Congratulation on being pre-selected to participate in the parrot remote communication study!
The aim of this study is to investigate how domesticated pet parrots would use video calls to video call other parrots. While some parrots have had access to video calls for some time, no investigation has been undertaken into how parrots behave with video calls, and if they would choose to make these video calls when given the option too.
This project is a collaboration with Dr. Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas from Glasgow University, Jennifer Cunha from Parrot Kindergarten, Inc., and Dr. Rébecca Kleinberger from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at parrotstudy@media.mit.edu. This study has been ethically approved by The University of Glasgow (REF EA11/22; REF 300210172)
Feel free to contact us an any point in the study at parrotstudy@media.mit.edu
STUDY SCHEDULE
MATERIAL NEEDED:
LOCATION SETUP
The “calls” should be done at a location where your bird can come toward/move away from the screen as they feel comfortable, with at least three feet of space for movement. For example:
The selected area should have space to retreat and approach
RECORDING SETUP
With a second tablet, cell phone, or mp4 recording device, set the device up to record the entire area, preferably such that it records both your parrot as well as the screen.
SETUP EXAMPLES
Below are a few examples of setup for large or small birds, this also illustrates that for some birds, it might be better to have the interaction from inside the cage if it makes the bird feel safer. These also illustrate that during phase 1, the tablet should be held manually to help the bird feel comfortable and allow for more distance and flexibility during the introduction. When the bird is comfortable and during phase 2, the tablet should not be manually held but placed on a tripod or stand.
These are only suggestions, your setup doesn’t need to look exactly like on these images
ACTION ITEMS!!
Following the introduction meeting, please complete the following 4 action items by Tuesday, June 28th
DEMO VIDEO RECORDING
Once you have selected your location, get everything set up and make a demo video. This way we can make sure you’re ready to meet your First Friend!
Bell and messenger training with Ellie – Demo Video
Introduction to new objects – bell training – Demo Video
Friend training – using the tablet – Demo Video
Messenger Kids Training – Slides
INSTRUCTIONS
SCHEDULE
Sessions take place 4 times a week, arranged directly between group participants
Session 1:
Session 2:
Session 3:
Session 4:
Session 5:
Session 6:
LINKS, MATERIAL AND RESOURCES
Post-session diary to fill up after each session by both participants
Teach Bird to Touch Target on Screen – Demo Video
Teach Bird to Touch Bell – Demo Video
Sample Friend Call Training – Demo Video
INSTRUCTIONS
In construction! More instructions to come!
After two meetings with each new friend, we will coordinate an introduction with your bird’s next friend via Facebook Messenger. Once you have added the new friend, your birds can “meet” through the Facebook Kids Messenger App.
You can communicate with the others in your group in the group chat on Facebook.
Before the birds meet, you and the caregiver for your bird’s first remote partner will do a ‘dry run’ to make sure everything is working. You’ll also do a practice training with the bell and the tablet (without calling the bird partner) and ensure they are feeling comfy with the objects. Be sure to record your practice session with the other caregiver as well as the session with your bird and submit through the portal. We want to make sure everything is set up and good to go!
Your bird will learn to touch a bell and then touch the messenger box with your bird’s friend on it which will result in a call to your bird’s friend. With repetition, your bird may learn to ring the bell (that will be in their play area) so you can bring the touchscreen with the friend boxes. Then they will touch the box of the friend they wish to call.
If your bird has a negative reaction, move the tablet backward away from your bird until they are calm and interested/watching again. Then bring it slowly forward as they remain calm, while giving them treats for watching and staying calm. If they remain nervous of the tablet for five minutes or longer, contact us.
If your bird is comfortable but the bird on the screen is having a negative reaction, turn the screen away (it should only be a few seconds) and then allow your bird to watch and interact again as the other bird should be “calm” again quickly once the tablet has been backed away.
You can purchase a toy bell on Amazon or use one you already have. Here is one that many of our birds have enjoyed:
This is done through this link, the upload takes place at the end of your session diary form. This can be accessed via your phone or computer.
This is done through this link, the upload takes place at the end of your session diary form. This can be accessed via your phone or computer.
Yes, you may withdraw at any time. Please email us at parrotstudy@media.mit.edu and we will withdraw you from the study.
Feel free to email us with any questions. We can be reached at parrotstudy@media.mit.edu
Thank you for your interest. You can click here to register.
Unfortunately the study is limited at this time to only the continental United States and Canada due to time zones.
Participants will be selected based on species-matches with other parrots within the same time-zone to promote ease in facilitating interactive calls. We will not select everyone who is interested, if we do not find a pairing.
Flexible schedules are just fine. Participants will communicate with one another to set up video play dates with the birds.
Your public Facebook name and public profile will be visible to the others in your bird’s interaction group. The researchers will ask you to submit to use video recordings of your sessions. These videos will only be analyised by us as researchers, used to provide information about the interactive systems. Please be aware that videos may include you if you are in the video. If the videos include content that triggers mandatory reporting obligations, please be advised that the researchers will have a duty to act in accordance with legal requirements.
The researchers will watch in the videos the behavior of the birds as they interact with one another. They will also collect information about how often the birds ask to call one another, and the duration of the calls.
To ensure the comfort of the participants, ideal candidates will be very comfortable touching cell phone or tablet screen devices. No prior formal training is required, however.
In addition to a video-meeting device (either your cell phone or tablet), you will be using:
The interactive sessions will be located on a cage, play stand, or other area with a minimum of 3 feet that allows the bird to move freely within the area, to approach the screen, or to move away.
Unfortunately, no. Participant birds will be interacting via Facebook messenger.
Your bird will learn to ring a bell, then select a friend on a tablet/cell phone. From learning this behaviour you will be able to facilitate a call for them. “Touch” or “Target” training with positive reinforcement will be the primary training skill utilized.
The study is estimated to begin June 15 and last until July 31.
The study will be for a limited time only. After it concludes, you are welcome to continue virtual interaction with other birds and continue afterward too. (Any further interactions will be independent and outside the scope of the study.)
No, there will be no monetary compensation for the study. Our hope is that your bird will have enrichment and fun interacting with others of their species!