While most pet owners would pick a dog over a bird to provide companionship, love, and entertainment, the truth of the matter is that birds are equally good at providing all three and can even take the place of man’s best friend if given the chance. Birds are so easily overshadowed by the stereotype cast upon Polly by Hollywood that their emotional and intellectual attributes are often disregarded in favor of a fluffy, tail-wagging puppy. Yes birds happen to sit and squawk in their cages for most of their lives, but that’s only if the owner neglects to take the time and create a bond with their pet bird. Birds, like all pets, can create strong bonds with their owners and can even be trained and enjoy having fun if given the chance. Remember, the owner is the one keeping the bird in the cage. Given the chance to fly, your bird will spread its wings and soar.
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.
If a bird becomes excited it doesn’t always mean that it’s upset or angry. However, there are a few behaviors to be aware of and if it does seem your bird is either agitated or exceedingly excited, it’s never a bad idea to keep your finger out of its’ face. Eye pining is when the eye of a bird dilates in and out repeatedly and quickly. This is often a very obvious sign of excitement, as is the flaring of tail feathers. When your bird starts clicking its beak, it is most notably a warning to keep your distance. Wait until the bird has stopped clicking or has been left to calm down over a period of time before attempting to stick your hand in the cage.
Many behaviors, however, are not indications of agitation and instead serve as daily functions for birds. When birds have finished bathing themselves, they will fluff their feathers and look like their flaring in warning. In reality, however, they are simply ridding of the excess debris that has collected between the folds of their feathers. Feather fluffing is also a way to keep warm, so if your bird seems to be doing it outside of bathing, it may be ill. After eating, birds may wipe their beaks on their perch or cage just as another means of keeping clean.
Some behaviors are bird-specific. If your bird has a feather crest atop it’s head, it may flare it when it’s experiencing certain emotions whether it be agitated or happy. Take note of when it happens and try to understand what triggers it. Other birds, such as the Quaker, are named for their unique behavior. Quakers shake frequently for no apparent reason, and some birds will bob their heads out of anxiousness, excitement, or agitation. Most birds will shake after a bath regardless, due to an involuntary muscle spasm in their chest, but take note if your bird seems to do it when in a particular mood.
Birds have other means of keeping clean, such as preening their feathers. Preening is completely normal until it becomes excessive. If you notice your bird actually plucking or biting away feathers, it is called over-preening and should be looked into. Other typical behaviors include but are not limited to grinding their beak before falling asleep, or regurgitating food for younger birds or those they care about. Even though most owners will keep their birds in a cage, keep in mind that birds like space and the freedom to fly around. They are not bred to be locked up and enjoy having fun like most other pets.
Consider, then, providing them with some toys and giving them a day or two to fly around a room. If they are bored with their cage, you may see them flapping repeatedly as an attempt to get some exercise or in an attempt to take off. Birds also enjoy naps during the day, and this only becomes worrisome if you notice your bird napping while standing on two legs and extremely fluffed. Usually this means their cold and unstable and thus feeling ill.
Your bird may also become possessive of either you or the cage, and may even show signs of jealous aggression if you get another bird or pet. Birds also have extremely obvious behavior such as hiding when they are scare or freezing in place. They may even beg for food or attention if their being deprived of either, but if it becomes an issue don’t be afraid to figure out what triggered it to begin with and change it. Like all pets, birds adapt well to the wishes of an owner that is willing to take the time to work with them and understand them.
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