!
• Some species are generally known as being ‘noisy’…. i.e. macaws, cockatoos, conures etc.
• Some species known for quiet chatter include; Parrotlets, Linnies, Budgies, Red Belly Parrots etc.