Today’s guest post tackles a common issue with captive birds – depression.
Preventing Depression in Birds
By Robert Lobitz
Pet birds can be some of the most rewarding pets to own, but they come with a lot more needs and potential problems than other pets, like cats and dogs. One of the most common issues is depression. I know that sounds silly, but birds are sensitive and can easily fall into what we would identify as sadness and depression.
The most common signs of depression in caged birds are pretty simple and very obvious. You will see a loss of appetite, irritability that was not a problem before and feather plucking. Feather plucking can be the most distressing thing you may ever see your bird doing, but it’s not as awful as it seems. Many new bird owners freak out when they walk into the room, their bird cages are strewn with discarded feathers and their birds are naked from the neck down.
So, how do we prevent this unpleasant situation for both our birds and ourselves? The most important thing you can do is to bond with your birds and make sure you have a lifestyle that allows you to spend time with your bird. Birds get lonely very easily and some breeds can even suffer from health issues as a result.
Another one of the best options is to buy parrots in pairs. This, obviously, doubles our costs and the care that you need to have. But, having a companion that is around 24 hours a day will pretty much eliminate the loneliness problem. The only problem from that point is that they may bond with each other more than they will with you.
Lastly, both of these solutions should be coupled with the use of toys and bird mirrors like those you can find at BirdCages.net. Keeping your bird entertained makes a big difference. Also, some birds are tricked by the mirrors into thinking that there is another bird in the cage. It may seem dumb, but it’s effective.
??? How do you prevent boredom and depression in your pet birds? Please post in the comments below.
Author Bio
Robert Lobitz has 15 years of writing experience in writing about anything pet related.
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I took your advice and got some more toys and a bigger cage — I have a new bird. It’s easy to see he’s so much happier.
Maybe that’s why my parakeet has been feather plucking…….
It depends on us,I also spent lot of time with my bird.
Lesley Smith
I’m surprised to read about this because my bird hasn’t seemed bored or depressed but we do spend a lot of time with her.
My husband has threatened divorce if I buy anything more for my birds. ROFL He knows it won’t work but he tries! Please remember bird rescues when you’re buying or giving away bird toys or equipment.
Maybe we should sprinkle a little pro-zac in their bird seed 😉
I always love a good excuse to go shopping for my birds & dogs, thanks
feather plucking could be a symptom of something else too. It’s a good idea to look into it more just in case. Sometimes its their diet or they’re sick.
Great tips!
We move her cage around a lot, she likes to look out the window. I also have three different bags of toys so when I take one set out to clean another goes in. It’s like she has new toys all the time.
Oh I so want a bigger cage and another bird….thanks for giving me another excuse! 😉
I have a bunch of birds so depression and boredom hasn’t been a problem for them but I know of others that have experienced it.