Welcoming a new pet into the family is an exciting time, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring a safe and respectful relationship between children and animals. For parents of parrots, this can be particularly nuanced. This article shares a personal experience of an 11-month-old’s encounter with a blue and gold macaw, Tiko, and the unexpected but valuable lessons learned about animal body language and mutual respect. This incident, while initially distressing, ultimately fostered a deeper understanding and cautious respect for animals in a young child.
The Incident: A Moment of Unpreparedness
The bite occurred while the author’s husband, Dave, was relocating Tiko, a 20-year-old blue and gold macaw, from an outdoor aviary. Dave was holding their daughter, Sydney, in one arm while preparing to move Tiko. Sydney, accustomed to interacting with the family’s own birds, reached out towards Tiko. Dave, caught off guard by her movement and Tiko’s responsive stretch, could not prevent their fingertips from meeting.
Immediate Aftermath and Emotional Impact
Sydney shrieked and cried, understandably distressed by the bite. Fortunately, the bite did not break the skin, a fact that brought immediate relief to Dave, who was overwhelmed with guilt and fear for his daughter’s safety. However, the emotional impact was significant. Sydney developed an immediate fear of all birds, including Tiko and even the ground-roaming chickens at his brother’s house. This reaction deeply upset Dave, who worried his daughter would develop a lasting aversion to birds, including their own.
My daughter’s swollen pointer finger from the bite she endured from blue and gold macaw, Tiko.
Rebuilding Trust and Understanding
The author recognized the need to address Sydney’s fear. Dave took the initiative to help Sydney re-establish trust with animals, starting with a chicken. He allowed Sydney to observe the chicken’s natural behaviors and then gently encouraged her to pet it. This patient approach helped Sydney overcome her apprehension, and she eventually petted the chicken, smiling up at her father. This experience highlighted the importance of allowing children to learn from their interactions, even if those interactions involve minor discomfort or fear.
A Philosophy of Learning Through Experience
The author shares a personal parenting philosophy: allowing children to learn through natural consequences, as long as the injury is not severe. This approach emphasizes the importance of mutual respect between humans and animals. For instance, when Sydney learned to pet the cat gently, she later applied the same less-than-gentle approach to the cat, who responded with a swat and a bite. This, the author explains, taught Sydney that animals can inflict pain if not treated respectfully, fostering a crucial understanding of boundaries. This differs from a more protective approach, but the author stresses that different parenting styles are valid.
The Unexpected Benefits of the Bite
As days and weeks passed, the authors observed a remarkable change in Sydney’s interactions with their own birds. She became less “grabby” and more respectful, showing a heightened awareness of animal body language. This newfound sensitivity allowed her to understand when to back off from an animal, a skill many adults lack. The authors were astounded by her ability to read animal cues and give them the space they needed. This development was invaluable for the parents, reducing their need to constantly hover and worry about their daughter’s interactions with their pets.
Dave and Tiko
Growing Confidence and Continued Learning
Sydney’s improved understanding of animal body language was further evident during a visit to a friend’s house with two young Catalina macaws. When the macaws reacted with fear and aggression, Sydney instinctively backed away and approached with more caution. She demonstrated an impressive ability to recognize their “go away” signals and provide them with ample space. This observation reinforced the authors’ confidence in her ability to interact safely with animals. They continue to provide positive exposure experiences, understanding that mistakes are part of the learning process.
Dave with Sydney and the chicken (and our dog watching too)
Conclusion: A Bite That Taught More Than Pain
While no parent wishes for their child to be bitten, this incident with Tiko, the blue and gold macaw, ultimately proved to be a significant learning experience for Sydney. It fostered a deeper respect for animals and a keen awareness of their body language. The authors acknowledge that perfect parenting is an elusive ideal, but they value the lessons learned from this experience. The incident, while unfortunate, provided an invaluable education in interspecies communication and respect, demonstrating that even challenging experiences can lead to positive growth and understanding. For those interested in learning more about parrot behavior and care, resources like parrots and toucans care can offer further insights.
References
- BirdTricks Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/birdtricks/posts/10151855633216199?stream_ref=5
- Taming, Training & Tricks DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Training-Tricks-Dvd-Bird/dp/B000PE32W4
- Instagram Video: http://instagram.com/p/k5L_gZEkB- /
