Pet birds are highly sensitive to the surrounding environment. Did you ever hear that even at home, some simple changes such as the extra noise or a change in your routine can make your pet bird feel stressed out? The problem is that stress usually accumulates gradually in the birds, thus, it is not always easy to spot it. When left untreated, it may influence their behavior and general state of health. It is in this guide that you will know how to recognize the symptoms of stress, what makes it, how you can easily help your bird relax, and when to contact an avian veterinarian.
How to know whether your bird is under stress or not
Birds can demonstrate the stress not only in their behavior but in the alteration of the body as well. These are some symptoms to be observed:
Behavioral Changes
A cheerful gossiping bird is made to hush up.
Crying or screaming in the absence of any obviously apparent reason.
Not fussing over toys, play-time or time with you any more.
Desires to have time to herself.
Physical Changes
Picking their feathers or messing themselves up.
Breathing faster when the environment is loud or when he has moved abruptly.
Sedentary prostrates in the puff of their feathers.
When these signs last several days then there is a possibility that your bird is in stress.
Typical Stress antecedents of Pet Birds
Birds are most comfortable when things around them and the routines remain the same. They are prone to being made nervous even by slight modifications.
Stress can be caused by such common factors as
Noise on television, music or loud household noise.
Visitors, children, and other pets enter the house.
Change of position of a cage or relocating it to a different place.
Alteration of normal feeding or sleeping schedules.
Previous misfortunes, re-homing or ill-treatment.
There are also birds that are particularly sensitive such as parrots, budgies, cockatiels and lovebirds and may easily be influenced by such changes.
Some Easy Stress Reducing Tips to Your Bird
To achieve a calm bird, the most effective method of keeping it is to make the environment calm and predictable.
Here are some tips
Attempt to maintain feeding and sleep routines in order to allow your bird to establish a regular routine.
Talk very softly to your bird and move around him or her without scaring him/her.
Simply allow your bird room and leave it to you when it is ready.
Prepare a rather quiet and somewhat dark place, and ensure that your bird does not disturb your peace.
As much as possible, do not move the cage around.
All these will make your bird feel secure, trust you more and be happy and healthy.
When to See an Avian Vet
In case your bird continues to exhibit stress, begins shedding feathers, or behaves in a strange manner, then you should really take your bird to an avian vet. Stress over a long period of time would lead to the weakening of their immune system and result in illnesses. Professional help will prevent the fact that things will become more severe and make your bird feel better sooner.
Final Thoughts
Stress isn’t “bad behavior.” It is the way birds express their unease or that things are not good. Birds tend to recover rather fast when they are in a peaceful environment with a stable routine and gentle and understanding treatment. Ensure that your bird is happy and healthy by providing it with a peaceful and quiet environment, lots of love and a routine.
