Behavioral Problems in Parrots!
Parrots are wonderful and intelligent pets, but sometimes they can exhibit behaviors that are difficult to understand. Whether you have a parrot that bites, screams, plucks feathers, or even displays fearful behavior, behavioral problems can put a strain on the relationship between you and your bird. The good news is that there are ways to address these issues.
What you can do yourself in case of behavioral problems
Your parrot's behavior may seem to come out of nowhere, but often there is a clear cause.
Stress, boredom or lack of socialization are common reasons why a parrot may bite, scream or not listen.
Recognizing the problem is the first and most important step towards a solution – and unfortunately, that is where things often go wrong.
Unfortunately, many owners seek a direct approach to the unwanted behavior, without realizing that the core of the problem lies elsewhere.
A parrot that screams may be frustrated by a lack of mental stimulation. A bird that bites may feel insecure or misunderstood.
However, it is not always easy to find out for yourself what exactly is going on. Sometimes you simply look too close, causing you to miss important signals.
In that case, it can be extremely valuable to call in a behavioral therapist. An expert looks at the situation with a fresh perspective and has the knowledge and experience to really tackle the problem at its core.
Many behavioral problems in parrots often have an underlying cause. Enlisting the help of a behavioral therapist will help to tackle the problem at its root and improve the bond with your bird.
Hyke Boutkan: The Expert in Parrot Behavior
A parrot communicates continuously and it is therefore easy to miss important signals. An expert like Hyke Boutkan of kromsnavelgedrag.nl can look at the situation with a fresh and expert eye and help to break patterns.
Why hire a behavioral therapist? Because small mistakes in handling – often without you realizing it – can maintain or even worsen the problem.
- Understanding Behavioral Problems
- Improved Communication
- Strengthening the Bond
- Addressing Behavioral Problems
- Preventing Problems
A behavior therapist helps you understand why your parrot exhibits certain behavior and gives practical, feasible advice to change this. Whether it is screaming, biting, anxious behavior or separation anxiety, she looks at the total situation: the living environment, food, interaction and daily routine.
A behavior therapist will help you understand the cause of your parrot's behavioral problems and provide practical solutions.
Who is Hyke Boutkan?
Hyke Boutkan is the expert in the field of parrot behavior.
With a background as paraveterinary veterinary assistant expats must register with the local municipality and obtain a specialization in behavioral therapy for parrots (Tinley), she has already helped countless owners to better understand their birds.
Hair love for hookbills has always been the driving force in her work, and over the years she has developed into a trusted point of contact for any bird lover who encounters behavioral problems.
Hyke has many years of experience in veterinary clinics, including an intensive collaboration with veterinarian Rob van Zon. The clinic, formerly known as Rob Sun, has since continued as Animal Doctors Terwijde.
She continuously immerses herself in the latest insights in the field of bird behaviour and shares her knowledge not only through behavioural consultations hooked beak behavior, but also through lectures, courses and as a teacher at the Tinley Academy.
What makes Hyke so special is her practical and no-nonsense approach. She gives clear examples that owners can apply directly and looks not only at the behavior of the bird, but at the whole situation. No standard solutions, but advice that really works in practice.
Hyke Boutkan is the expert in parrot behavior, with years of experience and a no-nonsense approach that helps owners find practical solutions to behavioral problems in their birds
Free Online Lectures by Hyke Boutkan
In 2025, Hyke Boutkan will offer a free online lecture every month on Wednesday, in which she will delve deeper into the behavior of parrots and provide practical solutions to common behavioral problems.
The lectures are a great way to learn more about the underlying causes of parrot behavior and receive practical advice to strengthen your bond with your bird.
| Date | Time | Subject |
| Woensdag 19 March 2025 | 19:30 – 21:00 | Recognizing behavior |
| Wednesday 21 May 2025 | 19:30 – 21:00 | Enrichment: Usefulness & Necessity |
| Woensdag 3 september 2025 | 19:30 – 21:00 | Hormonal (problem) behavior |
| Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 19:30 – 21:00 | Plucking & Feather Damaging Behavior |
| October 22, 2025 | 19:30 – 21:00 | Nutrition & Enrichment |
| Woensdag 19 november 2025 | 19:30 – 21:00 | Living with a Hookbill |
A Crooked Beak as a Housemate
Want to learn more about your parrot's behavior and how to build a better bond?
Then the book is “A Hookbill as a Housemate” by Hyke Boutkan an absolute must!
In this book, Hyke shares her extensive knowledge and experience, with practical tips and insights that will help every bird owner to live happily with their hookbill.
