Ask the Animal Communicator: Parrot Screams From Morning Until Night

Shannon Cutts
by Shannon Cutts
Published:  October 31st, 2022

It can feel so rewarding to rescue a shelter animal and give them a new forever home. But it can also be pretty frustrating at times, especially when your new pet is still settling in and it isn’t going so smoothly. For example, let’s say you rescue an abandoned parrot and you are so so happy! Until your new bird starts screaming all day while you are gone and the neighbors are complaining. Is there anything you can do to help your parrot settle in and quiet down? There sure is – you can ask the animal communicator for help!

Photo credit: Michelle D. Milliman/Shutterstock

Dear Shannon,

 

My new parrot, Sylvie, and I are a true love match. I rescued her when I went to the local SPCA to adopt a dog. Sylvie, a yellow-crowned Amazon parrot, had just arrived and the staff hadn’t quite figured out where to put her yet, so she was in her cage on the counter at the main intake desk. The moment she saw me, she came over to the corner of her cage closest to where I was standing and pressed her whole body against the bars. She started singing “you are my sunshine” and my heart just melted. But ever since she came home with me, she has gotten louder and louder. I own a townhome and share one wall with a neighbor, who is home most days and has started to complain. I work outside the home and I don’t know how to keep Sylvie calm and quiet while I’m gone during the day. The SPCA didn’t have much history on Sylvie and they couldn’t tell me how old she is or what her life was like before she came to me. So I’m basically at my wit’s end. Can you help?

 

Smitten and stressed parrot mama Dolores



Shannon’s reply:


Hi Dolores,


Situations like what you describe with Sylvie can be complicated. We want to look at her situation from all aspects such as health, species-specific traits, past history, current situation. So of course I want to encourage you to have Sylvie checked by an avian veterinarian just to rule out any underlying health issues. That aside, animal communication can definitely help with some of this, and we will explore what Sylvie had to share when I talked with her.


When I tune in with Sylvie, I do get the sense she is past the point of parrot adolescence – what some parronts (parrot parents) like to call the “terrible twos.” This is a time period when parrots are reaching sexual maturity. For larger birds in particular, it can be a time when they bond intensely to one human family member and reject all the other humans in the family. And it can be a time of acting out, screaming, throwing temper tantrums and all the other displays we often see in young humans going through the same process.


Because my sense from Sylvie is that she is older – perhaps around eight or 10 or even in her early teens – this would theoretically rule out pure hormonally-motivated vocalizing. In fact, when I ask Sylvie what the screaming is about, she broadcasts pure anxiety. She keeps showing me a woman walking away from her and the further away the woman gets, the more Sylvie’s stress level rises. By the time the woman disappears from Sylvie’s line of sight, she is screeching with panic.


Even from a purely species-specific standpoint, this doesn’t surprise me. As a longtime parrot lover and parrot carer myself, I am aware that nearly all parrot species are social animals both in a wild setting and in captivity. Yellow-crowned Amazon parrots are known to be especially social, congregating in small groups during daylight hours and regrouping in larger flocks to roost at night. Being alone at any time is super scary to this prey species, as the birds rely on each other to keep a sharp eye out for dangers like approaching predators.


When I ask Sylvie what her idea of a perfect day looks like, she shows me an unmistakable scene of you being there with her all day long. You are singing together, eating together, walking around the house together, driving in the car together, running errands together and doing everything together. So we know Sylvie is going to need some extra help to cope with your absence on work days.


To identify the things that are most likely to help her, I used applied kinesiology (also known as muscle testing). Sylvie tested positive for soothing music, natural sounds of birdsong (I recommend Pet Acoustics Avine for this), essential oils (you can work with a pet aromatherapist trained in zoopharmacognosy to learn how to allow Sylvie to self-select the ones that will help her the most) and parrot foraging and puzzle toys to help keep her mentally busy during the day.  


Sylvie also tells me she wants you to talk to her each morning and tell her exactly what to expect during the day. Tell her when you will leave and when you will be home. If that changes during the day, talk to her on the inside and tell her when you will actually return home. This will help her feel connected to you and reduce the chances of avian panic.


Before closing out my conversation with Sylvie, I did three rounds of emotional freedom technique, aka EFT tapping, to help her move some of her residual anxiety out of her body. The phrase I used with Sylvie while I tapped was “even though I feel utterly panicked when Mom (you) leaves and I am afraid she will never come back, I affirm that I am the pure and perfect parrot just the way I am.” I encourage you to download my free EFT for Pets four-part tapping series https://animallovelanguages.com/eft-for-pets/ to learn how you can use EFT for Sylvie at home. I also encourage you to use EFT to ease your own anxiety about leaving Sylvie, which is also covered in the four-part EFT for Pets series.


Dolores, I truly hope this information helps you to help Sylvie settle into her new forever home with you. Please do keep in touch and let me know how you both are doing.


From my heart,

Shannon

WOW
Shannon Cutts
Shannon Cutts

Shannon Cutts is an intuitive animal communicator and Reiki master practitioner with Animal Love Languages. Shannon works through the universal love language of all species to connect with her pet clients – deep listening. Deep listening activates empathy, allowing Shannon to literally feel what an animal is feeling, listen in to their thoughts, experience what they are experiencing and then relay all of that information to the pet parent. Visit Shannon at www.animallovelanguages.com

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The world of domestic cats is about to get a whole lot bigger if this cat has anything to say about it! Although wild cats are pretty big, I’m not talking about lions or tigers. Instead, I’m referring to a loved member of a California family.  Finn the cat was adopted by his loving owner, Natalie Bowman, in 2017 at just three and a half months old. Bowman knew he was going to be a little larger than most domestic cats being a Maine Coon, but she had no idea exactly what she was in for… Maine Coons are well known for their large, impressive size, standing approximately 10-16 inches tall when full-grown. Their long, busy coat and tufted feet are well-insulated and water-resistant, allowing them to survive even in harsh winter climates. After bringing the young kitten home, he started to grow quickly. It wasn’t long until Finn reached then surpassed the typical Maine Coon size. By the time he reached his full-grown adult size, he measured a shocking 51 inches long and weighed 22 pounds.

What is the Best Catio for My Cat?

Do you have a cat that loves being outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, but you worry about their safety and well-being? Does your cat refuse to walk to wear a harness or walk on a leash? The answer might be a catio! These kitty-focused enclosures are gaining a lot of attention lately, popping up in backyards, on the sides of travel trailers, and even as portable safe spaces for cat parents to take their furry friends anywhere. With so many designs, materials, and features available, choosing the best catio for your needs can feel overwhelming. In this guide, I will do a deep dive into the world of catios, exploring different types and the situations they are best suited for. I will also discuss different features and key considerations to help you while shopping for your cat. Get ready to create the perfect (and safe) outdoor space for your furry friend today! What is a Catio? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is a catio? The term is a mix of “cat” and “patio,” referring to enclosed outdoor spaces designed specifically for cats. These range from small playpen-style spaces to allow them to get a bit of fresh air to large patios with space for both the cat and their people. Are Catios Good for Cats? Yes! Catios are a great way to allow your cat to spend time outdoors without putting them at risk. While domesticated cats are safer indoors, spending time outdoors has benefits. Allowing your cat to watch the birds and explore new spaces is a great way to provide them with mental enrichment and stimulation. Many cats also simply enjoy sunbathing or watching the world around them. At the same time, the catio keeps them safely contained. Outdoor cats have considerably shorter lifespans due to their increased risk of diseases, predators, car accidents, outdoor toxins, and other unfortunate accidents. According to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, the average outdoor cat lives to be 2-5 years old, while the average indoor cat with only safe, supervised outdoor time lives to be 10-20 years old. Keeping your cat in a catio is also a great way to protect the local wildlife. Cats are natural predators with a strong hunting instinct. Stray cats and cats allowed to roam outdoors significantly impact the ecosystem by killing large numbers of birds, rodents, and other wildlife. What Are the Downsides of a Catio? Allowing your cat to be outdoors in a catio is a great compromise. However, as with any product for our pets, there are pros and cons to consider. Even though your cat is contained, it may create a false sense of security regarding some of the risks of being outdoors. The mesh or screening around a catio isn’t enough to keep parasites like fleas and ticks away. You will still need to consider the necessary flea preventatives and regular tick checks to keep these pets away. The other risk that isn’t completely mitigated by the confines of a catio is the dangers introduced by local strays. Cat fights and confrontations can still occur through the flexible mesh and screen sides. This means your cat is still at risk of unnecessary stress from these encounters and the potential spread of diseases. Careful supervision of your cat outdoors, even if they are safely contained in their catio, will allow you to keep these strays away. What is the Difference Between a Catio and a Fenced Yard?Even if you have a fenced yard, a catio can provide an additional level of safety and security for your cat. But why might you need this extra layer of protection? There are many stray and outdoor cats that easily climb over fences, viewing them as nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Even if your cat has never escaped the fence around your yard before, there is a first time for everything. It only takes a couple of seconds for your cat to climb a tree, scale a shed, or jump up to the top of your fence from a patio chair, and they are now running loose. As we already discussed, there are many significant dangers putting your cat at risk when running unsupervised outdoors. A fenced yard is not a reliable solution to this.

How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Harness?

Enjoying a leisurely walk or adventurous hike with your dog is an incredible way to spend quality time together and strengthen your bond. However, a dog that pulls and lacks leash manners can quickly turn this fun experience upside down.While collars have long been the standard for walking, many veterinarians and trainers are now sharing the benefits of using a harness. They are generally safer and more comfortable for dogs of all ages.However, not every dog will instantly take to wearing a harness the first time they are introduced.In this guide, I will walk you through the steps of introducing a harness to your dog, building positive associations, and setting both you and your dog up for long-term success. From choosing the right harness to mastering the process of putting it on, you’ll be prepared to hit the pavement with your canine companion in style and comfort.What Are the Benefits of Using a Harness?Let's take a step back before I walk you through training your dog to wear a harness. Why should you consider using a harness for your dog? What benefits does it offer over a typical collar?The most significant difference between a collar and a harness, and the reason why most veterinarians and dog trainers recommend harnesses, is the risk of injury. When your dog wears a collar, all pressure is put directly on their throat. If your dog pulls or tries to take off after a temptation (like a squirrel or to play with another dog), the pressure on their throat can cause significant damage. In the most severe cases, the impact of the collar on your dog’s throat can cause a life-threatening injury.Harnesses, on the other hand (or the other paw), disperse the pressure across your dog’s chest. Not only is this a more extensive area, but it’s better suited for handling this pressure without injuries (assuming the harness is properly fit to your dog).Depending on the activities you plan to enjoy with your dog, a harness could introduce additional features. This could include harnesses and support to assist a senior dog with mobility, a cooling harness for hot summer days, a harness with built-in backpacks to carry their gear while hiking, seatbelt attachments for safe car travel, and more. What Age Should Your Dog Start Wearing a Harness?Eight weeks old is the earliest age you should put a harness onto a young puppy. At this age, puppies are generally very open to new skills and experiences, making it the perfect time to introduce something new. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t train your dog to wear a harness if you are considering making this change later in life. Many adults and even senior dogs learn to wear and love their harnesses with a bit of time and a little patience.How Long Does It Take a Dog to Get Used to a Harness? The time it will take for your dog to get used to a harness will vary from dog to dog. Some pups will accept the harness quickly, comfortably wearing it and running around confidently right away. However, this isn’t true for every dog.If your dog is older and set in their ways or nervous when faced with new experiences, working through these steps may take a lot longer. Be patient and focus on creating a positive association with the harness by introducing praise and rewards. Allow your dog to set the pace, moving from one step to the next only when they are ready. This is the best way to set them up for long-term success (the ultimate goal).How to Train Your Dog to Wear a Harness: Step-By-StepBefore you start training, take a moment to consider what motivates your dog. While most dogs can be motivated with high-value treats, you may find your dog is better inspired to try something new with the offer of playtime with a favorite toy or even with simple praise and attention from you, their person. Knowing this is the secret to training success!Step One – Choosing a HarnessThe first thing to consider is the style of harness best suited for your dog. There are several factors to consider when shopping for the right harness. This includes your dog’s size, the weight of the harness, the adjustability, the material, how easy it is to clean, and any special features the harness may offer.You may even need to consider different harnesses for different situations. For example, you may prefer a classic nylon harness for walks around the block with your pup. However, if you are planning a challenging hike, your dog may be better served by a stronger and more supportive adventure harness with a handle to assist with any obstacles along the way.Finding the correct harness is essential, as your training will focus on making that specific harness a positive trigger for your dog. For the training process to be effective, this harness should be used.Step Two – Introduce the HarnessIn the early stages of training, you’re not going to put the harness on your dog. Instead, you want to give them a chance to check it out and realize it’s not something to be afraid of.To begin, place the harness on the ground in the comfort of your own home. Allow your dog to sniff at it and look it over. As they interact with the harness, occasionally offer praise or a treat. This will start to introduce the idea that the harness brings good things.When you see that they give the harness no more interest than a rug or your shoes (assuming they don’t chew your shoes), you can move on to the next step.

What to Know About Dehydration in Cats

As a pet parent, it’s important to know about the risk of dehydration in cats. When the body is dehydrated, organs and bodily systems are negatively impacted and electrolyte imbalances occur, and if the dehydration worsens, it could be fatal.There are multiple causes of dehydration, and there are several symptoms that will alert you to the fact that your kitty isn’t hydrated. Keep reading to learn the basics so you’ll know what to look for and what you can do to help prevent this problem.

Gene Mutation Raises Risk of Side Effects from Parasite Preventatives

According to findings from a recent study, over half a million cats in the U.S. should not be given certain parasite preventatives because they are at risk of serious adverse reactions. Pet parents who plan to use or currently use these products on their cats should inform themselves so they can make the right decisions for their pets’ health.

The Whopper of All "Big Fish" Stories

Fishing trio rescue 38 dogs frantically treading water in middle of a Mississippi lake.

World’s “Ugliest” Dog is a Real Cutie

We're loving these winning underdogs who show beauty is more than skin-deep.

Should You Bathe Your Cat?

We’ve all seen those old-school cartoons in which cats absolutely hate water or taking baths. Is there truth to that myth? Should you even question bathing your feline friend? Well, believe it or not, bathing a cat is a topic of much debate amongst owners. Some believe that it is paramount for maintaining their cat’s hygiene, while others think it is stressful and unnecessary. But what is the final word? There are several factors to consider, so let’s delve into it.Cats – and all felines in general – are well known for their cleanliness. They spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves and will use their tongues to remove dirt, parasites, and all that loose fur. This is their natural behavior and cemented their reputation as clean and orderly animals. Besides this, the behavior ensures that their coat remains clean and it reduces the need for frequent baths. And, in fact, regular grooming is sufficient to maintain a clean and healthy coat – for most cats. And while many cats never really need a bath, there are situations where it might be necessary. For example, if your cat has gotten into something greasy, sticky, or even toxic, a bath might be the only possible way to remove that dirt. Similarly, if your kitty has a skin condition, your vet could recommend medicated baths as part of the treatment.What is more, certain long-haired felines, such as Persian cats, could also benefit from an occasional bath. This will prevent matting and keep their fur in good condition. It should also be noted that cats with certain health issues, such as arthritis and obesity, might have problems grooming themselves. In such cases, you need to help them stay clean with a bath. If you decide that your cat needs a bath, it is important to do it safely and calmly. Cats are not usually fond of water and are often willful. So the experience could be a bit stressful for them. In order to minimize that stress, you should choose a quiet time when your cat is calm and relaxed. Use lukewarm water and a shampoo designed specifically for cats. Remember that human products can be too harsh for a cat’s sensitive skin. 

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