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Excessive Screaming in Parrotlets: Causes and How to Stop It
If you have a pet parrotlet or are considering getting one, be prepared for noise. Parrotlets communicate by chirping, squawking, and occasionally screaming. When measured, a single parrotlet’s decibel level can reach 95, or the equivalent to a motorcycle engine running. If you want a pet that doesn’t make noise, a parrotlet (or any other parrot for that matter) might not be for you. While it’s natural for parrotlets to make noise, excessive screaming can be loud, startling, and disruptive. Here are some steps to help you understand, address, and stop excessive screaming in parrotlets.
Boredom
One common trigger for parrotlet screaming is boredom. As you probably already know, parrotlets are intelligent birds that require mental stimulation and physical activity to stay content. When they lack enrichment in their surroundings, they may resort to screaming as a way to alleviate their boredom.
Providing plenty of toys, foraging puzzles, and opportunities for exploration can help keep their minds engaged and reduce the likelihood of excessive screaming in parrotlets. Rotate toys every few weeks to keep things new in your parrotlets cage.
Fear
Fear can also be a significant factor behind parrotlet screams. Parrotlets are sensitive to their environment, and sudden noises, unfamiliar people, or objects can trigger fear responses. When frightened, they may vocalize loudly as a way to alert their flock members (you!) or to establish a sense of security.
Identifying and removing potential sources of fear, as well as creating a calm and predictable environment, can help reduce excessive screaming episodes stemming from anxiety or fear.
Loneliness
Social interaction can reduce loneliness and excessive screaming in parrotlets. Parrotlets are social birds and require companionship. If you have a single parrotlet, consider spending more time with it (beyond the recommended 1-2 hours of daily interaction) or getting another parrotlet as a companion.
A word of caution if you’re thinking about getting a companion bird to combat loneliness.
- Parrotlets bond with whoever is closest to them (human or bird). If you have a strong personal bond with your parrotlet and get another parrotlet to help reduce screaming, it could end up creating a new and stronger bond with the new pet. (This is assuming you keep them in the same cage.) You must be willing to let go of your bond.
- If you get another parrotlet, they will need to be kept in separate cages as new birds coming into your home need to be quarantined for 4-6 weeks. It’s possible that you could end up with two screaming parrotlets instead of just one during quarantine.
Cage Placement
Cage placement can play a role in excessive screaming in parrotlets. Place your parrotlet’s cage in an area where they can see and interact with family members. One side of the cage should be up against a wall to help your parrotlet feel safe and secure.
Avoid placing the cage near windows. Parrotlets can become easily frightened when they see wild birds, squirrels, or other animals that might frequently pass by the window. Windows can also be drafty which can cause health issues in your parrotlet.
Another thing to avoid is putting your parrotlet in a back bedroom or other room that doesn’t get much human traffic. This can cause excessive screaming in parrotlets simply because they are calling out to you for attention.
Health Issues
Sometimes excessive screaming can be a sign of underlying health issues. Ensure that your parrotlet is healthy by scheduling regular check-ups with an avian veterinarian. Don’t be afraid to call your vet if excessive screaming is new or has come on suddenly.
Lack of Routine
Parrotlets thrive on routine. Establishing a consistent daily, weekly, and monthly schedule for feeding, playtime, social interaction, and general care can reduce excessive screaming in parrotlets. Predictability helps reduce stress and anxiety.
A lack of routine or erratic schedules can contribute to behavioral issues in birds. For example, if your bird doesn’t have a consistent bedtime, they may become sleep-deprived and irritable. (Parrotlets need approximately 12 hours of sleep per night.) Erratic feeding times can lead to anxiety about food availability. Discipline yourself with a schedule for caring for your parrotlet to help reduce screaming.
Observation and Patience: Keys to Understanding Excessive Screaming in Parrotlets
To identify the underlying cause of your parrotlet’s screaming, practice careful observation and patience. Pay attention to what triggers their vocalizations. Consider factors such as:
- The timing and frequency of the screams.
- Their body language and behavior before and after screaming.
- Environmental changes or stressors in their surroundings.
- Your parrotlet’s daily routine, including feeding, playtime, and social interaction.
By patiently observing and taking notes or keeping a journal, you can start to discern patterns and potential triggers for the screaming. Once you have a clearer understanding of the cause, you can implement the above strategies to address it effectively. Remember that addressing your parrotlet’s needs and behavior is a gradual process, and patience and consistency are key to a successful outcome.
Summary of Excessive Screaming in Parrotlets
Parrotlets are known for being relatively vocal creatures compared to their size, and expecting them not to make noise is unrealistic. However, by addressing the underlying causes and providing appropriate care and stimulation, you can reduce excessive screaming in parrotlets and create a more harmonious living environment for both you and your pet.
Does your parrotlet scream? What do you do to combat the loud calling? Let us know in the comments below.