Photo by Dave Location: Moab, UT Leaning in: Galah "Bondi"
I have to say, I'm in the defense of the birds on this topic! You may be wondering why your bird is sooo nice one day, and so damn moody the next. Well, I could pretty much ask any human being the same question. Why one day is someone so nice to me, the next they're getting upset over the littlest of things? Hell, I could ask myself the same question!
Have you ever noticed yourself getting agitated based off an annoying tune that comes on without realizing it? I've literally been calm and collected with my husband and then a song comes on that just tweaks us both out of whack and we don't even realize it, suddenly we're picking fights with one another and blaming each other for the stupidest things when we both shout, "Turn off that damn song!" and once it's switched over... ahhh... we're okay again.
The weirdest things can tweak us out and bend us out of shape. There's a couple noises the birds make that drive me UP THE WALL... it's like "insta-annoy" me. If it happens I lose patience no matter what I'm doing and it's instant.
Photo by Dave Location: Some arena somewhere With: Toco Toucan "Rocko"
When we're irritable, it's not good to hang around our animals as they pick up on it and can do things that will easily trigger a worse mood. If you're so mad that anything will set you over the edge (an unexpected bird bite, a scream in the face from your feathered loved one...) and you'll lash out screaming back or wanting to do something you know you shouldn't (spray bottles are for bath times, not punishment!) then you should really just distance yourself til you're over your funk.
Just like if your bird is extra moody one day, give him his space to get over it as well. No one likes being forced over something, "Get over it." it's not the nicest way to talk someone out of something they're upset about.
If your bird is moody look at the season, check if he's molting and things are uncomfortable (periods just as easily effect women, don't they? They make us bloated and uncomfortable among other things!) look at the facts of life; not every day is going to be perfect.
Photo by Jamieleigh Location: Dodge City, KS Shown: Toco Toucan "Rocko", Galah "Bandit"
Is your bird eating healthy? Exercising? All the things that make living things feel GOOD?
Maybe it's your interpretation. Maybe the bird thinks he is being playful and cute and you're taking it personally. There are a lot of times when I'm playfully making fun of Dave and depending on HIS mood, he either plays along or gets offended. So it's not necessarily just about your bird's moodiness as it is yours with the combination of his.
The other things to think about are the health issues of the bird, is it feeling sick? It could be a sign. Also it may just be a lash out for lack of attention... maybe it's time to get out that training kit that is still in the original wrap ;)
No one likes to hang out with a person or animal that is being moody... so put him away and try again later, it's always an option!
Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.
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