Establishing a Friendship with your Bird
Despite the endearing tail wagging, hand licking, ball fetching friend that is the dog, pet owners looking for a new best friend need look no further than the cage. Bird cage, that is. Regardless of the many misconceptions surrounding birds-all they do is squawk, bite, and eat-birds are actually quite emotional and can make for fantastic pets. With the proper care, birds can develop intimate bonds with their owners; so much so they will even regurgitate their hard earned food for you! Like dogs or cats, birds are fun, intelligent pets that have been misunderstood for years and are simply looking for a loving owner.
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.
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.
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? 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 normal behaviors of birds include the grinding of their beak right before they fall asleep, which indicates contentment, or the preening of feathers to keep them neat and clean. Preening is only worrisome when it turns into over-preening and the bird is constantly plucking out or chewing out feathers. Birds also regurgitate food to younger birds and those they care about. So if you and your bird are close enough, you may find that it will regurgitate for you as a sign of affection. Don’t be alarmed. There is a distinct difference between regurgitation and vomit; vomit will stick to the feathers and beak of the bird.
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.
Birds can become so attached to an owner that jealousy and possessiveness can become an issue. If you start noticing this behavior in your bird, don’t become frustrated or agitated in return. Your bird could feed off your negative energy and act aggressive too. Instead, try to deter the behavior in a calm and patient fashion. If you understand what triggers the reaction, you should be able to reverse it. And that is how the owner and pet create a mutual bond of understanding, respect, and friendship.
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