Man's Feathery 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. - 17274
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. - 17274
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