About Us

Best Behaved Birds was founded in 2020 by certified professional bird trainers Sophie Barnett CPBT-KA and David Trebus CPBT-KA.

Hi, I’m Sophie! As part of the Best Behaved Birds team, I bring over 15 years of professional experience to our parrot care consultations. Since 2009, I’ve worked with parrots across zoos, farms, and wildlife parks. My experience is backed by a First Class BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and a Triple Distinction National Diploma in Animal Management. My goal is to improve the lives of birds under managed care through science-based care and training.

My career has spanned roles from Zoo Keeper and Head of Birds, to lecturing in animal care and presenting animal talks in zoos. My areas of special interest are positive reinforcement training, parrot nutrition, and feather destructive behaviour. Want to see what I’m up to? Follow my flock and me over on YouTube channel BirdNerdSophie.

Hi, I’m David and I’m part of the Best Behaved Birds team! I combine a lifelong passion for parrots with a professional background in teaching and research. I am a firm believer that education is the key to improving the lives of our feathered friends, while also making life easier for us as parrot parents.

My specialism is parrot training and bonding. I love engaging with parrots and teaching them new behaviours, as well as seeing birds from difficult backgrounds blossom under the right care and with dedicated training.

I have a diploma in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and have attended numerous seminars and training sessions on parrot behaviour. I recently completed and passed the ‘Living & Learning with Animals: The Fundamental Principles and Procedures of Teaching and Learning’ course for veterinary and animal professionals. The course was delivered by renowned psychology professor Dr Susan Friedman of Behavior Works. The course delved into the function and practical application of behaviour analysis, and how to become the most ethical animal trainer possible.

If you want to find out more about me or my birds you can find me on my YouTube channel TheParrotTeacher where I post content on parrot care and training.

We are both Certified Professional Bird Trainers (CPBT-KA) with the International Avian Trainers Certification Board IATCB, and we are professional members of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators.

We are always learning, even with our extensive experience, so that we can give you the most up-to-date best practice for looking after your pet bird. Some of our continued professional development has included courses in Animal Nutrition, and workshops in Husbandry Training, Cooperative Care, Free Shaping and Antecedent Arrangement.