Parrots are one of the most popular pet choices for people on the planet, and much like a dog, are considered to be incredibly loyal, intelligent, and affectionate. However, a parrot’s emotional health is just as important as their physical health. Parrots can get anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues just like humans do. A recent report from the RSPCA in the United Kingdom detailed a startling case of emotional distress in a 9-year-old, African grey parrot, called Jesse. Jesse was taken into care after the death of his owner and demonstrated intense signs of grief, depression, and anxiety. He fell completely silent, (except for the occasional goodbye he whispered to staff) and caused himself considerably harm and discomfort by plucking his feathers out.
Jesse is doing great now, but not all signs of emotional distress are as easy to spot as Jesse’s. It’s important that you’re able to recognize the signs and symptoms as soon as possible so that you can help your parrot overcome them. Here are some signs that could indicate that your parrot has an underlying mental health issue and what you can do to get your birdy back to its normal chirpy self.
Signs of Depression
Researchers at Purdue University and the University of California have found that the brain of a parrot is remarkably similar to that of a human’s brain (in terms of its structure and function). This makes them very similar to humans in regards to their emotional intelligence, so it makes sense for them to experience depression or anxiety just like we do. If your parrot is slowing down and not doing as much as they usually do, they may be experiencing depression. You might notice that they’re not playing or eating as much as usual. They might also seem restless, and struggle to get comfortable. These are all signs that something is wrong, and should not be ignored. There are a few things you can do to help your parrot out of depression if it’s mild, without seeking veterinary help. You can spend more time with them and provide them with extra stimuli. A change in their environment can also work wonders. You can also try distracting them with a new toy or some treats. But if the symptoms continue, the depression may be more severe, and at this point, it’s best to see a vet for advice on how to best handle the situation.
Signs of Anxiety
Signs of anxiety in a parrot can be hard to spot at first, as parrots tend to have mood swings when they are perfectly healthy. If you’ve been keeping a parrot as a pet for some time, this is something you’ve definitely experienced! So, it’s important to keep an eye out for any sudden changes in your parrot’s habits. For example, if you normally wake up and your parrot is there to greet you at the cage, and they’re suddenly hidden or trying to hide, this could mean they’re experiencing anxiety.
Another common sign of anxiety is screaming. Parrots typically scream in response to changes in their routine, such as not getting fed at the same time every morning. But if you notice that your bird has been screaming when they usually don’t or it seems like they’re screaming more often than usual, then this could be a sign of anxiety. Increased aggression is another sign of anxiety in a parrot. If you’ve never seen your parrot bite before and now it seems like they’re biting everyone who comes near them, this might be a sign of stress. This aggression may also be turned inward, with aggressive feather plucking also a sign that something is not right.
How to Help a Parrot with Mental Health Issues
There are a number of ways to help your parrot. One way is by increasing their socialization. Your parrot might be experiencing a problem because it isn’t getting enough attention from you. Parrots are social creatures, so the more time you spend with your birdy, the less likely it’ll experience mental health issues. Playtime is also very important, playing with your parrot for at least an hour day, will keep its mind active and engaged. And last but not least, feed it a healthy diet. Diet plays a massive role in making sure your parrot is well and happy. To get the correct nutrients, your bird needs to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day just like humans do. This can make all the difference when dealing with mental issues.
When it comes to a parrot’s mental health, it’s important to know what you are looking for and to address any issues as soon as they arise. It can be difficult to tell whether or not your parrot has psychological issues. But, with a little research and awareness, you can take the steps necessary to help your parrot overcome even the most challenging times in its life.
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