Ethology matters when it comes to optimizing your bird’s welfare in behavior science. Understanding how to maximize their comfort and minimize stress based on what they are adapted to do in order means that we can also minimize aversives. For instance, by introducing the Screech Owl to new environments and stimuli at the age he would naturally be more curious, I reduce what would be a natural aversion to these when he is older. It’s like learning a new language when you are young vs older. You c