Socialization, Taming & Grooming

Introduction

How well the birds that come into your store tolerate people usually depends on how they were raised. Birds that are hand raised—or fed by people from birth or soon after—typically consider humans to be part of their flock and are quite tame.

Parrots, including cockatiels, lovebirds, conures, African parrots, Amazons, cockatoos and macaws are almost always hand raised. Smaller parrots, such as budgerigars, typically have been raised by their parents. Taming them requires patient and consistent work, preferably while they are young.

All parrots in your store, particularly hand raised birds, should be taken out of their cage at least once a day. Being held regularly by different employees and/or customers will help keep them tame and socialized to a number of people.

Most finches, including canaries and other softbills, are meant to be watched and/or listened to, not handled, and usually will not need to be tamed.

Birds generally will keep themselves clean and looking good with daily preening and do not need to be brushed or combed like a puppy or kitten. Birds that are allowed out of their cage need their wings trimmed every five to six months to prevent escape or injury. Finches need nails trimmed every two to three months; some parrots also require regular nail trims.

to view a series of pop-up windows describing the socialization and taming process, as well as how to groom birds.