Photo by Nathan Slabaugh Location: San Angelo, Texas Pictured: Camelot Macaw "Comet"

Just like kids grow up and become teenagers and expect more freedom, I'm finding that parrots tend to feel the same. In fact, I think everyone enjoys their freedom to do what they want day to day. I know I love listening to music with some headphones and just walking around. Here in San Angelo there's tons of unused barns (for now, until the events begin!) and they're just sitting there empty. I've enjoying spending my mornings runway walking through them, or dancing alongside the shade their roofs give on my own and just enjoying my "me" time.

As much as our parrots are oh so cute and cuddly, as their human companions we need to learn to give them their freedom alongside the cuddles and kisses.

The more freedom I give to my birds, the more they crave my attention I've found. And when I am either unwilling or unable to give them that freedom, the stronger they fight for it.

Photo by Nathan Slabaugh Location: San Angelo, Texas Shown: Camelot Macaw "Comet"

As people we can get super emotional, especially when it comes to our pets and whether or not they like us at the moment. It can hurt our feelings to get bit, or feel like our animals don't want to be around us when we may really want to be around them. You've got to set emotions of your own aside when thinking what's best for your parrot.

And a little space all around is necessary and quite effective.  I've even found this to be true when doing photoshoots with my birds, which I do often for various products. If I'm all over them trying to cuddle and look cute for a picture, they know it and they will usually resist. But if I'm naturally "me" and wait for them to do those things with me when they want it, it looks much more real because it IS real, and it's their choice.

Even with people I've noticed if you say your invite more like a casual thing of, "Hey, I'll be at this place around this time if you feel like stopping by..." or "I've got this game I think would be a blast with you if you're up for it sometime this weekend..." people are a lot more responsive when they feel like they have the freedom to come and go as they please, show up or not show up, rather than be committed and nailed down to something in particular.

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.