Greys And Elephants: Is there a relationship?
By Jane Hallander
Unfortunately, African Grey Parrots have garnered a reputation as a parrot species with a high risk of phobia. According to Webster’s Dictionary, a phobia is “an exaggerated, usually inexplicable and illogical fear of an object, class of objects or situation.” In this case our parrot friends develop an extreme fear of their human handlers… a fear so strong that the bird actually thinks it is about to die.
WHAT CONSTITUES TRULY PHOBIC BEHAVIOR?
The Grey who throws himself to the cage bottom, screaming to hopefully drive us away is probably phobic if he consistently repeats this behavior whenever one or more people try to handle him. However, the parrot who simply runs away from your hand or the “UP” command, but behaves with confidence when you handle him is not phobic. He probably has just not learned what is expected of him and where his place is within the “flock”.
As we learn more about what triggers phobias in African Greys, several patterns become evident. While there will always be exception, if someone calls me for a consultation about their African Grey, I already know that it is probably a domestically-bred male Grey, who started showing phobic symptoms between one and a half to two years of age. I also know that it probably started after he fell to the floor and was picked up by his concerned human. If this sounds like the psychic side of me coming out, it isn’. These are the statistics that fit the profile of a phobic African Grey Parrot.
Let’s look at each variable that contributes to the overall profile:
First, we seldom see phobia in wild-caught imported Greys. I believe that this is due to the fact that wild Greys are raised by the parents, rather then pulled from the nest at a couple of weeks old and raised by a human hand-feeder. Parrots as with other animals, have two ways to express behavior. One is instinctive or ‘hard-wired’ behavior that all members of a species are with. For instance, the knowledge that a Grey’s primary predators are hawks and that attacks come from above is instinctive.
Besides instinctive, parrots use ‘associative learning’ or socialization from other birds for information about their daily lives. While a Grey may instinctively know that hawks are dangerous preatiors, it takes other birds to teach him about secondary predators, such as dogs, cats or even humans. All Greys, wild or domestic, know to fear hawks. However, wild-caught parrots may initially fear dogs and cats, because they are close cousins t predatory animals in Africa and are secondary predators taught to them by older wild Greys. Wild Greys probably have a ‘clear list’ of what is and what isn’t a danger to them, and humans probably aren’t among the list. Humans do not ordinarily play an active predatory role in day-to-day African Grey life (in the wild). Therefore, there is no reason for a wild bird’s parrot teachers to identify humans as predators.
Unfortunately, domestically bred parrot babies seldom have an opportunity to learn anything from another bird. They must rely only on their instinctive background for knowledge of how to be a bird. Therefore, domestically bred Greys are often armed only with their instinct, which tell them that danger comes from above. Instinctively, they know that flying is the escape route from an overhead predator.
Why is it that a young Grey, that has severely clipped wings and falls to the floor, can easily become phobic when it is pursued by a worried human owner?
Apparently, that is enough to trigger an intense fear of the person, who at the moment appears over the bird’s head. That fear may then easily become an associated learning response and the bird associates his person with that very same instinctive fear of an overhead predator.
WHY ELEPHANTS?
Ivory poachers hunt male African elephants for their tusks, making the African elephant an endangered species. In an effort to save the African elephant, groups of juvenile males were transported to the safety of game preserves, where they could be guarded by game wardens. The plan was working well until the wardens started finding dead black rhinoceros in the same area as the juvenile elephants. Before long, it became apparent that the juvenile elephants were ‘ganging’ up on the rhinos and killing them. After observing this strange phenomenon, some experts felt the elephants would have to be destroyed before they wiped out the rhino population, another endangered species. Of course, this idea was counter to the original purpose of saving the African elephant.
One thoughtful warden had a theory. He had blood samples taken from the juvenile elephants and found their testosterone levels higher then samples taken from juvenile males living close o an established heard of females and older males. Testosterone, a male hormone or androgen, is a primary contributor to aggression levels in many animals. His theory was that the juveniles, living in groups alone and far away from their natural social environment, were developing unnatural behaviors and aggressions because they were not exposed to natural elephant social order and the associated teaching that came with it.
Based on his theory, they imported two older adult bull elephants from another game preserve and placed them with the young juveniles. The older bull elephants did exactly what they would do in their natural environment … whipped the juveniles into a somewhat submissive mode toward the older elephants. This is required within elephant herds to keep young bulls from claiming and mating with the female elephants. Only one bull elephant gets to mate and produce oung and he is the strongest of the lot. When the senior bull is unable to defend his herd against challenges from the juvenile bull elephant herd, he loses his leadership place and a younger, stronger male takes over. This insures a strong gene pool, necessary for species survival.
Sure enough, within a few weeks, the testosterone levels of the young male elephants dropped to normal ranges and attacks on the black rhinos ceased completely. What happened here that applies to male African Greys and phobias?
GREY TO ELEPHANT COMPARISON
Game wardens saw that male elephants kept with only other juvenile male elephants, interacted with each other through natural elephant games that taught them confidence and aggression exactly what they needed to become potential heard leaders in a natural environment. However, living by themselves wasn’t their natural environment. A natural environment requires older elephants to tone down the juveniles, while still allowing the game playing that teaches future survival skills.
Of course, our Greys don’t have the same social structure or survival requirements, as do African elephants. African Greys live in flocks, but bond to stay with only one mate for as long as that bird lives. Therefore, there is no need to subdue young males around the flock. However, there is still some amount of agression needed by Greys to defend their nests and drive intruders away. Where does that confidence and agression come from?
My theory is that confidence for male African Greys comes from ‘game-playing’ and interaction with other Grey males in the formative time between fledging and when they start to mature sexually. This would explain why we don’t see phobias with wild-caught Greys, even those who were imported at a very young age when importation was still legal. Wild-caught birds grow up naturally with natural African Grey socialization and associative learning from other Greys. Domestically bred Greys usually don’t have an opportunity to socialize and ‘play’ with other Greys, so may be lacking the extra testerone and confidence derived from roughhousing and playing with their peers. If it is in fact a question of testosterone levels and/or lack of confidence developed from interaction with other male Greys, that may also explain why we don’t see phobias with African Grey hens.
Why don’t we see phobias in other species, such as Amazons?
Again, a domestically bred parrot’s response to ouside stimuli depends on how the bird is genetically programmed for survival in its natural habitat. For instance, it is very possible that African Grey juveniles are further ’tutored’ by other, perhaps older birds after they fledge, but before they reach maturity and join the flock as adults. We know this happens with Galah (Rose-breasted) Cockatoos, while some other Cockatoo species do not continue with heavily supervised education of juveniles. If there is another parrot species that can become phobic as easily and in similar numbers as the African Grey Parrot, it is the Rose-breasted Cockatoo. My friend and colleague, Sam Foster, has done extensive research into the Galah behavior, especially phobias. Amazons appear not to have as much structure to their flocks as do Greys and Galahs. Possibly because most South American Parrots fly in ‘multi-species’ flocks that contain Amazons, Macaws, Conures and other South American parrot species.
While this isn’t the only reason Greys become phobic, it appears to be one of a short list of coincidences that lead to the final unfortunate result. If we clip a Grey’s wings or toenails too short, or provide perches that are too slippery or large for the Grey to grip, especially if it is at that very sensitive, clumsy, juvenile stage, we may be undermining whatever confidence it instinctively has. This becomes an even greater problem if the Grey has been allowed to learn to fly, fully flighted, at fledging age. Many responsible breeders let their Grey bappies learn to fly, land and navigate before gradually clipping their wings and sending them off to new homes.
As discussed earlier, an African Grey who falls, due to a short wing clip or from toenails clipped too short to grip his perches may have the trauma its painful fall reinforced when the worried owner hurries to pick the frightened Grey up from the floor. A common scenario is that the startled Grey is ‘chased’ by the worried human. The parrot cannot fly to instinctively escape the person and initially becomes afraid of the owner’s hands. In this case, phobia starts with the hands, but if not corrected, soon develops into a full phobic reaction whenever that particular person comes near the parrot. Simply waiting until the bird on the floor turns to face the human, might avoid future problems.
While no one can absolutely guarantee that a young African Grey will grow into a happy, well-adjusted adult bird, there are certainly ways to minimize potential problems. Perhaps we need to further study and duplicate the natural parrot socialization as much as we can in a domestic breeding situation, rather then attempt to ‘shape’ our young Greys into ‘little humans’. Everyone knows of wild-caught Greys who are ideal companions. My own Jing is a perfect example. If wild birds can make the adjustment so successfully into a very different environment there is something to be said for associative learning from other Greys --- because that’s exactly what wild Greys receive as thy are growing up.
Note: Jane passed away early in 2002 after a courageous fight with cancer. Her love of parrots lives on by her articles helping people who share their lives with companion parrots.
Reprinted with permission from the former Grey Play Round Table® African grey magazine, and its www.AfricanGreys.com web site
Monday, January 4, 2010
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Dawn Chorus and Life Forces
by Cornelis van Dalen
Some call it cacophony and are driven to madness; others find it the most beautiful event in all of creation – the dawn chorus of the birds. Especially in spring, before the sun’s morning rays light the heavens, the birds begin to sing. First one, then another, and finally all together singing to their heart’s content, if one can use such an expression. Each country has its own song where the species of birds differ; I shall never forget dawn chorus in the subtropical bush of northern New South Wales, Australia. Enchanting, dear Angela and Ian!
Here in southern England the bird life is especially prevalent in our locality. I have long admired the Blackbird Turdus merula for his song, yet after the summer solstice he gradually ceases to sing so regularly. This is also true for the Song Thrush Turdus musicus, often called England’s finest singer.
The song of the various birds is most beautiful and one must ask why they sing. The Rev. F.O. Morris in writing of the Nightingale says it ‘loves a neighbourhood where there is an echo, as if aware of and admiring its own music.’ [1] Or is the Nightingale in that locality to enhance the effects of the music? Music! Here is our clue.
In the book A Pilgrimage with the Animals [2] Dr Lascelles introduces us to the subtle nature of animals, and points to our failure to understand them as spiritual beings having a role and function in the labyrinth of life. “I want you to think of what you call the dawn chorus of the birds, that strange moment of nature just before the morning light seeps through. Suddenly, as you may have noticed if you have been lying awake, every bird in the neighbourhood breaks into song as though obeying some signal. For a time, while it is dark, the air is filled with orchestrated sound – the triumphant, challenging and positive sound of birds in song.”
Read entire article by clicking HERE
This article has been reprinted with written permission of the author.
Some call it cacophony and are driven to madness; others find it the most beautiful event in all of creation – the dawn chorus of the birds. Especially in spring, before the sun’s morning rays light the heavens, the birds begin to sing. First one, then another, and finally all together singing to their heart’s content, if one can use such an expression. Each country has its own song where the species of birds differ; I shall never forget dawn chorus in the subtropical bush of northern New South Wales, Australia. Enchanting, dear Angela and Ian!
Here in southern England the bird life is especially prevalent in our locality. I have long admired the Blackbird Turdus merula for his song, yet after the summer solstice he gradually ceases to sing so regularly. This is also true for the Song Thrush Turdus musicus, often called England’s finest singer.
The song of the various birds is most beautiful and one must ask why they sing. The Rev. F.O. Morris in writing of the Nightingale says it ‘loves a neighbourhood where there is an echo, as if aware of and admiring its own music.’ [1] Or is the Nightingale in that locality to enhance the effects of the music? Music! Here is our clue.
In the book A Pilgrimage with the Animals [2] Dr Lascelles introduces us to the subtle nature of animals, and points to our failure to understand them as spiritual beings having a role and function in the labyrinth of life. “I want you to think of what you call the dawn chorus of the birds, that strange moment of nature just before the morning light seeps through. Suddenly, as you may have noticed if you have been lying awake, every bird in the neighbourhood breaks into song as though obeying some signal. For a time, while it is dark, the air is filled with orchestrated sound – the triumphant, challenging and positive sound of birds in song.”
Read entire article by clicking HERE
This article has been reprinted with written permission of the author.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Greys And Elephants: Is there a relationship?
Greys And Elephants: Is there a relationship?
By Jane Hallander
Note: Jane passed away early in 2002 after a courageous fight with cancer. Her love of parrots lives on by her articles helping people who share their lives with companion parrots.
Reprinted with permission from the former Grey Play Round Table® African grey magazine, and its www.AfricanGreys.com web site
Unfortunately, African Grey Parrots have garnered a reputation as a parrot species with a high risk of phobia. According to Webster’s Dictionary, a phobia is “an exaggerated, usually inexplicable and illogical fear of an object, class of objects or situation.” In this case our parrot friends develop an extreme fear of their human handlers… a fear so strong that the bird actually thinks it is about to die.
WHAT CONSTITUES TRULY PHOBIC BEHAVIOR?
The Grey who throws himself to the cage bottom, screaming to hopefully drive us away is probably phobic if he consistently repeats this behavior whenever one or more people try to handle him. However, the parrot who simply runs away from your hand or the “UP” command, but behaves with confidence when you handle him is not phobic. He probably has just not learned what is expected of him and where his place is within the “flock”.
As we learn more about what triggers phobias in African Greys, several patterns become evident. While there will always be exception, if someone calls me for a consultation about their African Grey, I already know that it is probably a domestically-bred male Grey, who started showing phobic symptoms between one and a half to two years of age. I also know that it probably started after he fell to the floor and was picked up by his concerned human. If this sounds like the psychic side of me coming out, it isn’. These are the statistics that fit the profile of a phobic African Grey Parrot.
Let’s look at each variable that contributes to the overall profile:
First, we seldom see phobia in wild-caught imported Greys. I believe that this is due to the fact that wild Greys are raised by the parents, rather then pulled from the nest at a couple of weeks old and raised by a human hand-feeder. Parrots as with other animals, have two ways to express behavior. One is instinctive or ‘hard-wired’ behavior that all members of a species are with. For instance, the knowledge that a Grey’s primary predators are hawks and that attacks come from above is instinctive.
Besides instinctive, parrots use ‘associative learning’ or socialization from other birds for information about their daily lives. While a Grey may instinctively know that hawks are dangerous preatiors, it takes other birds to teach him about secondary predators, such as dogs, cats or even humans. All Greys, wild or domestic, know to fear hawks. However, wild-caught parrots may initially fear dogs and cats, because they are close cousins t predatory animals in Africa and are secondary predators taught to them by older wild Greys. Wild Greys probably have a ‘clear list’ of what is and what isn’t a danger to them, and humans probably aren’t among the list. Humans do not ordinarily play an active predatory role in day-to-day African Grey life (in the wild). Therefore, there is no reason for a wild bird’s parrot teachers to identify humans as predators.
Unfortunately, domestically bred parrot babies seldom have an opportunity to learn anything from another bird. They must rely only on their instinctive background for knowledge of how to be a bird. Therefore, domestically bred Greys are often armed only with their instinct, which tell them that danger comes from above. Instinctively, they know that flying is the escape route from an overhead predator.
Why is it that a young Grey, that has severely clipped wings and falls to the floor, can easily become phobic when it is pursued by a worried human owner?
Apparently, that is enough to trigger an intense fear of the person, who at the moment appears over the bird’s head. That fear may then easily become an associated learning response and the bird associates his person with that very same instinctive fear of an overhead predator.
WHY ELEPHANTS?
Ivory poachers hunt male African elephants for their tusks, making the African elephant an endangered species. In an effort to save the African elephant, groups of juvenile males were transported to the safety of game preserves, where they could be guarded by game wardens. The plan was working well until the wardens started finding dead black rhinoceros in the same area as the juvenile elephants. Before long, it became apparent that the juvenile elephants were ‘ganging’ up on the rhinos and killing them. After observing this strange phenomenon, some experts felt the elephants would have to be destroyed before they wiped out the rhino population, another endangered species. Of course, this idea was counter to the original purpose of saving the African elephant.
One thoughtful warden had a theory. He had blood samples taken from the juvenile elephants and found their testosterone levels higher then samples taken from juvenile males living close o an established heard of females and older males. Testosterone, a male hormone or androgen, is a primary contributor to aggression levels in many animals. His theory was that the juveniles, living in groups alone and far away from their natural social environment, were developing unnatural behaviors and aggressions because they were not exposed to natural elephant social order and the associated teaching that came with it.
Based on his theory, they imported two older adult bull elephants from another game preserve and placed them with the young juveniles. The older bull elephants did exactly what they would do in their natural environment … whipped the juveniles into a somewhat submissive mode toward the older elephants. This is required within elephant herds to keep young bulls from claiming and mating with the female elephants. Only one bull elephant gets to mate and produce oung and he is the strongest of the lot. When the senior bull is unable to defend his herd against challenges from the juvenile bull elephant herd, he loses his leadership place and a younger, stronger male takes over. This insures a strong gene pool, necessary for species survival.
Sure enough, within a few weeks, the testosterone levels of the young male elephants dropped to normal ranges and attacks on the black rhinos ceased completely. What happened here that applies to male African Greys and phobias?
GREY TO ELEPHANT COMPARISON
Game wardens saw that male elephants kept with only other juvenile male elephants, interacted with each other through natural elephant games that taught them confidence and aggression exactly what they needed to become potential heard leaders in a natural environment. However, living by themselves wasn’t their natural environment. A natural environment requires older elephants to tone down the juveniles, while still allowing the game playing that teaches future survival skills.
Of course, our Greys don’t have the same social structure or survival requirements, as do African elephants. African Greys live in flocks, but bond to stay with only one mate for as long as that bird lives. Therefore, there is no need to subdue young males around the flock. However, there is still some amount of agression needed by Greys to defend their nests and drive intruders away. Where does that confidence and agression come from?
My theory is that confidence for male African Greys comes from ‘game-playing’ and interaction with other Grey males in the formative time between fledging and when they start to mature sexually. This would explain why we don’t see phobias with wild-caught Greys, even those who were imported at a very young age when importation was still legal. Wild-caught birds grow up naturally with natural African Grey socialization and associative learning from other Greys. Domestically bred Greys usually don’t have an opportunity to socialize and ‘play’ with other Greys, so may be lacking the extra testerone and confidence derived from roughhousing and playing with their peers. If it is in fact a question of testosterone levels and/or lack of confidence developed from interaction with other male Greys, that may also explain why we don’t see phobias with African Grey hens.
Why don’t we see phobias in other species, such as Amazons?
Again, a domestically bred parrot’s response to ouside stimuli depends on how the bird is genetically programmed for survival in its natural habitat. For instance, it is very possible that African Grey juveniles are further ’tutored’ by other, perhaps older birds after they fledge, but before they reach maturity and join the flock as adults. We know this happens with Galah (Rose-breasted) Cockatoos, while some other Cockatoo species do not continue with heavily supervised education of juveniles. If there is another parrot species that can become phobic as easily and in similar numbers as the African Grey Parrot, it is the Rose-breasted Cockatoo. My friend and colleague, Sam Foster, has done extensive research into the Galah behavior, especially phobias. Amazons appear not to have as much structure to their flocks as do Greys and Galahs. Possibly because most South American Parrots fly in ‘multi-species’ flocks that contain Amazons, Macaws, Conures and other South American parrot species.
While this isn’t the only reason Greys become phobic, it appears to be one of a short list of coincidences that lead to the final unfortunate result. If we clip a Grey’s wings or toenails too short, or provide perches that are too slippery or large for the Grey to grip, especially if it is at that very sensitive, clumsy, juvenile stage, we may be undermining whatever confidence it instinctively has. This becomes an even greater problem if the Grey has been allowed to learn to fly, fully flighted, at fledging age. Many responsible breeders let their Grey bappies learn to fly, land and navigate before gradually clipping their wings and sending them off to new homes.
As discussed earlier, an African Grey who falls, due to a short wing clip or from toenails clipped too short to grip his perches may have the trauma its painful fall reinforced when the worried owner hurries to pick the frightened Grey up from the floor. A common scenario is that the startled Grey is ‘chased’ by the worried human. The parrot cannot fly to instinctively escape the person and initially becomes afraid of the owner’s hands. In this case, phobia starts with the hands, but if not corrected, soon develops into a full phobic reaction whenever that particular person comes near the parrot. Simply waiting until the bird on the floor turns to face the human, might avoid future problems.
While no one can absolutely guarantee that a young African Grey will grow into a happy, well-adjusted adult bird, there are certainly ways to minimize potential problems. Perhaps we need to further study and duplicate the natural parrot socialization as much as we can in a domestic breeding situation, rather then attempt to ‘shape’ our young Greys into ‘little humans’. Everyone knows of wild-caught Greys who are ideal companions. My own Jing is a perfect example. If wild birds can make the adjustment so successfully into a very different environment there is something to be said for associative learning from other Greys --- because that’s exactly what wild Greys receive as thy are growing up.
By Jane Hallander
Note: Jane passed away early in 2002 after a courageous fight with cancer. Her love of parrots lives on by her articles helping people who share their lives with companion parrots.
Reprinted with permission from the former Grey Play Round Table® African grey magazine, and its www.AfricanGreys.com web site
Unfortunately, African Grey Parrots have garnered a reputation as a parrot species with a high risk of phobia. According to Webster’s Dictionary, a phobia is “an exaggerated, usually inexplicable and illogical fear of an object, class of objects or situation.” In this case our parrot friends develop an extreme fear of their human handlers… a fear so strong that the bird actually thinks it is about to die.
WHAT CONSTITUES TRULY PHOBIC BEHAVIOR?
The Grey who throws himself to the cage bottom, screaming to hopefully drive us away is probably phobic if he consistently repeats this behavior whenever one or more people try to handle him. However, the parrot who simply runs away from your hand or the “UP” command, but behaves with confidence when you handle him is not phobic. He probably has just not learned what is expected of him and where his place is within the “flock”.
As we learn more about what triggers phobias in African Greys, several patterns become evident. While there will always be exception, if someone calls me for a consultation about their African Grey, I already know that it is probably a domestically-bred male Grey, who started showing phobic symptoms between one and a half to two years of age. I also know that it probably started after he fell to the floor and was picked up by his concerned human. If this sounds like the psychic side of me coming out, it isn’. These are the statistics that fit the profile of a phobic African Grey Parrot.
Let’s look at each variable that contributes to the overall profile:
First, we seldom see phobia in wild-caught imported Greys. I believe that this is due to the fact that wild Greys are raised by the parents, rather then pulled from the nest at a couple of weeks old and raised by a human hand-feeder. Parrots as with other animals, have two ways to express behavior. One is instinctive or ‘hard-wired’ behavior that all members of a species are with. For instance, the knowledge that a Grey’s primary predators are hawks and that attacks come from above is instinctive.
Besides instinctive, parrots use ‘associative learning’ or socialization from other birds for information about their daily lives. While a Grey may instinctively know that hawks are dangerous preatiors, it takes other birds to teach him about secondary predators, such as dogs, cats or even humans. All Greys, wild or domestic, know to fear hawks. However, wild-caught parrots may initially fear dogs and cats, because they are close cousins t predatory animals in Africa and are secondary predators taught to them by older wild Greys. Wild Greys probably have a ‘clear list’ of what is and what isn’t a danger to them, and humans probably aren’t among the list. Humans do not ordinarily play an active predatory role in day-to-day African Grey life (in the wild). Therefore, there is no reason for a wild bird’s parrot teachers to identify humans as predators.
Unfortunately, domestically bred parrot babies seldom have an opportunity to learn anything from another bird. They must rely only on their instinctive background for knowledge of how to be a bird. Therefore, domestically bred Greys are often armed only with their instinct, which tell them that danger comes from above. Instinctively, they know that flying is the escape route from an overhead predator.
Why is it that a young Grey, that has severely clipped wings and falls to the floor, can easily become phobic when it is pursued by a worried human owner?
Apparently, that is enough to trigger an intense fear of the person, who at the moment appears over the bird’s head. That fear may then easily become an associated learning response and the bird associates his person with that very same instinctive fear of an overhead predator.
WHY ELEPHANTS?
Ivory poachers hunt male African elephants for their tusks, making the African elephant an endangered species. In an effort to save the African elephant, groups of juvenile males were transported to the safety of game preserves, where they could be guarded by game wardens. The plan was working well until the wardens started finding dead black rhinoceros in the same area as the juvenile elephants. Before long, it became apparent that the juvenile elephants were ‘ganging’ up on the rhinos and killing them. After observing this strange phenomenon, some experts felt the elephants would have to be destroyed before they wiped out the rhino population, another endangered species. Of course, this idea was counter to the original purpose of saving the African elephant.
One thoughtful warden had a theory. He had blood samples taken from the juvenile elephants and found their testosterone levels higher then samples taken from juvenile males living close o an established heard of females and older males. Testosterone, a male hormone or androgen, is a primary contributor to aggression levels in many animals. His theory was that the juveniles, living in groups alone and far away from their natural social environment, were developing unnatural behaviors and aggressions because they were not exposed to natural elephant social order and the associated teaching that came with it.
Based on his theory, they imported two older adult bull elephants from another game preserve and placed them with the young juveniles. The older bull elephants did exactly what they would do in their natural environment … whipped the juveniles into a somewhat submissive mode toward the older elephants. This is required within elephant herds to keep young bulls from claiming and mating with the female elephants. Only one bull elephant gets to mate and produce oung and he is the strongest of the lot. When the senior bull is unable to defend his herd against challenges from the juvenile bull elephant herd, he loses his leadership place and a younger, stronger male takes over. This insures a strong gene pool, necessary for species survival.
Sure enough, within a few weeks, the testosterone levels of the young male elephants dropped to normal ranges and attacks on the black rhinos ceased completely. What happened here that applies to male African Greys and phobias?
GREY TO ELEPHANT COMPARISON
Game wardens saw that male elephants kept with only other juvenile male elephants, interacted with each other through natural elephant games that taught them confidence and aggression exactly what they needed to become potential heard leaders in a natural environment. However, living by themselves wasn’t their natural environment. A natural environment requires older elephants to tone down the juveniles, while still allowing the game playing that teaches future survival skills.
Of course, our Greys don’t have the same social structure or survival requirements, as do African elephants. African Greys live in flocks, but bond to stay with only one mate for as long as that bird lives. Therefore, there is no need to subdue young males around the flock. However, there is still some amount of agression needed by Greys to defend their nests and drive intruders away. Where does that confidence and agression come from?
My theory is that confidence for male African Greys comes from ‘game-playing’ and interaction with other Grey males in the formative time between fledging and when they start to mature sexually. This would explain why we don’t see phobias with wild-caught Greys, even those who were imported at a very young age when importation was still legal. Wild-caught birds grow up naturally with natural African Grey socialization and associative learning from other Greys. Domestically bred Greys usually don’t have an opportunity to socialize and ‘play’ with other Greys, so may be lacking the extra testerone and confidence derived from roughhousing and playing with their peers. If it is in fact a question of testosterone levels and/or lack of confidence developed from interaction with other male Greys, that may also explain why we don’t see phobias with African Grey hens.
Why don’t we see phobias in other species, such as Amazons?
Again, a domestically bred parrot’s response to ouside stimuli depends on how the bird is genetically programmed for survival in its natural habitat. For instance, it is very possible that African Grey juveniles are further ’tutored’ by other, perhaps older birds after they fledge, but before they reach maturity and join the flock as adults. We know this happens with Galah (Rose-breasted) Cockatoos, while some other Cockatoo species do not continue with heavily supervised education of juveniles. If there is another parrot species that can become phobic as easily and in similar numbers as the African Grey Parrot, it is the Rose-breasted Cockatoo. My friend and colleague, Sam Foster, has done extensive research into the Galah behavior, especially phobias. Amazons appear not to have as much structure to their flocks as do Greys and Galahs. Possibly because most South American Parrots fly in ‘multi-species’ flocks that contain Amazons, Macaws, Conures and other South American parrot species.
While this isn’t the only reason Greys become phobic, it appears to be one of a short list of coincidences that lead to the final unfortunate result. If we clip a Grey’s wings or toenails too short, or provide perches that are too slippery or large for the Grey to grip, especially if it is at that very sensitive, clumsy, juvenile stage, we may be undermining whatever confidence it instinctively has. This becomes an even greater problem if the Grey has been allowed to learn to fly, fully flighted, at fledging age. Many responsible breeders let their Grey bappies learn to fly, land and navigate before gradually clipping their wings and sending them off to new homes.
As discussed earlier, an African Grey who falls, due to a short wing clip or from toenails clipped too short to grip his perches may have the trauma its painful fall reinforced when the worried owner hurries to pick the frightened Grey up from the floor. A common scenario is that the startled Grey is ‘chased’ by the worried human. The parrot cannot fly to instinctively escape the person and initially becomes afraid of the owner’s hands. In this case, phobia starts with the hands, but if not corrected, soon develops into a full phobic reaction whenever that particular person comes near the parrot. Simply waiting until the bird on the floor turns to face the human, might avoid future problems.
While no one can absolutely guarantee that a young African Grey will grow into a happy, well-adjusted adult bird, there are certainly ways to minimize potential problems. Perhaps we need to further study and duplicate the natural parrot socialization as much as we can in a domestic breeding situation, rather then attempt to ‘shape’ our young Greys into ‘little humans’. Everyone knows of wild-caught Greys who are ideal companions. My own Jing is a perfect example. If wild birds can make the adjustment so successfully into a very different environment there is something to be said for associative learning from other Greys --- because that’s exactly what wild Greys receive as thy are growing up.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Should I Add Another Bird To My Flock?
photo of Koko & Ed
Recently I was left a comment under and article I have posted here by good freind and African Grey expert, Maggie Wright; asking about whether this man should help a 10 year old female, African Grey by taking her home to live with him, his wife and a 1 year old African Grey.
Evidently, the owner of the 10 year old Grey now has children that "take all her time" so she is not able to spend any time with parrot anymore. The Grey is now plucking and the owner looking to place her in a new home.
The Gentleman that is interested in this 10 year old Grey tells me that his wife is already complaining that their own Grey takes all of his time and asks if he would just be asking for trouble to bring this other Grey into his home.
Here was my reply to him:
If you do as Maggie suggests in this article, then there should be no problems. My two Greys have their own cages and are across the room from each other. They are let out of their cages on to the play tree or to be out with either my husband or I at separate times until we get another Tree built. Fortunately, my husband spends his time with Koko and I spend my time with Nick so they both get to be alone with the person they love the most and they don't have to share us with each other very often at all.
If your wife resents your current Grey then it may not be a great idea to bring in this poor girl that is going to be stressed enough going into a new home after living with this family for 10 years already.
IF your wife wants to help out and is willing to spend some quality time with either your baby Grey or the new Grey then I say "sure", go for it. Everyone in the household should be in agreement and commited to love and care for this other Grey in need.
Greys (or parrots of any kind) demand and deserve as much time out of the cage and with YOU then many people feel they have time for.
It may better to help this lady re-home her bird by having her locate and contact a bird sancturay or rescue organization near by. If she needs help, please have her contact me and I can put her in touch with a network to help find this Grey a perfect home.
There are many parrots out there at the moment with a need for a knowledgable and loving home due to thier current owners losing jobs and or homes. The sanctuaries are over-flowing. However, they need to be alerted to these birds in need and may be able to find them a wonderful forever home if they know the bird exists out there and is in need.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Tips For Keeping Your Bird Safe During The Holidays
10 Tips to Keep Your Bird Safe during the Holidays
With the Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's holidays upon us we are all busy planning our family gatherings, gift giving and decorations. The season brings with it unique hazards that we all need to be mindful of so that we can assure that our feathered family members are protected:
Pine and fir Christmas trees with soft needles are the safest. Avoid sharp needle trees and artificial tees with metallic needles. Also be aware that many trees are treated with pesticides as well as chemically treated so that they will last longer.
Colorful ornaments and dreidels can attract the attention of our curious and playful companions. Birds should be kept away from metallic ornaments that can break into sharp pieces resulting in cuts and wood ornaments that often contain lead paint.
Tinsel and angel hair can present entanglement and GI blockage hazards for birds.
Decorative electrical lights and cords are used in abundance during the season. Make sure the cords are well hidden and keep your bird away from them. Chewing the cords can result in burns and electrocution.
Holiday plants such as Poinsettia, Mistletoe berries, Holly berries and Christmas Cactus are all known to be either toxic or at a minimum severe irritants to birds.
The yule logs that provide us with colorful flames contain heavy metal salts that are toxic if ingested.
Candles, potpourri and incense can contain volatile oils that are toxic to birds. Flight into a burning candle can result in injury and or a tragic fire. Keep flighted birds caged when open flames are present and purchase bird safe, unscented candles or difuse only 100% theraputic grade essintial oils from Young Living.
OR, boil simple herbs such as mint, cloves, organic orange peel or cinnamon to scent your house.
Avoid using metallic gift wraps and bows as they may contain toxic metals.
If you give your bird wrapped presents use non-glossy, non-> metallic paper, cellophane or tissue.
We humans tend to overindulge in food during the holidays. Avoid the temptation to share fatty, sugary and salty treats with your bird.
Be aware that large numbers of guests and parties can be a source of significant stress for your birds. If having a party make sure your birds have a place to escape from the noise, smoke, late night activities and the people who may not understand and respect their needs.
With all of the things we have to keep our parrots away from this season why not allow them to participate in the festivity of the season by decorating their cages with safe holidays toys?
The Avain Enrichment Staff at Avain Enrichment.Com have some wonderfully fun and safe holiday toys for parrots and right now through December 31st they are having a Grand Opening Special Offer!
Just enter the following coupon code at checkout to receive a 15%
discount on your order: AEGrand
This coupon IS transferable so be sure to share this post with fellow bird owners who may benefit from this valuable opening offer as well as the great indepth bird information available at www.avianenrichment.com
Offer Expires: December 31, 2008
Candy Cane Pinata
Pinata contains dehydrated banana chips, papaya nuggets, pineapple tidbits and sweet raisins. Yum!
(7" x 5")
XMAS Duck Surprise
Your bird will love pulling and preening the holiday crinkle shred before chewing their way into this cute little XMAS gift.
6" x 13")
XMAS Wreath Vine Swing
A great little swing to decorate your small bird's cage for the > holidays!
(6" x 10")
Check out our full selection of their festive, decorative and bird-safe holidays toys.
AuNatural Bird Notes Wishes You and Your Feathered Family a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Important Warning
Hi All,
This is a very important email/message I got recently, originally from Sue Bendheim, adoption coordinator at Lily Sanctuary Please be careful with your birds and chemicals, air freshners, scented candles, purfume, etc. You may also want to read our post on air freshners and their dangers to our parrots. http://aunaturalbirdnotes.blogspot.com/2008/07/air-fresheners-nothing-to-be-sniffed-at.html
I just got off the phone with my friend Donna at Birdstuff, and she wanted me to help alert all parrot people I know of yet another preventable pet parrot loss one of her favorite clients just experienced. Her friend had put out her beautiful, fragrant holiday candles on display to enjoy for the first time last night and hours later her son's baby cockatiel died. Then this morning her 7 month old caique passed away at the vet.
The candles were Glade brand, and another mass produced, 3 wicked one with wire in the wicks. The wire is made of lead. On examination, the vet said they died as a direct result of the candle fumes. Everything about them was healthy and normal, but the errosive damage the pleasant candle fumes do to the birds lung tissue caused them to literally drown in their own fluids. It's a horrible, completely preventable way to die and Donna wants us all to be advocates for our helpless birdies. We need to protect them so please spread this around to all parrot people you know, OK?
Just another reminder this and anytime of year to put all non-stick cookware, fabric protectors, new carpet, air fresheners, plug ins, potpourri, cooking bags, spray disinfectants, self cleaning ovens, coffee makers, curling irons....on the list of hazards for our parrots along with these fragrant, and lead wicked, and non fragrant candles. Who knows where they were made and what exactly is in them! One of my favorite links on some hazards to our birds is at www.parrotparrot.com/birdhealth/alerts.htm
Please share with me any other links you use and have a safe holiday.
Sincerely,
Sue Bendheim
Lily Sanctuary Adoption Coordinator
www.lilysanctuary.org
This is a very important email/message I got recently, originally from Sue Bendheim, adoption coordinator at Lily Sanctuary Please be careful with your birds and chemicals, air freshners, scented candles, purfume, etc. You may also want to read our post on air freshners and their dangers to our parrots. http://aunaturalbirdnotes.blogspot.com/2008/07/air-fresheners-nothing-to-be-sniffed-at.html
I just got off the phone with my friend Donna at Birdstuff, and she wanted me to help alert all parrot people I know of yet another preventable pet parrot loss one of her favorite clients just experienced. Her friend had put out her beautiful, fragrant holiday candles on display to enjoy for the first time last night and hours later her son's baby cockatiel died. Then this morning her 7 month old caique passed away at the vet.
The candles were Glade brand, and another mass produced, 3 wicked one with wire in the wicks. The wire is made of lead. On examination, the vet said they died as a direct result of the candle fumes. Everything about them was healthy and normal, but the errosive damage the pleasant candle fumes do to the birds lung tissue caused them to literally drown in their own fluids. It's a horrible, completely preventable way to die and Donna wants us all to be advocates for our helpless birdies. We need to protect them so please spread this around to all parrot people you know, OK?
Just another reminder this and anytime of year to put all non-stick cookware, fabric protectors, new carpet, air fresheners, plug ins, potpourri, cooking bags, spray disinfectants, self cleaning ovens, coffee makers, curling irons....on the list of hazards for our parrots along with these fragrant, and lead wicked, and non fragrant candles. Who knows where they were made and what exactly is in them! One of my favorite links on some hazards to our birds is at www.parrotparrot.com/birdhealth/alerts.htm
Please share with me any other links you use and have a safe holiday.
Sincerely,
Sue Bendheim
Lily Sanctuary Adoption Coordinator
www.lilysanctuary.org
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