Fallout from Force There can be serious repercussions with
lasting effects from using aversives to gain cooperation. One of
the most common results is a parrot that learns to bite in
response to the presence of a hand. The important word in that
sentence is “learns”. Parrots are not hatched with an inherent
aggressive response to hands. This behavior is learned through
repeated exposure to unpleasant interactions involving hands.
Often as a last resort, a parrot bites in an effort to deter the
persistent pushy hand. Should the bite produce the desired
results; the bird can learn in that one encounter that biting
works! And it will be likely to use it next time a hand invades
its space. This is not to say one should ignore a bite to
dissuade the aggressive behavior. A more trust building approach
is to heed the parrot’s body language prior to biting. Typically
a parrot will present other body language that indicates
discomfort well before a bite is landed. By carefully observing
body language and making adjust