Avian Behaviorist

[Shockadine]

I want to be a avian behaviorist. Do any of you know how you go about getting into this field? What kind of schooling do you need? Well if you can help in any way please do. I can't seem to find anything.

[Jenny]

How neat, and I hope that you do become one! I've thought about doing that myself, but also want to be an avian vet... I think that most of the well-known consultants started out by just working with other people's parrots in ways that made sense, and then got known for their positive results and started getting many clients. So, I don't think there's any real schooling that you need, but I know that child psychology courses would be very helpful since parrots are similar to young children in many ways. For now I'd just read many parrot behavior books, articles in magazines and on the internet, and anything you can find on parrots...and, be around parrots as much as possible! Is there any bird stores around you could work or volunteer at? Also learn as much as you can about parrot behavior in the wild, since so much of that translates into what they do and why when they're "pets". If I were you I'd also e-mail the well known consultants like Liz Wilson, Pamela Clark, Sally Blanchard, etc. for advice which I'm sure they'd be happy to give you. If you want any of their e-mail addresses, I can e-mail them to you. Good luck!

[Amanda]

Hi Shockadine, I'm not sure how it is for birds ... but I know that for dogs, a person must have experience as a dog trainer or atleast have taken some courses in basic obedience training. Then after you have a certificate as a dog trainer, you can take additional courses to be a dog behaviorist. Maybe it's the same for avian behaviorist? Perhaps your vet or an avian rescue group will be able to point you towards the right direction.

Good Luck!

[teri]

hi shockadine, go to website www.upatsix.com, LIz Wilson is a behaviorist and i'm sure she can help steer you in the right path.

[teri]

also, when you get to www.upatsix.com go to behavior help and there is liz's page

[Shockadine]

Thanks for your help. I'll try to get ahold of some behaviorists, and have them help me further. But you really were helpful.

[Shockadine]

Jenny, I would really appriciate if you would email the addresses to me. Thanks.