As guardians of our pet parrots, it is very important for us to help our parrots learn how to socialize with humans for two important reasons. First, because it will help them become well-adjusted, happy and friendly pets and second, because the possibility that our parrots will outlive us is quite high.
Parrots live for decades. As sad as it may sound, it is highly probable that our pet will stay alive long after were gone. Knowing this, it becomes our duty to make sure they do not go through the pain of losing their owners and living in a home that is unfamiliar to them. This would be a tremendous tragedy for our pet parrot who could then end up feeling depressed, anxious, angry and exhibiting destructive behavior. The way to avoid this is to train them in socialization at a very young age.
For the sake of our pets, we have to be able to immerse them early in life in the company of other members of our family or friends who may be willing to take care of them when we can no longer do so. If for instance our family is made up of six people, then our pet parrot must know and be quite relaxed with all six household members. One may be his play buddy, one may be his dining companion, and another may be the one who lets him out of his cage every morning to exercise.
Another reason socialization with humans is important is it gives your pet parrot a degree of confidence when he is among humans and other birds. Some experts insist that certain species of parrots are one-person birds. This is quite difficult to believe when you consider that parrots are flock birds and, in the wild, are used to being among hundreds of other parrots.
More likely, the so-called one-person bird has only become such because it has not been properly socialized and is fearful of things that are not familiar to it which may include new toys and food that it doesnt normally eat. A parrot that has not been properly socialized is an insecure and maladjusted parrot that may have suffered neglect or some form of abuse in its young life. It is therefore an unhappy bird.
We must strive to always keep out pet parrots healthy, happy and confident. Anyone who takes care of parrots knows how gratifying it feels when your pet bird is so bonded with you that it spends hours expressing its love for you — singing, hopping, playing and sometimes just nestling in the palm of your hands in total surrender and trust.
Ideally, the best age to start socialization of your new pet parrot is when it is eight to ten weeks of age. By this time, it has already weaned and is ready to establish relationships with humans and other birds. Contrary to common belief, it is not necessary to hand feed a baby parrot in order for it to be bonded with you. Giving it proper care and attention and spending quality time with it as it grows bigger will forge a bond between you and your pet regardless of whether you hand fed it or not when it was little.
Parrots are very intelligent birds and as such are also very sensitive animals. They will respond to your affection and nurturing by giving you the same loving attention pet parrots have always been known for.