My first parrot was a loving pet and a great companion.
I still hold fond memories of her, but there were many occasions when she would scream whenever I left the room.
It was challenging behavior at the time, and it took time to adjust and support her.
Having had a parrot that displays this behavior, I thought it may help others to discuss the question; Why does my parrot scream when I leave the room?
Parrots are social creatures and use their voice to communicate. If a wild parrot is away from its flock, it will scream to find its way back to them. Your parrot is communicating with you that they want you to return to them.
A screaming parrot can be challenging to deal with; however, it is interesting to analyze why this behavior is happening, and in doing so, you can help your parrot and make them feel more at ease.
This article will discuss why my parrot screams when I leave the room, how to make them feel comfortable when you leave, and much more.
Let’s look into all the answers and help our parrots with screaming behavior.
What is the reason for my parrot screaming when I leave the room?
Parrots are very vocal by nature.
This can leave us confused as parrot owners because we can’t speak ‘parrot.’
Therefore, leaving us to wonder why our parrots are screaming.
It can result in a trial and error method until we work out what our parrot is trying to tell us.
Here are a few reasons why your parrot may be screaming when left.
Contact calling
Contact calling is when a wild bird calls for its flock, and the parrots in the flock will return the screaming in response to guide them back.
This is an instinctual response for our parrots.
When their owner leaves the room for any reason, your parrot is asking you to return to them.
Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is common for parrots as they are naturally comfortable in a group, whether it is their parrot or human friends.
They have learned to scream for us to return, and if we don’t return quickly enough, they will scream louder.
Boredom or lack of exercise
Boredom or lack of exercise can be a cause for screaming.
If left alone for extended periods, they may scream due to nothing to do.
The lack of exercise can contribute to boredom as well as having excess energy can encourage screaming.
Illness or injury
Illness or injury can also contribute to screaming.
If feeling unwell or in pain, your parrot may be trying to tell you.
If you think either of these things could be a contributing factor, it would be advised to contact your vet to establish what could be upsetting your parrot.
Feeling frightened
Feeling frightened will also cause your parrot to scream.
It could even be they have seen a predator on a TV screen causing them alarm.
Celebrating
Celebrating is also a common reason why parrots scream.
A parrot may scream if you return into the room and is happy to see you.
How can I help my parrot to stop screaming when I leave the room?
Here are some techniques that can help your parrot and ease them screaming.
Returning Command
Start using a returning command that can ease your parrot’s anxiety, such as ‘I’m right here’ or ‘I’ll be right back.’
It can take time for your parrot to learn this command, but if done repetitively, they will learn to know you intend to return to them shortly.
Training
Many parrot owners will do separation anxiety training with their parrots.
This involves stepping out of sight of your parrot to say your returning command and then back into view as soon as you have said it.
Slowly extending the time you are out of sight, the parrot learns to feel comfortable not seeing you.
You can lay out perches through your home so they can follow you; knowing the layout of your space can ease their thoughts of feeling alone if they recognize you are near.
Stimulation
Creating a stimulating environment for your parrot can help draw their attention to something else while they are alone.
Providing toys and leaving the radio on for them can help.
Once the parrot has got accustomed to entertaining themselves, they won’t be so reliant on you to feel secure.
Exercise
Giving your parrot the chance to exercise is also beneficial to any screaming behavior.
Using up energy resources can release any nervous energy they may feel, much like humans going out for a walk to make us feel better.
Should I ignore my parrots screaming when I leave the room?
Ignoring is an extreme way of dealing with parrots screaming, but here are some other ways to deal with it in a beneficial way.
It’s Normal For Parrots To Scream
Realizing it is normal for parrots to scream and cannot be totally eliminated.
It is a healthy behavior showing their ability to communicate.
You only want to eradicate anti-social screaming.
Don’t reward excessive screaming
Shouting back or creating attention to it will only make it worse.
Ignore the screaming in this instance but reward the good behavior when your parrot stops screaming for 5 seconds and slowly extend the reward time to 10 seconds.
Everyone in your household must follow the same training for the parrot to understand.
Teach your parrot how to whisper
This is an excellent activity for your parrot.
They are highly intelligent, and using a new skill will keep them occupied and engaged with your training.
Over time you can teach them to whisper or whistle. Instead, you are creating a pleasant chat instead of constant screaming.
Reward the good behavior
Encourage your parrot with a treat, toy, or attention when displaying good behavior.
Don’t reward the parrot when they are behaving negatively.
Your parrot will soon learn they get things they like when they don’t scream.
Is there a pattern to their screaming behavior?
It may be something you haven’t realized before.
For example, it could be something like the next-door’s cat sat on the fence every morning may cause your parrot distress as they think they are at risk of a predator while you’re making breakfast in your kitchen.
What things should I not do when my parrot is screaming?
Parrots love drama, so avoid shouting or screaming back. It will only make it worse.
The best course of action is to reward good behavior.
Many people think covering a parrot’s cage with a blanket will stop them from screaming.
A parrot naturally will stop screaming when it’s dark due to their instinct to avoid attracting predators during the night; however, this is a quick fix and not treating the route cause.
Covering your parrot’s cage or placing them in a dark room can be considered cruel due to punishing them for natural behavior.
A Parrot’s mental health will suffer from this kind of treatment and can even cause their physical health to deteriorate.
Much like children, parrots need to be taught what behavior we expect in a kind and humane way.
There you have some answers to why your parrots may scream and how to help and support them.
The aim is to give your parrot confidence in their surroundings and to feel at ease.
Our parrots need to trust us to care for them and have the confidence we will return to them.
This is what will ease any screaming. Remember, screaming is a natural form of communication for a parrot, so it’s only the excessive screaming we need to worry about.
If you have any concerns about your parrot’s health and well-being, always seek veterinary advice.