Like any other pet, birds need stimulation, love and a proper habitat to thrive. Without all of these elements, birds are prone to becoming sad, bored, or depressed. If your Fayetteville NC bird has been acting up, you’ll want to see if you can figure out what is going on with your feathered friend. If your bird is acting up, you’ll want to check with your vet to rule out any physical issues. If Polly checks out physically, there may be a mental or emotional cause for her bad behavior. Loneliness, inadequate habitat, and boredom are some of the most common culprits. Birds need ample cage space, plenty of mental stimulation, and interaction with their people to thrive in a household environment. You’ll also want to be sure your bird’s cage is staying clean; if not, this could be a source of distress for your winged pal. Here are a few examples of behavioral issues in birds:

Screaming

Birds sometimes scream when they are bored, lonely, or getting “cage fever”. While it is normal for birds to chatter or sing all day, a bird that is shouting is often exhibiting signs of distress. Sometimes, however, a bird yelling is normal. For instance, birds love sunrise, and often welcome the new day very loudly. Your bird may also yell at you if you eat in front of him without feeding him.

Biting

Birds that bite may be acting out for several reasons. Generally, you can teach a bird not to bite, but you would need to identify the reasons your bird is biting in order to address the issue properly. Your feathered friend may bite out of fear, anxiety, depression, or boredom. He could also think he is the boss, in which case, some training may be in order.

Feather Pulling

Feather pulling is not normal behavior for a bird. It is an indication of severe distress or depression. If your feathered buddy is pulling out his feathers, you’ll want to immediately check with your vet to determine whether there is a physical issue. If nothing is detected, chances are, something is off with your bird’s habitat or life. Never yell at a bird who is misbehaving. Some birds may think you are talking to them; others may actually enjoy the noise. Any kind of fuss or attention over an incident may be perceived as a reward to the bird. Time outs may not work either, as that may be what the bird was hoping for all along. Please contact your Fayetteville NC vet if your bird is exhibiting any of these behaviors.