Episode Summary

In this episode of Squawk Global, Kyle speaks with Rachel Slater about consent-based touch, parrot body language, and why biting is often misunderstood.

Rachel shares the story of Tikki, a cockatiel who had already been through four homes in his first year of life. When Tikki arrived, he was shut down, physically weak, wary of hands, and unable to fly properly. Through patience, trust, and consent-based handling, Rachel helped Tikki begin to feel safe again.

Together, Kyle and Rachel explore why biting is not “bad behaviour,” but communication. Rachel explains how birds use body language before escalating to a bite, including signs like pulling the crest back, opening the beak, leaning away, or making harsh warning sounds.

The episode also breaks down Rachel’s “stop and check” method — a simple way to ask a bird for permission before touch, pause during the interaction, and give the bird the choice to continue or walk away.

They also discuss attention-seeking bites, why punishment does not help, and why safe touch should stay around the head and neck to avoid triggering hormonal stress.

The central message is simple:

When a bird is allowed to say no, they become far more willing to say yes.

In this Episode

Kyle and Rachel discuss:

• Why birds are often passed from home to home when their behaviour is misunderstood
• Tikki’s story and how early neglect affected his confidence, diet, and ability to fly
• Why biting is communication, not a moral failing
• How to read parrot body language before a bite happens
• The difference between fear-based biting and attention-demanding biting
• How to use the “stop and check” method
• Why birds need the right to say no
• How to ask for consent before touching a bird
• Why head and neck tickles are safer than touching the back, wings, or body
• How consent-based handling builds trust and emotional safety

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Key Takeaways

A bite is rarely the beginning of the conversation. It is often the final signal after quieter signs have been missed.

Consent-based touch gives birds a safe way to say yes, no, or “I’ve changed my mind.”

When a bird bites for attention, punishment can make the problem worse. Calmly removing your hand teaches the bird that biting does not work, while polite “green light” behaviours can be rewarded.

Even when a bird says yes to touch, where you touch matters. Rachel recommends keeping tickles to the head and neck area, because touching the back or wings can mimic mating behaviour and contribute to hormonal stress.

Trust is built when the bird learns that their choices matter.

About the Guest

Rachel Slater brings a background in animal care, behaviour science, and education. She earned her Animal Behaviour degree at the University of Sheffield and is now a Charter-qualified dog trainer working towards her Clinical Animal Behaviourist accreditation to work with avian companions.

Follow Rachel and Tikki

Instagram: @fur.clan.life

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