About Us

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

Hi everyone, I’m Sophie and I’m part of the Best Behaved Birds team. I have over 15 years of experience working with a wide variety of animals including birds, exotic mammals and California sea lions.

I graduated from university in 2014 after studying a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and achieved a First Class grade. Prior to this, I studied a National Diploma in Animal Management and earned a Triple Distinction grade.

I have worked in a diverse range of roles in the animal care sector, including: working as a zoo keeper, delivering talks as a zoo presenter, being responsible for the health and welfare of over 100 birds at a farm park as Head of Birds, and teaching college students theoretical and practical animal care as a lecturer.

My areas of special interest are: positive reinforcement training, parrot nutrition and enrichment.

If you’d like to find out more about me and my flock, you can find me on my YouTube channel BirdNerdSophie.

Hi, I’m David and I’m part of the of the Best Behaved Birds team.

I’ve loved parrots since I was a child and have kept them for most of my life. I have extensive experience with most small parrot species as well as other many other types of birds. I also have experience looking after other common pet species.

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’m always working with our own birds to teach them new tricks and behaviours, as well as provide the best quality of life for them with my partner Sophie.

I come from a teaching and research background, and I have previously taught both children and adults in various subjects and levels. I strongly believe that education is important in improving the lives of our feathered friends, as well as making our lives easier as parrot parents.

I have a diploma in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and have attended numerous seminars and training sessions on parrot behaviour. I have also previously volunteered on the bird section at a local wildlife park, where I gained valuable experience and knowledge. 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.