I’m a HUGE believer in NLP, which is a form of self hypnosis used to help people quit smoking, achieve more success, get a better job, do better in athletics etc…

So, to help you understand how I’ve been recently using hypnosis to instantly change the mood of my Cockatiel, Magoo, here’s a brief glimpse into how my brain worked up this crazy theory…

How Self Hypnosis Could Work In Cockatiel, Parrots and Any Type Of Bird

First, let me say that Hypnosis is VERY real!

I first saw a hypnotist act while I was still going to high school in Spokane, Washington. And my brother, who’s now a professional magician, was a fanatic at making sure we went to see every new entertainment act he could so me, his reluctant brother went to see this hypnotist in action.

And WOW, did he make a BELIEVER out of me!

The hypnotist took volunteers from the audience, put them into a trance, and literally programmed these people to do weird and funny behaviors whenever the hypnotist would say a certain word.

He programmed one guy, who was the toughest looking, over-weight trucker in the audience, to stand up and scream at the top of his lungs.. “I LOVE wearing women’s underwear!” every time the hypnotist said the guy’s name.

It was HILARIOUS

But, hypnosis is more than just a funny side show that makes you laugh; it can also be a powerful tool for self improvement. One type of self hypnosis, that has become VERY respected for the results its achieving, is NLP.

NLP, otherwise known as Neuro-Linguistic Programming, trains you to take something that you’re really
scared of, like spiders, and replace that ‘scared’ feeling with a feeling of extreme calmness or peace.
Then, it shows you how to trigger that feeling of peace every time you think of spiders, until you no
longer feel afraid.

So, as I was reading up on this NLP, I got to thinking: I wonder if this would work on all birds also?

Could it be possible to replace the feelings of aggression in my birds, with the feelings of joy or happiness by ‘hypnotizing’ him?

I know it sounds like a long shot, but I think it actually works!

Here’s how I tested it on my Cockatiel. As you know, I recently released a course that teaches Parrots how to talk on cue, which is now available. As I was producing that course, I realized that our Cockatiel was VERY willing to step up and be pet while he was in the act of singing or talking. Something about how he felt while talking made him a LOT happier.

This allowed me to know exactly when my bird was in a GREAT mood which was when he whistled his happy song I call it but I’ve yet to figure out where he got it from. So if my cockatiel feels happy while singing or saying a certain word, would making him say that word also put him in a better mood?

Could these two actions be connected?

For my bird, they WERE!

I can now simply start to mimic his favorite whistle when he’s in a bad mood and refusing to behave, and WHAALAA his bad mood vanishes instantly! It’s truly amazing and makes you relieze how smart your cockatiels are!

It’s like I’m the pied piper taking control with my flute, excuse me – I mean whistle lol.

I think it’s using the same hypnosis principals. It’s taking a feeling of happiness and pairing it with an action, in this case, singing Winnie The Pooh. The bird is then trained to not just sing the song when he’s happy, but actually be HAPPY while singing the song. I can then sing the song myself, and this seems to trigger my bird to actually feel happy.

Sure sounds like hypnosis to me.

Or at the very least – a cue to be happy. I know this theory sounds like it’s an episode on some late night Sci-Fi channel, but I think it’s worth exploring. I’d love to hear back from you if you’ve had similar experiences with your birds.

So, Until Next Time, Happy Training From Cockatiel Cages!

Cockatiels

Probably the best all around inexpensive companion birds. These bright and lively birds are very gentle and social. Males become fluent speakers and whistlers although more independent. Females are generally quieter and more social, but not as good a talker.

Common Varieties: Grey, Lutino, Pied , and Pearl
Native Habitat: Australia
Height: 10 to 12 inches from top of crest to tip of tail
Life Span: 15 to 25 years
Sex Differences: When mature males are usually more colorful than females
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 18″H x 18″W x 18″D

Parakeets

The most common and inexpensive of all pet birds. Playful and fun these little guys are a joy to have. Parakeets (also known as Budgies) are hardy and quiet birds that can even learn to talk.

Native Habitat: Australia
Height: 7 inches from head to tip of tail
Life Span: 7 to 15 years
Sex Differences: After 4 months, cere becomes blue in males, brown in females
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 12″H x 14″W x 12″D

Canaries

Well known for their beautiful song and brilliant coloration, especially during breeding season. These birds will certainly brighten any room they placed in.

Common Varieties: American Singer, Border Fancy, Red Factor
Native Habitat: Canary Islands and Azores
Height: 5 to 7 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Life Span: 5 to 14 years
Sex Differences: Males have loud song and vent becomes enlarged during breeding season. Females rarely sing and vent only swells slightly.
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 12″H x 10″W x 12″D
Finches

These delightful little birds will add excitement and color anywhere. Simple to keep and care for, but they do best in pairs. Some peep or sing softly, many can be finger trained.

Common Varieties: Lady Gouldian, Society, Zebra
Native Habitat: Found worldwide
Height: Generally 3 to 6 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Some varieties develop quite extended tail plumage
Life Span: 4 to 5 years
Sex Differences: When mature males are generally brighter colored or differently colored than female. Some varieties show no differences.
Cage Requirements: Minimum size for a pair 14″H x 36″W x 10″D

Amazon Parrots

Probably the most popular group of parrots available today. These birds are generally very social and loving. These fun-loving birds will appreciate a variety of toys. Always try to purchase young birds, as older parrots can be difficult to tame and train. Some Amazons can make quite a lot of noise, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.

Common Varieties: Blue Fronted, Double Yellow-Head, Lilac Crowned, Spectacled
Native Habitat: Mexico, Central and South America
Height: 10 to 18 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Life Span: 25 to 50 plus years
Sex Differences: Most varieties show no sexual differences
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 24″H x 18″W x 18″D

African Grey Parrots

Talking and mimicry are these birds’ best known traits. They can learn an incredible amount of words, phrases and sounds. Young birds bond very well with humans, sometimes developing a preference for a single person. Quite loving and intelligent, these birds are a real joy to have, but do require a lot of attention.

Common Varieties: Red Tail, Timneh
Native Habitat: Central Africa
Height: 12 to 13 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Life Span: 50 plus years
Sex Differences: No visible sexual differences
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 24″H x 18″W x 18″D

Macaws

The best known and most often seen of the larger pet birds. Macaws are very intelligent, can develop an extensive vocabulary, and can be taught many tricks. These beautiful animals are often the feature attractions in bird shows. Macaws require a lot of attention and training. They can be prolific chewers and can become very noisy. Very affectionate birds, often developing very strong bonds with their humans.

Common Varieties: Blue and Gold, Green-Winged, Hyacinth, Noble, Scarlet
Native Habitat: Mexico, Central and South America
Height: 12 to 40 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Life Span: 25 to 50 plus years
Sex Differences: No visible sexual differences
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 24″H x 18″W x 18″D for smallest varieties
Minimum size 48″H x 48″W x 36″D for largest varieties

Cockatoos

Every bird lover is familiar with this group of white colored birds. As a group they are quite loving and can become moderate talkers. They love people and need social interaction. They sometimes bond with only one family member. Cockatoos are very intelligent, are active chewers, and can be quite mischievous. Powder from feathers can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in people. Daily misting can help eliminate problem.

Common Varieties: Goffin, Greater Sulphur-crested, Moluccan, Umbrella
Native Habitat: Australia, Indonesia, and Phillipines
Height: 12 to 26 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Life Span: 30 plus years
Sex Differences: No visible sexual differences
Cage Requirements: Minimum Size 36″H x 24″W x 24″D