A Pet Bird's Health

Man's Unexpected Best Friend

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.

In order to establish said relationship with your feathery friend, an owner must first understand the behaviors and physical attributes displayed by their bird. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your bird is an intelligent, emotional, and living creature. It will experience a range of things from boredom, to attachment, to jealousy and anger. None of these mood swings should make you upset or confused. Simply take some time to observe and understand the behavior sand what triggers them, and you and your bird will be able to respect each other in no time.

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.

Other behaviors you may notice with your bird aren't indicators of excitement and simply serve functional purposes. For instance, when birds finish cleaning themselves they will fluff their feathers in order to realign them and rid of the extra debris clinging between each feather. The act of feather fluffing also generates body heat for your bird, and if you notice your bird fluffing itself excessively and without the act of cleaning, it may be ill. Birds also keep clean by wiping their beaks after eating, whether it be on the perch or cage or even on a wing.

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.

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.

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.

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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