4. Not Enough Explanation

Birds need to understand what is going on in their environment and we do them a disservice if we don’t explain our actions and expectations. Don’t worry whether they understand or not. Just try it and they’ll surprise you with the results.

All my birds identify noise with the word noise. Instead of freaking out over a loud noise they’ll all say noise and not be bothered by it. My CAG is learning to distinguish between noises. Motorcycles made her anxious, but now that she is learning that it is called motorcycle noise she isn’t concerned about it as she once was. When she hears a motorcycle she just says noise and doesn’t worry about it.

When you go away over night tell your bird how long you’re going away for. Example: You’re going away for “2 Nite Nites” (substitute whatever word you use at night). Tell them you’ll miss them and they’ll be fine.

5. Moving too Fast

It’s not always easy to remember to slow down when we’re around our birds. Sudden movements, especially fast hand movement usually frightens them. If we’re under stress, feeling frustrated because we feel we don’t have enough time to accomplish what we need to accomplish, we radiate that energy and can instantly raise the anxiety level of our birds. We need to slow down. Keep our hands still instead of waving them in our bird’s face. Have someone wave their hands in your face. Do you like it?

6. Not Taking The Time To Observe

One of the greatest pleasures and most important aspects of sharing our lives with birds is watching them. We can learn so much about what they like, what bothers them and what is safe for them by watching them play, interact with other birds and other people. Taking the time to observe can eliminate future problems.

7. Not stimulating their sense of adventure

Birds are naturally curious. They need to be given challenges that stimulate curiosity. Puzzle toys and foraging toys are an important addition to any bird room.

8. Hitting

The fastest way to destroy a bird’s trust is by hitting. NEVER hit your bird.

9. A frustrated bird is not happy

Birds do not understand teasing. It’s cruel. Also be careful of toys that tend to frustrate rather than entertain your bird. Some puzzle toys can entertain your bird for hours, but if she isn’t able to feel any accomplishment or success as a result of her efforts, she can become frustrated. All birds are different so once again, observe.

10. Pushing Your Bird

Pushing your bird to do things he doesn’t want to do probably won’t accomplish a positive outcome. If your bird isn’t in the mood to come out of his cage, or if he doesn’t want to step up or come near this new person you’ve brought to meet him, let him be.

Educate & train your bird to enjoy doing those things that are necessary for a cooperative relationship. Give him good reasons to want to come out of his cage. If instead, you think pressuring is easier and takes less time than educating your bird, don’t be surprised when he responds with his beak.

11. Crowding your bird

Birds like space. Putting their cages too close together or putting birds together in small cages can sometimes be a disaster waiting to happen. Allow your bird to have their own personal space and only put them with other birds when you are absolutely sure they are comfortable sharing space with that bird. Continue to watch the situation. They could change their minds.

12. Having too many

Only you can determine how many birds are too many. But, before you fall in love with another bird you can’t live without, do a serious, honest appraisal of your present situation. Are you giving the necessary time to the bird or birds you already have? Will you be able to afford the extra expense? Why do you really want another bird?