I frequently get asked how to find and vet behavior consultant. This is mostly because I recommend that part of a behavior modification program involve the consultant coming into your home to help you see what he or she is talking about. Unfortunately, people call me from all over the United States. I often don’t know who is in their area. So if your are just starting to look for someone to help you with your behavior problems, consider the following.
Start by asking your avian veterinarian for suggestions. If you don’t have a local avian vet, try asking your regular vet to see if he or she has heard of anyone. Local bird breeders may also have some thoughts. Then look for these traits:
- Ability to say “I don’t know, but I can find out”
- Effective teaching and listening skills
- Ethical professional behavior and good standing in the professional community
- Experience with and love for parrots
- Experience, with and adherance to positive reinforcement as the primary training tool
- General and species-specific knowledge regarding health care, nutrition, husbandry, and behavior
- Overall committment to assist in creating environments in which parrots and parrot owners thrive
- Supportive references
- Understanding and empathy for the humans in the household, as well as the parrots
- Willingness to treat you as a partner in the process.
Another place to ask might be a local reputable parrot rescue. The rescue where I volunteer does behavior consultation because we’d much rather help parrots stay in their homes than be surrendered.
Also, if the “behavior consultant” quickly recommends getting a friend for your parrot, and just happens to breed that species, look for a second opinion.
I am not saying getting a friend is a bad idea in some cases, but I have heard of waaayyy too many breeders taking up “behavior consulting” as a way to sell more chicks. Hopefully it is only a local trend, but many of those friends end up in rescues and on craigslist here.
Mary — Talking to your local rescue is a great idea. I’ve done pro bono work for rescues in the past and they definitely want to help you find help!
Unfortunately, a lot of times, the people I’m referred to are simply looking for permission to give up their parrots. Many times, I give the advice, but the people don’t want to do the work. They give up their parrot anyway.
PLEASE get help before you get to a point where you’ve already given up!!
Meg,
I’ve never heard of breeders doing this, myself. Interesting. I’ll have to add a post about “does your parrot need a friend”.
Thanks for a good idea!
R
Rebecca, I’ve found your words about people wanting help but not wanting to do the work to be very true. Many times I’ve had people ask me about behavior issues, and when I explain how to train, or give them resources, they simply don’t want to do what it takes to modify an unwanted behavior. Or they just want a quick fix and be done with it. They won’t read the material, learn the training or do the work. Frustrating, but very real.
I am always more impressed by someone that is willing to say “I don’t know, but I’ll find out”
We always have something to learn, no one knows everything.
HI, I was just dropping in to let you know that there is an Avian Behavior Consultant here in Alabama. My services reach to surrounding states as well. I send thode in home training for parrots and thier owners. I also give education classes. So If you have any one looking for help, feel free to send them my way. 205-228-9568