All animals are possible to get sick, including birds. However, it is often too difficult to decide whether the birds are sick as they commonly hide the signs of illness. It is even harder for birds parents to tell whether their birds are sick.
Birds, just like other animals, are able to feel emotions and hide those feelings until they become so extreme. One example of the signs of stressed bird can be seen in how to tell that a finch bird is stressed out.
Parrot is one of the common patients of exotic animal vet clinic. The living conditions can lead to some behavioral problems and stress. Stress in parrots can lead to more serious health problems, that’s why it is very important to notice the signs of stress initially. Let’s see the 5 common signs of stress in parrots you must know.
- Plucking Feather
Feather plucking behavior is scientifically known as pterotillomania and it is common for people who live with parrots. This behavior is a common sign of stress and it is estimated that one in ten parrots in captivity pluck their feathers. There are also some other reasons why your bird pets lose their feathers you need to understand as a bird parent.
If you look at a parrot which has lost sections of its plumage and there’s no viable reason to have them missing, then it is likely that it is plucking its feathers.
Feather plucking usually happens only at the body, never from the head. It will develop into a sign of serious anxiety problem once the plucking extends to small wounds on the bird’s skin.
If feather plucking doesn’t not appear because of any underlying medical reason, then it may be related to poor management. The poor management includes an inadequate diet, social isolation, noise pollution and lack of environmental stimulation.
If your parrot has found a mate, then you should get ready that one day, its absence will cause a significant stress too.
If you notice your parrot do feather plucking, then you should bring it to the vet. Your parrots will go through some medical examinations, including blood work to help rule out the other causes of illness.
- Screaming
Continued screaming is another sign of stress in parrots. If you like to abandon your parrots, then they may show this sign. Oral communication in parrots is their natural and common behavior.
However, when their vocalization becomes more acute, frequent and repetitive, then it may be a signal that the birds use to call out in distress.
When the screaming turns into a cry and it becomes more constant and repetitive for no reason, it is surely abnormal and may be a sign of boredom or stress.
Once your parrot starts screaming, then it should be checked out by the vet. Your vet will try to ensure that there is no underlying medical issue behind this behavior.
Some birds are even quiet and if you don’t feel like to have one talkative bird like parrot, choose one of these best quieter pet birds that won’t bother you.
- Stress Walking
Besides being vocal and feather plucking, parrots show signs of stress by stress walking. When a parrot is stress, it will continuously and invariably repeat a route within the cage.
Parrots live in large groups in the wild. However, when they are isolated from other members of their species, they may show certain behaviors, such as foraging.
To overcome this, parrot owner or parent is suggested to introduce a new parrot so that the isolated parrot can get stimulated. Besides, you can also try hiding their food in their cage and allow them to go looking for it. By doing this, they will be able to entertain themselves and reduce stress as well.
- Fear and Excessive Aggression
Another symptom of stress in birds is excessive aggression. Aggression behavior limits the interaction between parrots, especially the ones living in the same cage or between the parrots with their human guardian.
Moreover, many parrots are also exposed to injuries due to this aggression. Fear reaction is also another sign of stress in parrots. A fearful parrot will try to escape or get panic easily. Because of this, this kind of parrot is more likely to be abandoned.
Some objects, animals and people can also trigger fear or aggression. Just make sure to provide a highly-stimulating environment. Individuals in that kind of environment will be less likely to suffer from stress and develop these problems.
- Decreased Appetite
Decreased appetite is a common sign of stress in most animals, including parrots. When a parrot is stress, it may eat less and lose weight as well. Decreased appetite can also be a sign of other health problems.
Once you notice this sign, your vet should be examined thoroughly to make sure that there aren’t any underlying illnesses. Spend time reading 9 cute facts about bird parrot and 7 easy ways to take care of parrot at home to know better about parrots.