Human has to make friends to have a good interaction. I mean, if you don’t have friends then who will you ask about yesterday’s homework, with whom will you go out to taste the new food item that has been just launched in Domino’s, or whom would you ask what to do when you are deadly nervous in front of your new crush? See, what I was talking about! Friends are important, but not always in “human” form.

Human are interesting, they can become “friends” or they can become “enemies”. It’s like two faces of a coin, can be either one. But if you want to make sure you get a “friend” like the real one, then pet an animal. Especially, a bird – (to be honest all the animals are pettable, but I have a soft corner for birds) -they can sing for you.

So, let’s assume you are just like me who likes to gaze onto the white pigeons flying with a flock covering the whole sky. Or perhaps you like how those little creatures sing so magnificently, bringing life to any surrounding.  Intrigued by all these you plan to buy a couple of birds, and then what?

You have some flying creatures at your home! Flying here and there, up and above – and all your dream of having birds as “pet” starts to fade when reality hits; and it really hits hard if you are unprepared.

Similar topics: pet birds that talk, cuddly birds, types of pet birds, how to care for a pet bird, best pet birds, how to pet birds.

Let’s make this easy for you, we are going to include some of the basic steps of “How to care of a pet bird” that have to be maintained and followed religiously if you want healthy-living birds, happily cherishing for you every time you pass by.

Know the birds first before you want to pet them: 

Not all birds are going to embrace it when you take the initiative to get closer to them, aka pet them. There are birds, such as canaries and finches who like to interact more with each other than with a human, whereas there are cockatiels and parrots that are livelier around human more than with their own species. And that’s because not all birds can open up to their keeper at the first interaction (even that’s difficult for humans too, right?) You just have to give them some time so that get accustomed to their new surroundings, food, temperature and above all, you.

The way you approach them, matters:

Now, let’s not be all so greedy when you see those “fluffy litols”. Yeah, it can be tempting to hold them and shower them with kisses, but NO. You have to approach them slowly, and they should know you are around them – they don’t like any sudden “attacks”. You can also talk to them so that they get familiar with your voice.

Check out their body language – that says a lot:

Since birds can’t speak, they express their emotions with body language and voice. Notice how the bird reacts when you first try to reach them. They will act uncomfortable, stiff and stare you straight as you try to touch them. They will attempt to bite or move away from you – these are all signs that they are not comfortable around you and need time to warm up. On the other hand, compare these behaviors to a few weeks after your continued exposure to them; they will open up more. They will bow their heads more when you hold them to get your love, fluff its feathers more to get your attention, and close their eyes more often – these are the signs that show they like you more and consider you as their closed ones. Offer them toys to play to get acquire trust.

Know where you CAN’T touch:

NO, you can’t touch all of their body just because they are birds; YES, there are few spots that birds consider “inappropriate”. For example, a specific type of parrot considers touching below the neck as one of the breeding ritual behaviors. You may have no idea why your bird got all so strange and start fluffing its wings on your face just because you tried to tingle it below its neck- but according to the poor parrot “the deed is done”.

That’s why, I ask you to do some research on your birds, their species and rituals before you start to pet them.

More On How To Care Of A Pet Bird

Know where you CAN touch:

Well, there are some places that birds like to be petted that make them feel loved and adored. Follow their direction of feathers. The golden rule is to pet them against the direction of features, gently. If your bird is cozy and comfortable around you, you can pet the skin behind its beak and head. Make sure your hands are not touching their eyes or any place from the head towards the tail.

Take your birds to the veterinarian, regularly: 

Birds are basically wild animals that, by nature, are good to hide an early sign of serious disease because they have the constant fear of getting eaten. So, even if your birds appear healthy and fully-functional, its highly important that you take your birds to the veterinarian regularly. Most of the serious bird diseases can be solved if they are caught at the early stages, so you get the importance.

There are few symptoms of diseases that, if shown in your birds, have to be taken to the vet almost immediately. These are:

• Sudden weight loss
• Change in body color and texture of it
• Any discharges from eyes and nose, or swelling
• Disoriented feathers
• Frequent sneezing
• Lack of appetite to eat and play
• Inactivity in a playful active bird
• Blood on the bird and in the cage
• Lumps on the body, swollen feet, and joints
• Decreased calling, talking, and singing

The first moment you see any of these, place an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you can. This single step can save the life of a poor soul that you dearly love.

Final words

Petting birds require a lot of your patience and undivided attention. But I’m sure you are willing to invest a little part of yours so that you get the whole of their world, in return.

This is all about how to care for a pet bird.

Happy Birding!