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.

If a bird becomes excited it doesn’t always mean that it’s upset or angry. However, there are a few behaviors to be aware of and if it does seem your bird is either agitated or exceedingly excited, it’s never a bad idea to keep your finger out of its’ face. Eye pining is when the eye of a bird dilates in and out repeatedly and quickly. This is often a very obvious sign of excitement, as is the flaring of tail feathers. When your bird starts clicking its beak, it is most notably a warning to keep your distance. Wait until the bird has stopped clicking or has been left to calm down over a period of time before attempting to stick your hand in the cage.

Many behaviors, however, are not indications of agitation and instead serve as daily functions for birds. When birds have finished bathing themselves, they will fluff their feathers and look like their flaring in warning. In reality, however, they are simply ridding of the excess debris that has collected between the folds of their feathers. Feather fluffing is also a way to keep warm, so if your bird seems to be doing it outside of bathing, it may be ill. After eating, birds may wipe their beaks on their perch or cage just as another means of keeping clean.

Some behaviors are bird-specific. If your bird has a feather crest atop it’s head, it may flare it when it’s experiencing certain emotions whether it be agitated or happy. Take note of when it happens and try to understand what triggers it. Other birds, such as the Quaker, are named for their unique behavior. Quakers shake frequently for no apparent reason, and some birds will bob their heads out of anxiousness, excitement, or agitation. Most birds will shake after a bath regardless, due to an involuntary muscle spasm in their chest, but take note if your bird seems to do it when in a particular mood.

Other normal behaviors of birds include the grinding of their beak right before they fall asleep, which indicates contentment, or the preening of feathers to keep them neat and clean. Preening is only worrisome when it turns into over-preening and the bird is constantly plucking out or chewing out feathers. Birds also regurgitate food to younger birds and those they care about. So if you and your bird are close enough, you may find that it will regurgitate for you as a sign of affection. Don’t be alarmed. There is a distinct difference between regurgitation and vomit; vomit will stick to the feathers and beak of the bird.

Keep in mind that your bird was not bred to live in a cage, ergo the tight confined environment might bore your pet after a while. Give your bird space to fly free and equipment to play with. Like all pets, birds enjoy some free time and the occasional good toy. If you see your bird attempting to lift off in the cage or shuffling uneasily, it’s a good bet that it’s bored or needing some open air. Consider blocking off a room and letting the bird go. It will appreciate it in the long run and the exercise will relieve a lot of pent up energy. Birds will also nap frequently throughout the day. Birds will usually sleep on one leg, and if the bird looks fluffed and is sleeping on two legs it may be ill.

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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