Mental and emotional health intersect throughout the animal kingdom. Some of the same signs of distress we find in our human lives are similar to what a stressed bird is experiencing. Here are six signs of stress and steps to take for proper bird care.
Aggression and Loss of Appetite
Look out for aggressive behavior like biting, hissing, agitation, and attacking when trying to take him out of his cage or pet him. Aggression is not only a sign of stress but loneliness and depression due to unmet needs for companionship or socialization.
Over time if birds don't get out of their cage enough, they can resent their confinement and regress to pre-socialization eras leading to fear and other antisocial behaviors. Loss of appetite occurs too, wherein' your bird won't eat as it's become less of an essential need. The freedom birds feel when flying, as is their natural way of life, cannot be stunted without consequence.
Intemperate Screaming
If he screams uncontrollably when caged, he's likely been in there too long. Screaming indicates a sign of distress and unhappiness. We tend to yell when our needs aren't met too. Check that your bird has enough water, nutritious food, and flight time. When your bird is going off at the beak, he's telling you he is unhappy and discontent.
Lack of Vocalization
Is your bird less chatty and more isolated? A lack of vocalization indicates a lack of socialization. Birds flock and need communication from their human family. Talk to your bird and let him play while you handle chores or other low-stress tasks in the house. Bird care via bird boarding could be helpful.
Stress Lines and Self-Injury
Birds can develop stress (horizontal) bars on their feathers, pick them, and hurt themselves when in distress. Causes can be changes in their environment like the wrong thermostat temperature or loud noises such as lawn mowers, heavy construction, or house parties.
How To Help a Stressed Bird
Being caged all week long is like quarantine for birds; they'll get stir crazy as a human with cabin fever. A common root of bird stress is a lack of socialization with their species and humans. Birds need talk time and interaction every day. Start bringing your bird out of its cage more often. Let him fly, enjoy treats, and get acclimated to belly and head rubs again.
If you've found yourself busy with the cycles of life, it's understandable that you've not had much time left over for your feather baby. To cover all your bases, take your bird for a check-up at the vet to ensure there are no underlying health issues. Fit in a run to the pet store with your birdie and grab new toys. To keep stress at bay, your bird will need a lot of TLC.
Pampering your feathery prince or princess is like hitting reset. Our daycare and grooming services can take the edge off. They'll kick back, vocalize, and get some much-needed birdie time.
Check out our Services and call to make arrangements.