Find out how pet birds display their affectionate behavior and bond with their owners
Birds are some of the neediest pet animals I know.
If you’ve had a parrot or know someone who has, you have probably noticed how much they love spending time perched on their shoulder and throw a tantrum anytime they feel ignored.
They also love a cuddle every-so-often and can readily turn into a bitey, self-harming mess if they do not feel loved and wanted.
However, birdies do not only crave affection!
They also give it in generous amounts and have pretty obvious tell-tales when they like you (or hate you more than a little).
A pet bird with a tight bond to the owners will generally be more lively. She will move around more often, perch on his shoulder or finger, engage in conversation, and let the owner cuddle and pet her without acting up.
Crested birds like cockatiels and cockatoos will lay their crest flat on the back of their head with the tip relaxed and curled upwards while enjoying their owner’s company.
Singer and chirpy birds will make melodies to show affection, especially in the morning and evening, while chatty birds, like AG’s, Quakers, Macaws, and Amazons, will engage in endless conversation as a show of endearment.
On the flip side, an unhappy, unaffectionate plummed baby will do the opposite of all things above, become aggressive and loud when you come near her, and may even bite you.
Do Birds Feel Affection from Human Owners
Yes, birds, especially parrots, are pretty aware of how you treat them and never seem to forget a good (or bad) encounter. That is why most will only bond with one or two people in a household and ignore the rest.
The well-being of a loved bird is also evidence that birds feel affection (or lack thereof) from humans. A neglected parrot is usually more aggressive, destructive, ill-behaved, and even self-harming.
A bird that believes you do not like or treat appropriately will most likely try to bite you, throw a tantrum, and become overly irritated anytime you walk in.
If the bird is a parrot, she will scream, ruffle her feathers, and animatedly inside her cage.
I have a friend whose cockatoo didn’t like the brother very much and would act up anytime he was around. The brother went away for more than a year, and his sister’s bird did not (or forget) like him, even after such a long time.
However…parrots will not only dislike you because you do not show them affection. They also get jealous and hate you if they think you are taking away a person they like.
If you become too touchy, cuddly, or close to their owner, they will hate your gut and act up anytime they feel ignored (when you are around).
How Can You Tell if Your Bird, Parrot Likes You
Birds do not talk like humans. They do not show emotions using facial cues either…but if you keep them long enough, you will eventually know how to interpret their body language, including how they show endearment.
Now…to start with, for your bird to like you, she needs to trust you and form a bond as she would with members of her flock out in the wild.
This happens more readily with young, hand-raised birds than older, wild-caught pets.
Some birds are show-offs and will readily perform tricks or vocalize (start talking) when they see you: Clever Pet Owner
Having said that, you can tell a bird likes you if she is excited to see you when you come home or walk into her room. She will bob her head, move around elatedly, jiggle her toys or even call out for you, assuming she is a trained talking bird.
She will try to engage in conversation using the limited vocabulary you’ve taught her, aimed at impressing you .
If you are keen enough, you will also note a subtle feather shake, increased alertness, and interest. Crested birds will lay their crest flat on the head, with the tip delicately curled upwards.
However, you will note that not all pet bird species are too obvious with their feeling. Non-psittacines, like Columbidae (pigeons, doves), finches, canaries, and toucans, can be hard to read.
Most non-parrots also prefer less cuddling and attention and are fine when left alone to engage in typical birdly things contrasted to bonding with you.
Granted, here is a list of signs and behaviors you’ll notice from an affectionate bird, some of which we’ve discussed above.
- Contact calls for you
- Love cuddles
- Coos, sings or purrs for you
- Occasional jealousy nips
- Fluffed feathers
- Regurgitation
- Preen you
- Flapping her wings when you come in
- Lie on your lap or perch on your shoulder
- Tail wagging
- Fly to you when you come home
- Eye pinning and flashing
How Do You Show Love to Your Bird, Parrot
The best way to show love for your bird is to treat her well, especially with parrots that require plenty of human interaction and will remember every bad treatment you’ve ever given them.
Apart from feeding her the appropriate diet, you have to spare time for her. Take a few hours each day to play, cuddle, and teach her new tricks or words.
Pickles, my GCC, is fond of perching on my shoulder or sitting on my desk as I type away on my computer, and I must say, these are some of the most memorable moments for both of us.
If you work from home, you can also let birdie out of the cage to interact with her as you do your chores.
Parrots such as love birds risk falling into depression when they feel neglected.
Granted, get your feathered baby a companion to keep her company while you are away if you are not able to spare plenty of time for your birdie.
You only need to ensure each bird has her own cage, toys, perches, feeding stations, and enrichments.
Speaking of toys and enrichment…
…, most pet birds will appreciate you getting assorted play items and consider that a show of affection.
One other thing that will perhaps work is music. Parrots love good tunes, and listening to some with your bird will help them form a strong bond with you.
Well. that’s all for this post. See you in the next one.
All the best with your plummed baby🦜🐦.