Birds in the Family

Every good caretaker does what they can to make their birds happy. Our birds are our lovable companions, and we want to make sure they live the best life possible! Here’s a listicle on how to know your feathered friend is enjoying his/her life!

1. Beak Grinding

Beak grinding happens when your bird feels safe and comfortable. They do it before they fall asleep.

2. Singing

Not all birds sing, some are quieter than others. Frosty, even though he’s a male, is much quieter than Crystal (Pique-Pique), who’s a female cockatiel. She adores singing, especially when we join her!
Singing is a way for birds to attract a mate, practice their skills, marking territory, bonding with his/her flock, or expressing contentment. They might add sounds they’ve learned, like kisses or the beeping of a microwave, to their songs.

3. Brief Tail Wag

A brief tail wag, in many birds, shows that a bird is happy or excited. They wag their tail quickly left and right for a short time.

4. Fluffing Up & Shaking Him/Herself

Every bird is different, and this may vary according to the context of other behaviors. Frosty does this with a brief tail wag whenever he comes out of the cage, and Crystal (Pique-Pique) does this whenever she’s sitting peacefully on top of the cage.
Again, this behavior’s meaning may vary depending on your birds condition. It can also be a sign of sickness.

5. Nipping

Nipping, especially for conures, can be a sign of excitement. Gomboc does this very often. She used to bite very hard, but after some training, she’s not being as harsh.
If it’s followed by playing or attention, your bird is happy. Otherwise, she/he might just be being territorial over something (like how Gomboc is territorial over her food bowl).

6. Chattering/Chirping

Birds chirp and chatter as a form of communication to members of their flock. This shows that they’re in a friendly, bonding mood.

7. Head Bobbing

Young birds do this when they’re asking for attention. It can also show that your bird is excited, playful, or enjoying the attention he/she is getting from you.

8. Stretching

Stretching one wing at a time, especially with a foot on the same side, shows that your bird is feeling at ease with you and the environment. All of our birds do this, sometimes followed with stretching their wings upward (and outward at times).

9. Hanging Upside-down

Our cockatiels don’t do this, but Gomboc sure does! She does it whenever she’s happy, playful, or excited. It’s also a way of showing your bird is joyful and trusts you, because this is a vulnerable position for them.

10. Preening

Preening is natural for all birds. They do it to keep their feathers in order, and to clean themselves. When your bird preens around you, it shows that he/she is comfortable and trusts you.

11. Regurgitating Food

Birds regurgitate food to feed to their young or their mate. So if your bird is regurgitating food for you, you and him/her are very well bonded! However, this should be discouraged, because overdoing it would lead to health risks. If your bird gets attention from regurgitating, he/she will be doing it excessively.
Regurgitating food might also show that your bird has some kind of sickness. If you find it following any other signs, take your bird for a visit to the vet immediately!

12. Posture

The posture of a happy bird is slightly lowered wings, and perching upright.

13. Closing His/Her Eyes While He/She is Perching on You

Birds close their eyes to sleep (obviously). Sleeping on you is a sign of trust and comfort, as birds are very vulnerable in this way.

The best way to know if your bird is happy is if you see multiple of the listed behaviors in her/him. Of course, every bird is unique, and will express her/his happiness in her/his own way.
We hope you find that your feathered friends share with you the joy they bring to your home! ❤️🦜