Bird Behavior – Normal & Abnormal from the AAV. 

Juvenile feeding behavior and defensive behavior

            Baby altricial (hatched naked and fed by the parents) birds have normal behaviors designed to either obtain food or protect themselves from danger.  The first is the begging/chirping that prompts the parents to regurgitate food.  When the parents begin to feed, the young bird begins head-bobbing to keep the flow of food coming from the parent.  Another normal behavior of baby psittacines is “swaying and growling” when the nest is disturbed.  This behavior is self-defense designed to frighten away predators and gradually ceases as the bird weans.  

Social noise

            In the wild, many species of birds congregate morning and at dusk for social interaction.  These activities include screaming, eating, and grooming.  A common complaint in the pet home is that pet psittacines scream morning and evening.  This is normal behavior of the bird and it may be unrealistic to expect it to change.  The bird will consider the humans in it’s home as its social contact, and want to maintain the “communication” it would normally have with other birds.  Try using this time to interact with the bird.  Social activity is an important part of the birds day, and may serve to form a bond between you and the bird.  The best attitude is to let the bird have its social noise and accept it as part of keeping a bird as a pet.  If the bird(s) are outdoors, try to prevent neighbor complaints; create a sound buffer between birds and neighbors.

Biting

            Birds bite, some more than others.  Controlling or deflecting the biting reflex is the answer.  Birds also bite to hold on to lift themselves up, like using a third hand.  This is “grasping” rather than biting.  Birds bite in self-defense.  Until a bird is tamed and accustomed to handling by humans, it will try to bite.  Avoidance of the bite until the bird is conditioned to handling is the best response.  If biting becomes a problem, consult your veterinarian for the name of a reputable trainer.

Sleeping habits

            Many birds, especially smaller psittacines, sleep comfortably hanging on the side of the cage or aviary by their beak and feet.  Birds may also choose to sleep or bathe out in the rain or unprotected in cold weather, and do not seem to suffer from the inconvenience.  It is best not to disturb birds that have roosted outdoors for the night, no matter how uncomfortable they may appear, as they may not find another suitable perch before dark.

Inappropriate copulating behavior

            Birds that are not paired with suitable mates or that are bonded with their owners, may attempt unnatural copulation.  The targets of this misplaced behavior are often cage fixtures, toys, human hands, or other-species cage mates.  Such behavior should not be encouraged.  Seeking a same-species mate for the bird, or removing the inappropriate objects of the bird’s affections, are the most common responses to the problem. 

            Birds ideally should be paired with a mate of the same species.   If two species are paired that may produce hybrid offspring, it is best they be separated and properly paired.  If the birds are cagemates where reproduction cannot possibly occur, such as a cockatiel and a budgie, the birds are of similar size, and one is not injuring the other, no harm is done permitting them to remain together. 

Talking birds

          Some parrots and softbills talk, most do not.  If you want to teach the bird a few words, it is best to separate them from other birds as early as possible, and teach them by repetition.  Investigate which species are likely to talk before purchase, if talking ability is important in your choice of a pet bird.

Feather/skin picking

            Birds that have underlying disease problems or psychological problems may pull feathers or tear at their own or another bird’s skin.  The bird should be seen my an avian veterinarian at the first sign of feather picking.  Watch for an unusual number of feathers of the bottom of the cage.  This behavior is often precipitated by the absence of the primary owner, or by isolation or boredom.  Birds with nothing to do all day are strong candidates for this disorder.  If one bird is pulling feathers from a cagemate, the birds should be separated, as this behavior can sometimes lead to injury if the feather pulling becomes too aggressive.  Normal molt is a semiannual event not related to behavior.

Obsessive/compulsive behavior

            If the bird develops a pattern of behavior that is nonsensical, incessant, or habitual, such as pacing, head bobbing, rocking, swinging the head or body, or spinning, it should be examined by a veterinarian.  Causes could range from disease to boredom.  Disease should first be ruled out as a cause, but boredom is a frequent cause of obsessive behavior.  Every attempt should be made to provide the bird with environmental enhancements such as toys or interesting foods.  Non-toxic, non-injurious items that the bird can destroy or take apart are one choice.  Ask your veterinarian for the AAV brochure on Enhancing Your Bird’s Life.

Observation

            Observation is the best tool for helping your veterinarian with a diagnosis.  If the bird exhibits behavior problems, make notes or make a video to take to the veterinarian for evaluation.  Birds will often continue to eat andn drink when they are sick.  This is called “masking” and is used to hide a weakened condition from predators.  Ask your veterinarian for the AAV brochure “Signs of Illness in Birds”.

Avoid

• sandpaper perches
• air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, insecticides, and toxic fumes from overheated Teflon-coated utensils
• mite boxes or mite sprays
• easily dismantled toys such as balsa wood, small link chain items, toys with metal clips or skewers, toys with lead weights
• access to toxic household plants, stoves or fireplaces, ceiling fans, uncovered toilets, leaded glass, cats, dogs, or young children
• access to cage substrate

© 1998 Association of Avian Veterinarians