Why Is My Parrot Aggressive & Spending Time on the Bottom of the Cage?

Parrots are very social animals and in the wild they are prey animals. In captivity, parrots have various reasons for displaying aggression. Spending time on the bottom of the cage is one symptom of aggression, though being on the cage bottom isn't necessarily bad.

  1. Types of Aggression

    • The most common display of aggression by a parrot is a bite. Depending on the species, parrot aggression displays also include crest raising, feather fluffing, growling, screaming and destructive behavior.

    Reasons for Aggression

    • In general, the primary reason for aggression is fear. Parrots will bite or growl when they are afraid as a means of dispatching a threat. Aggressive behaviors can also stem from boredom, neglect or breeding season hormones.

    Birds on the Bottom of the Cage

    • Certain parrot species are notorious for playing on the bottom of their cages, such as African Greys and Quaker parrots. However, birds who do not normally play on the lower cage grate might be very ill if they are suddenly spending a lot of time there.

    Considerations

    • If you suspect your parrot might be sick, see your avian veterinarian immediately. Birds frequently conceal illness up to the point of death.

    Solutions for Aggression

    • Patience and love are the two main remedies for an aggressive parrot. Parrots often react to their handlers' moods, so try to maintain a calm demeanor around an aggressive bird. A fearful and angry parrot may also be reacting to some threatening element of their environment, such as a new piece of furniture or new wall hanging, so consider the scene from the parrot's point of view.