screeching parrot

Question
Hi
I have had my Amazon parrot for approximately 3 months.  He is no problem when i am in the room howeve if I leave he sreeches endlessly.  I have tried to just come in and cover him, also tried totally ignoring him but to no avail.  His cage is normally open at this time.  What is the best way to get round this. Please help if you can

Answer
Hi,

Since you have only had your parrot for three months, it is important to remember that "un-training" your parrot to not scream for your attention will take a long time. One reason why your training methods may have not worked is because you haven't stuck with them long enough. (You have tried at least two very different training methods in a period of only 3 months). It will take time (weeks or months) for your bird to learn what is expected of him, especially if he has been rewarded in the past for screeching behavior (either by you or a previous owner).

Although it is not recommended to cover a bird when they are screaming- it sounds like he is screaming for attention, so ignoring him will help. However, here is some more information on training birds (some do's and don'ts) I hope this all helps:

http://companionparrot.com/screaming.htm (excellent resource!)

http://www.pionusparrot.com/Screaming.htm (written with Pionus in mind, which are normally quieter birds. Even though Amazons are known for being vocal birds -they are loud by nature-, the tips in this article are very helpful)

http://www.africangreys.com/articles/behavior/screaming.htm

http://www.africangreys.com/articles/behavior/insecurity.htm

http://www.parrothouse.com/sf3.html

Again- I hope this all helps.

-Maggie