Sometimes cockatoos can become aggressive, biting or lunging at people in your family.Aggressive cockatoos are not trying to be mean or malicious, but may be a result of fear, stress, or improper socializing.Understanding what causes aggressive behavior can help you deal with it.You can help stop the aggressive behavior with brief time-outs, controlling your responses, and making sure you socialize your bird.Changes to your bird's environment may be needed if the behavior is caused by stress.cockatoos that are aggressive should be trained to be less aggressive.
Step 1: Prepare for aggressive behavior.
The first thing to do to curb aggressive behavior is to know when and why it happens.Walk too close to the bird's cage is an event thattriggers the behavior.You can use this to help the cockatoo become less aggressive.If your bird attacks you when you wear red, it could be a sign that you are aggressive.Keep a record of your bird's aggressive behavior.Think about what happened before the bird became aggressive.Take note of any changes in the bird's surroundings, including the entrance or exit of family members.
Step 2: After an aggressive episode, place the bird in a brief time-out.
It is possible to stop aggressive behavior by taking away your bird's privileges.Place the bird back in its cage for 5 minutes if it is aggressive while out of it's cage.The bird can be taught that aggressive behavior has consequences.Don't isolated your bird for long periods of time.
Step 3: Don't respond with flinching, yelling, or other dramatic gestures.
Dramatic gestures should not be used to acknowledge your bird's aggressive behavior.Negative bird behavior can be reinforced by yelling or flinching.Act as calm as possible during aggressive episodes.
Step 4: It's a good idea to socialize your bird regularly.
Regular interaction with other members of your family is important for cockatoos.Some breeds of cockatoos can be aggressive.To avoid this, make sure you spend at least an hour a day with your bird and allow it to leave its cage.If you want to spend quality time with your bird, you can allow it to sit on your arm or shoulder while you read or watch tv.During social time, try playing with a toy.This can help the bird bond with its family.
Step 5: You should make an appointment with your doctor.
An underlying medical condition can cause aggressive behavior in birds.Make an appointment with the vet if your bird continues to be aggressive.They can determine if an underlying condition is to blame for your bird's aggressiveness.
Step 6: Try to move the cage.
When the cage is in a high traffic area, the cockatoos will lunge at humans.Curbing your bird's aggressiveness may be as simple as moving its cage.If you keep the cage in the room where your family gathers, make sure it is tucked into a corner.Your bird will be able to socialize with the family without fear.
Step 7: It can chew on toys.
One of the hallmarks of cockatoo aggression is biting or the destruction of household items by using the bird's beak.If you give your bird toys that it can chew on, it will be less aggressive.A wooden puzzle toy with a treat inside will allow your bird to exercise its beak for long periods of time.
Step 8: If you see hormonal behaviors, minimize your cockatoo's exposure to sunlight.
There is a lot of cockatoo aggression.Your bird's sex hormone levels may be elevated if it acts aggressive, engages in sexual behaviors such as tail lifting or rubbing its vent, or frequently regurgitates food.Make sure your parrot gets at least 12 hours of darkness each night.If you don't have a room that is completely dark, put a bird-safe cover over your cage at night.Talk to your vet if your bird doesn't respond to light exposure.Changing your bird's diet is one option they may be able to recommend.
Step 9: Don't be impatient.
Time is needed to adjust to new surroundings.Give your bird time to adjust to a new environment if it is acting aggressively after a change.As the cockatoo adjusts to its new surroundings, it is likely to resolve its aggressive behavior.
Step 10: Good behavior can be rewarded with treats.
Any bird can be trained with positive reinforcement.Your bird will be more likely to be on its best behavior if you give it treats.If your bird approaches you in a friendly manner, responds to a command, or performs a trick, reward it with a small piece of fruit or other favorite treat.If you can't get close enough to give your bird the treat, put it on the floor of its cage or on top of a shish kebab skewer.
Step 11: If you can't get close to your pet, try clicker training.
Your bird will associate a clicking sound with a reward.Put some treats in your bird's cage and click the clicker when he eats them.Your bird will connect the dots between getting a treat and hearing a click.The clicker can be used to encourage good behaviors.Set out a treat for your bird after you reward him with a click.
Step 12: If you want to move the bird safely, you should stick-train it.
The basic step-up training in which you ask your cockatoo to step onto your arm or finger is a variant of stick-training.By using a stick instead of a finger, you can reduce the risk of injury to yourself.Push the T-shaped perch against the bird's belly, and say a simple command, such as "step up" or "up." If your bird is not too agitated, it will probably step onto the perch.Praise and a small treat if your bird steps up.If your bird fails to step up, don't yell or punish it.This will increase your bird's fear and frustration.If your bird becomes agitated, return it to its cage and try again.
Step 13: It's a good idea to distract your bird from being agitated.
If you have trained your bird to do tricks, such as waving with a foot, spreading its wings on command, or dancing, you can use these to divert it from an unwanted behavior.If the cockatoo does something you don't like, gently ask it to do a trick, and then reward it with praise and a treat.