Parro’Talks Behavior - How to help a stressed bird?
As Diwali, the Hindu New Year, approaches with great ceremonial and festive pomp, it becomes important for us to help our pet birds to cope with the loud noise, flashing lights and fatal smell from the firecrackers. While we celebrate the new year, it shouldn’t be traumatizing for our pet bird at the same time. Fireworks engage almost all of our senses and this also applies to all birds and animals. They are very scary for our pets that don’t expect them or understand them. Pets often go into fight or flight mode during fireworks celebrations. Anything that is unexpected and out of the ordinary routine and involves sensory overload will freak your parrot out.
Wing flapping, feather chewing, screaming, and all fear-related behaviors may ensue. Some parrots are prone to developing ongoing trauma-related behaviors, so you’ll want to ensure that you are there to help your scared parrot. Anticipate that your pet bird may become extremely distressed during fireworks celebrations. Comfort your parrot by staying nearby and preparing them and their immediate environment. But, you can also plan ahead, and the time is now! Here’s how to plan for the next big bang.
- Know your bird
Closely observe how and when your bird reacts to sudden loud noises like sneezing, claps, thunder, door banging and other loud non-frequent yet frequent sounds. This enables you to predict their sensitivity towards such sounds and helps you be prepared for the stress-peak that the bird might reach. - Socialize!
Use sudden noises, like the ones I mentioned above, to occasionally get your bird used to them. Use lower volume initially and gradually increase it. A general 30–60 minutes a day can also help. Reward the calm behavior with lots of positive reinforcement, appreciation and occasional treats. DO NO TRY desensitizing your bird with different smells! Birds have really sensitive lungs and that can be hazardous and could lead to major, or even permanent, respiratory issues. Make sure this is done under close supervision. - Stay Calm yet Supportive: Parrots are prone to anxiety, especially in new or unexpected situations. Even if your bird is not anxious, always plan to reinforce calm behavior rather than the anxious behavior. Label the calm behavior with a word like “settle.” When you notice your bird acting anxious, ignore it until it calms down. Then, as soon as it calms down, offer it a delicious treat. If you panic when the bird does, the bird will panic even more. They look up to you for support. Don’t validate their stress by extreme reassurance
- Exercise Wellness
The most important yet underrated de-stressing factor is providing your parrot with the optimal amount of food, water, enrichment and exercise. And doing this before the celebrations start is crucial for the bird’s energy levels to be at normal. - Environmental Changes
Temporary changes in the birds usual environment to help them cope with the stress can also be made. Changing the bird’s cage location to a well-ventilated and hygienic bathroom can help push the sound and light flashes to a significantly lower level. Removing the perch for that time can help your bird be safer if you think they are prone to panic-flying inside the cage. Using calming music to relax your bird and to eliminate the surrounding sounds. Start acclimatizing your bird to sleeping in a well-ventilated and covered cage. - Veterinarian to the rescue!
Avian relaxation supplements such as UnRuffledRx Parrot Calming Formula or UnRuffledRx Bird Calming Tea are very helpful in calming your parrots’ nerves on the big day. These natural supplements calm anxieties in parrots with no side-effects. Simply mix one of these supplements with your parrot’s favorite fresh fruits and veggies for several days before the celebration. Ask your vet to help you with prescriptions for locally available alternatives.
