Desensitizing New Things

Although Alfie (moluccan cockatoo) incredibly cute fluffed up, and the moment is ridiculous to us, it really shows that an animal can be cool with an object when it is one way, but will react differently if the object is another. Some birds are so sensitive that they will possibly aggress if things are changed in their environment, even just subtlety.

This is why I work really hard with all of the birds to desensitize them to all situations and constantly vary their environment and schedule so they’re not used to patterns. Patterns bring predictability, but it also leaves no room to integrate anything new. It can bring dramatic reactions to the smallest of changes. I want my birds to be well adapted to the situations they’re introduced to. I don’t want them to be stressed when entering a new environment or doing something new.

I always take the time to work with the birds through an object or situation where they react so they will no longer feel the need to be reactive. This is the first time I had to refill the foraging perches, so it’s understandable that he reacts. We worked though it and desensitized it, so now he shouldn’t react to it again.

Then desensitizing process can be really quick for birds that are used to change and new experiences. Some birds may take longer. Since Merlin (blue and gold macaw) is still new, he can take many weeks to desensitize new experiences to him so he’s comfortable. Alfie a been doing this for years, after 10 minutes He’s good with things!