Have you ever heard the expression, "It’s like herdin’ cats"? That describes some of the best days working on our internet list, Parrot Behavior Analysis Solutions (PBAS;www.yahoogroups.com). PBAS is not a chat group; it’s a special interest work group dedicated to applying the scientific principles of behavior to living and learning with companion parrots.

In light of the many preconceived and deeply-rooted notions about parrot behavior, not to mention behavior in general, maintaining this scientific focus is sometimes just like herdin’ cats! Still, there isn’t another crowd with whom I’d rather spend my Saturdays.

You may be thinking, "A science of behavior? Gee, isn’t anything left to common sense anymore?" Unfortunately, the subject of companion parrot behavior has been left to socalled common sense too long and it has proven to be far more common then sensible.

Our widespread acceptance of common sense information about parrot behavior has produced too many experts with too little expertise.

Common sense is often little more than a social record of folk wisdom, clichés and homilies about behavior. Common sense maintains the status quo so we continue to do what we know best rather than seeking out the best we can do. Our widespread acceptance of common sense information about parrot behavior has produced too many experts with too little expertise. As a result, caregivers are often trying desperately to follow completely conflicting advice -- sometimes found in the same book or magazine, or even in the very same article. Many of the problems people experience with parrots in their homes are either caused, or exacerbated, by this lack of basic scientific knowledge about learning and behavior.