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.
When owning a bird, you may notice a few gestures or behaviors that occur repeatedly or from time to time. As a responsible owner it’s always a good thing to understand what these things mean to ensure that you don’t agitate your already angry bird, or stop the bird from cleaning itself. Often when birds become excited their eyes may dilate in and out, which is called eye pining, or flare their tail feathers. This usually isn’t the best time to stick your finger near their faces, especially if their clicking their beaks. While it usually it merely means their excited, beak clicking can 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.
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.
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.
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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