The Health of Your Pet Bird

Man’s Unexpected Best Friend

For years the dogs of this world have stolen the spotlight when it comes being the ideal pet. They’re intelligent, fun, cute, and of course what is man without his best friend? Despite their endearing personalities and soft fur, dogs aren’t the only ones who are able to fill the void of man’s best friend. Birds, too, can make for fantastic pets. The common misconception that birds only sit in their cages and squawk is not only inaccurate, but it fails to credit the sentimentalities and bonds that birds have with their owners. Like dogs and cats, birds are emotional and intelligent pets that, when cared for and treated well, can be just as fun as any other furry animal and certainly more unique.

There are a few things to understand about birds before turning one into the ideal pet, the first being that birds are living, feeling creatures. They recognize the emotional state of their owner, they get bored being locked in a cage, and they respond to sights and sounds same as a dog or cat. Like any pet you may own birds require love, attention, and respect. As for talking, don’t become disheartened if your Polly decides not to respond to wanting a cracker. Just because your communication may remain nonverbal doesn’t mean that your bird doesn’t appreciate the attention and effort.

One of the most common fears people have when it comes to birds is upsetting their bird. No one wants to get a nasty peck on the finger, and if you understand what your bird is trying to tell you it’s easily avoidable. When a bird becomes excited, you may see some eye pining which is when the pupils of the eye dilate in and out repeatedly. They may also start clicking their beaks in an aggressive fashion. If either of these occur, or if they occur at the same time, it’s probably smart to keep your fingers out of the birds face. While they may just be excited, it could also be a warning to keep your distance.

Some other movements may not indicate any excitement and rather serve functional purposes. Feather fluffing occurs when birds have finished cleaning themselves in order to rid of the excess debris that’s collected within the folds of the feathers. Feather fluffing is also done to keep a bird warm, though, so if your bird seems to be doing an excessive amount of it, it may be ill. Birds may also wipe their beaks on a perch or on the cage after their done eating to rid of extra mess.

Depending on the bird, you may notice that yours has something called a feather crest atop their head. This row of feathers resembles a feathery Mohawk when flared and can indicate a variety of emotions based on the bird. If you notice your bird flaring their crest, take note of its other behaviors. Is it excited? Angry? Hungry (feed them parrot pellets .) ? Bored? Ill? Other birds will bob their heads or shake for no obvious reason. It’s not a reason to be alarmed, but it may indicate anxiousness. Birds will also shake after bathing to dry themselves.

Other traits you may notice include the bird grinding their beak right before they fall asleep. This hints to contentment. Birds will also preen their feathers to keep them straight and clean, and this is only cause for worry when the preening becomes excessive. If your bird seems to be biting or plucking their feathers out, something is wrong and the bird may be ill. Regurgitation, not to be confused with vomiting, is also a typical behavior found with birds. Regurgitation occurs when a bird becomes attached to another bird, hatches some eggs, or even establishes a strong bond with its owner. The difference between regurgitation and vomit is that the vomit will stick to the beak and feathers of the bird, making it quite messy and obvious.

Birds also enjoy playing and getting a chance to fly around. They may start flapping as if attempting to lift off in their cage, and if this is something you notice frequently you may consider giving it some space to fly in. No pet likes to be locked up all day. Also consider providing your bird with different toys or perches to play on. Birds like the stimulation and change from the everyday sitting. They may also take naps during the day while standing on one leg. If you notice the bird fluffed and on two legs while napping, however, it could indicate illness.

Other normal behavior includes aggression, whether it’s possessiveness of the cage or jealousy or another pet, as well as hiding, freezing, or begging. Believe it or not, dogs are not the only ones who resort to being adorable when they want something! Any kind of behavior, such as begging, that needs to be changed can be just as soon as you figure out what is triggering it. As with any pet, it takes time to build a bond of trust and friendship with your bird. But once you do, understanding and appreciating their quirky behavior can lead to a life-long friendship with your bird.

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