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Professional companion bird trainers often possess extensive experience and advanced behavior certifications. Crucially, they engage in continuous learning through fieldwork and ongoing education. These professionals are specifically trained to evaluate body language and address individual avian behavior and training needs. Companion birds are highly sensitive animals whose actions are influenced by subtle physical cues, environmental factors, and potential medical conditions. However, many companion bird owners turn to social media or AI chatbots for behavior solutions. These platforms often generate autonomous advice or self-diagnoses without a comprehensive understanding of the specific bird.

During this open discussion session, we will review the barriers that prevent owners from seeking professional help, including concerns about cost, the desire for immediate answers, and confirmation bias regarding perceived behavioral issues; we will also review/validate social media/AI responses to behavior.

Sheila S. Blanchette, UW-AAB, IAAB-CPBC, is a professional certified companion bird behavior trainer. Sheila owns and operates Heart of Feathers Education & Behavior Training, LLC since 2015. Heart of Feathers Education & Behavior Training offers In-Home (Local Region) and Online behavior and training assistance for companion birds. Sheila has worked with several of the animal/bird rescues in the New England area in assisting with bird behavior. She has written several articles for the Pet Professional Guild Bark Magazine. In July 2024, Sheila accepted the position of Director of Education for Rhode Island Parrot Rescue (Warwick, RI) assisting part-time to grow their public companion bird education programs.

Contact info@theparrotclub.org for a Zoom link.