In all intelligent species, there is a correlation between instinct and intelligence. That correlation rules the adaptability and cognitive processes which enable that species to change with their circumstances....to "roll with it," one might say. In most cases, this correlation is in opposition.
Did I lose you? I didn't mean to...check it out, here is what I mean. The more that instinct rules the total behavior of a species, the less adaptable it will be to life in an ever changing environment, like our home. However, when the instinctual behaviors can be replaced with learned behaviors, the species generally deals better with a variety of situations. Does that clear it up for you?
The need/ability to learn gives parrots great potential as pets. You see, baby parrots are hatched knowing very little. They learn almost everything they need to know in life from their parents. So, to make a long explanation even longer (but maybe I am making it clearer, too...who knows?), the reason that parrots make such great companions is that their natural instincts are not highly developed.
Just because they do not develop some instincts does not eliminate instintual behavior entirely. You can compare a parrot to your newly purchased PC (you know what that is...your computer). Let's say it came with some un-deletable software pre-installed and no matter what you do...short of dropping it out a window...you can't remove the programs. That is also the case with your pet parrot. They are not completely re-programmable. Parrots know this...but we parrot owners sometimes struggle with it for awhile. Certain things we can not change, no matter what we do, or how often we do it. The base instincts are always gonna be there. In fact, there are a couple biggies I want to talk to you about today.
1. Parrots are "flock animals" In the wild, these beautiful birds fly in large groups. This is to increase their natural defenses. In addition to that, the "flock mentality" rules their existense totally, which, when you come right down to it, is good for us. It means one thing: parrots like social situations. They are instinctually predisposed to community living.
