Shaun

[Shaunhoole22]

Hi, i'm new to the forum. I have a 16 year old Senegal male parrot called Rocky, he is not a fully tame bird. Over the past year or so he has got very noisy, screaching and screaming which is driving me crazy, meaning i have to cover him to keep him quiet, which is not good for the bird, has anybody got any advice as to how to keep the noise to a minimum?

 

[Tsali]

Welcome! I don't have any experience with Senegals in fact the only experience with birds I have is with my African Grey, Tsali.

I have found that clicker training works wonders. I don't use a clicker, I simply make a clicking sound with my mouth. Generally speaking, Tsali is a talker not a screamer, but he has gone through a couple of noisy phases when he whistles loudly and unpleasantly.

He knows what "don't scream" means, but I use that sparingly. Most of the time I simply reward him with a click and a treat for being quiet and for talking using his words.

I am sure others with more experience with companion parrots will be able to help.

 

[wrench13]

Have you been spending less time with him? Covering him up to keep hime quite is not the answer ( even though it may work for you, think about what message it sends to your rocky. When he is quite on his own, thats the time to spend time with him, one on one, With lots of treats. Instead of covering him when he gets loud, a short time out, where he is put on a stand or chair back , for a few min, will let him know that screaming gets LESS attention. Dont use his cage as a time out, that should be his refuge not a isolation booth! Be consistent in your chosen method. Senigals can be the picture of stubborness ( i know someone who has one, and her B/F near;y ruined him, becasue as soon as he came home, he put the bird in the cage with the cover on. She wrked with the both o them, and the Sennie is much better all around now. Hang in there!