Squawking *#*%&

[ThaJuicyJuice]

I wanted to start off and say thank you for helping me with the biting issue. Since then she has stopped biting as often and enjoys attention; however, now I have a new issue. I am afraid it might sound trite, but my new African Grey is driving my wife crazy. For those of you who are married know that this means it also drives me crazy. The beautiful grey started off with cute little sounds and mimicking, which has turned into a lot of squawking. I thought it was an attention thing, but even when she is perched on my hand she just sits there squawking. The only thing that quiets her down are seeds, and I don't want to reinforce bad behavior. I have been trying the covering the cage technique, but hate to, because it's a new member of the family. Please help!!!!

[judygram]

Please do not cover the cage during the daytime hours as that will not accomplish anything. I think you have hit the nail on the head when you say it is driving your wife crazy, what does she do and how does she react to the squawking? That may be the clue that whatever that reaction is what is reinforcing her behavior. The squawking needs to be ignored, I know that isn''t easy but its the only way your grey will get the message that it accomplishes nothing, stop giving the seeds as she sees that as a reward.

How much time does your grey spend outside of the cage each day? Does she do this squawking at certain times of the day or what else is going on when she does this? Are you two usually in the room when this happens or out of her sight? Please give us a little more information so we can be of more help to you with your problem.

BTW, what is your grey's name?

[GoDiego]

Hi, does the screaming happen at certain times of the day? It may be worth making a mental note of what time the screaming is worst and almost beating her to it by giving them a distraction before this time and before the screaming gets intense. Also when she is screaming, how do both yourself and wife react? Are you shouting back to her or even telling her to be quiet? If you are getting stressed with the noise and responding to it, all she sees is your heart rate going up, maybe your face getting flushed and hearing noises from yourself, then in her eyes you are joining in with the fun. A parrot likes to compete in screaming, so any shouting or responses from you will be greeted with more screaming. Although Diego does not scream very much, when he does get over excited, I walk away from him then go into another room where I knock on the door gently. When I do this, he forgets about screaming and becomes more interested in who may be coming to visit.

 

You do need to stop giving her the seeds as this will only make her quiet whilst she is eating. Also this will look to her like you are rewarding her for the screaming.

[Luvparrots]

When I first re-homed my older ekkie he would squawk a lot. Whenever he started squawking I would sing to him from wherever I was and it would calm him down (either that or him thought I sounded so terrible he stopped squawking just to shut me up ). So talk to your grey and see if you can re-direct his interests.

[Spinner]

This works well with Greys; When there is an unwanted behaviour such as squawking, simply say in a soft voice "that's disgusting" and turn around or walk away. You must couple both the words and the body action. And, as Judy pointed out, it's important for both you and your wife to be consistent with this response.

 

Coupled with consistent positive reinforcing responses from both of you, the "it's disgusting" non-positive reinforcement works very well.

 

Now, that said, I'd also be looking for what started the squawking behaviour in the first place. We had a squeaky drawer in the kitchen that started it with one of our birds. Picture this - the squeak happens around the time we prep food for the birds. Drawer opens, squeaks, utensils out, squeak, mix food into bowls, feed birds. And we all know how much food can be a reinforcer :eek: Fixing the squeak and then the behaviour gave us a permanent fix.

[Elvenking]

Whatever you do, do not yell at the bird or you will reinforce the behavior. I know you didn't mention that this is happening, but it is the natural reaction and it will only dig a deeper hole. So firstly, make sure that there is no 'punishment' that is associated with this behavior or it will go on. That said, and as others have mentioned, staying calm and for the most part ignoring the behavior will have the greatest effect. They will move on to other noises to get your attention. Let the soft cute ones turn your head and give them attention. And do nothing to the unwanted ones. It can take a little time, but be sure...they will move on to other noises that grab your attention.