What is my bird saying?
This entry was posted on Monday, January 01. 2007 and is filed under Body Language.
One of the first things you need to pay attention to when getting to know your bird is their body language. It can be very subtle, but many times you can avoid a bite if you pay close attention.
The slightest movement away from you when you ask a bird to step up, tells you that he is not ready at that moment. If you continue to force yourself on him, don't be surprised if you get a nip or something worse.
Pinning of the pupils tells you that he is on alert or excited. This could be a precursor to a bite, so at any rate, be cautious. The flairing of the tail says the same thing...Possible danger ahead!
Lunging toward you as you walk by is pretty clear...Get out of my way-You are in my personal space!
On the other hand, as you reach toward your bird and he puts his head down, he is asking for a scratch on the head! If you rub his feathers the wrong way, this may result in a quick "Ouch!" (nip).
Getting fluffy and 'purring' are definitely signs of contentment as you preen your bird. Regurgitation is a sign of bonding with you. This behavior is saved for their mate in the wild.
Pacing back and forth on a perch is a neurotic behavior. Your bird is desperate for exercise, desperate to move from it's current location to another surface or area. His feet hurt. Pick him up. Rub his feet. Give him something to do. We see this in birds who spend a lot of time on a T-perch away from their cage as well as with birds who are locked in their cage all day with no toys. You try standing in the same spot all day long without moving and you will get the idea.
The slightest movement away from you when you ask a bird to step up, tells you that he is not ready at that moment. If you continue to force yourself on him, don't be surprised if you get a nip or something worse.
Pinning of the pupils tells you that he is on alert or excited. This could be a precursor to a bite, so at any rate, be cautious. The flairing of the tail says the same thing...Possible danger ahead!
Lunging toward you as you walk by is pretty clear...Get out of my way-You are in my personal space!
On the other hand, as you reach toward your bird and he puts his head down, he is asking for a scratch on the head! If you rub his feathers the wrong way, this may result in a quick "Ouch!" (nip).
Getting fluffy and 'purring' are definitely signs of contentment as you preen your bird. Regurgitation is a sign of bonding with you. This behavior is saved for their mate in the wild.
Pacing back and forth on a perch is a neurotic behavior. Your bird is desperate for exercise, desperate to move from it's current location to another surface or area. His feet hurt. Pick him up. Rub his feet. Give him something to do. We see this in birds who spend a lot of time on a T-perch away from their cage as well as with birds who are locked in their cage all day with no toys. You try standing in the same spot all day long without moving and you will get the idea.
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Friday, January 26. 2007
Cindi Eppers wrote:
This is great! You've got so much to tell us people who live with feathered friends. Thank you so much!
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Sunday, January 28. 2007
Braxton Miller wrote:
I want to thank you for your article and the "GOOD" work you are doing.
You are amazing people.
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Thursday, April 26. 2007
Cindi Eppers wrote:
Pinning of the pupils is supposed to be a sign of excitement in most birds. My Blue Crowned Conure (obtained through SHAPS) sits on my shoulder every night telling me, "I love you," over and over again. He never fails to pin his eyes right before he says this. What a cutie!
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Tuesday, August 07. 2007
Billy Hughes wrote:
The bottom line is communication and communication requires at least two participants. I have a 7 year old Scarlet Macaw, named Baby, who is a wonderful communicator. There is no mistaken when she does not wish to be handled. Nor is there any doubt when she wants to cuddle. But as these birds are all individuals, Baby has some strange habits. My wife places her hand in front of Baby for an effortless “Step Up”. I must place my hand behind her feet, in full view, and allow her to step up (back) that way. This is always followed by a quick peck (no pain) on my forearm, followed by a slight earthquake and alls well with the world. Now I can get on with my job as the flock preener. Baby will let me know if I’ve gotten to close to a blood feather but by no means am I to stop. Then she rubs her beak on my whiskers which apparently gives her a great deal of pleasure. And I’ve gotten almost as good at imitating her sounds as she has with ours. So the communication is a constant, on all levels.
Billy Hughes
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