Dominic Lawsen's Site

Man's Unexpected Best Friend

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.

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.

There are certain birds that have feather crests on their heads that expand when experiencing different emotions. If you're bird is one of these, take notice of when the crest expands. Some birds, like the Quaker, will shake quite frequently or bob their heads. Most birds shake after a bath anyway, as it's an involuntary muscle spasm to dry themselves, and some bob their heads simply because they are anxious or excited. If you leave out parrot food or parrot pellets . for your bird, typically they eat when they want.

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.

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.

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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