Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Man's Unexpected Best Friend

By Dominic Lawsen

Despite the endearing tail wagging, hand licking, ball fetching friend that is the dog, pet owners looking for a new best friend need look no further than the cage. Bird cage, that is. Regardless of the many misconceptions surrounding birds-all they do is squawk, bite, and eat-birds are actually quite emotional and can make for fantastic pets. With the proper care, birds can develop intimate bonds with their owners; so much so they will even regurgitate their hard earned food for you! Like dogs or cats, birds are fun, intelligent pets that have been misunderstood for years and are simply looking for a loving owner.

In order to establish said relationship with your feathery friend, an owner must first understand the behaviors and physical attributes displayed by their bird. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your bird is an intelligent, emotional, and living creature. It will experience a range of things from boredom, to attachment, to jealousy and anger. None of these mood swings should make you upset or confused. Simply take some time to observe and understand the behavior sand what triggers them, and you and your bird will be able to respect each other in no time.

One of the most common fears people have when it comes to birds is upsetting their bird. No one wants to get a nasty peck on the finger, and if you understand what your bird is trying to tell you it's easily avoidable. When a bird becomes excited, you may see some eye pining which is when the pupils of the eye dilate in and out repeatedly. They may also start clicking their beaks in an aggressive fashion. If either of these occur, or if they occur at the same time, it's probably smart to keep your fingers out of the birds face. While they may just be excited, it could also be a warning to keep your distance.

Other behaviors you may notice with your bird aren't indicators of excitement and simply serve functional purposes. For instance, when birds finish cleaning themselves they will fluff their feathers in order to realign them and rid of the extra debris clinging between each feather. The act of feather fluffing also generates body heat for your bird, and if you notice your bird fluffing itself excessively and without the act of cleaning, it may be ill. Birds also keep clean by wiping their beaks after eating, whether it be on the perch or cage or even on a wing.

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.

Birds also enjoy playing and getting a chance to fly around. They may start flapping as if attempting to lift off in their cage, and if this is something you notice frequently you may consider giving it some space to fly in. No pet likes to be locked up all day. Also consider providing your bird with different toys or perches to play on. Birds like the stimulation and change from the everyday sitting. They may also take naps during the day while standing on one leg. If you notice the bird fluffed and on two legs while napping, however, it could indicate illness.

Your bird may also become possessive of either you or the cage, and may even show signs of jealous aggression if you get another bird or pet. Birds also have extremely obvious behavior such as hiding when they are scare or freezing in place. They may even beg for food or attention if their being deprived of either, but if it becomes an issue don't be afraid to figure out what triggered it to begin with and change it. Like all pets, birds adapt well to the wishes of an owner that is willing to take the time to work with them and understand them. - 17273

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