My OperaPet cockatiel Man's Feathery Friend
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 10:10:03 PM
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.
Before one can turn that feathery puzzle into the perfect pet, there are a few behaviors that we as owners should be aware of. The quickest way to get on good terms with our pet is by understanding each other and birds, like dogs or cats, have unique behaviors that may seem confusing to a new owner but shouldn't be cause for alarm. Keep in mind that birds are living, breathing, and most importantly feeling creatures. In order to keep a relationship with your bird healthy, remember that birds don't necessarily have to talk in order to express their feelings. There are many other obvious signs that you will see over time that will tell you how their feeling or what they need.
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? 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.
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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