Depressed parrot: Animals also suffer from emotional stress. Birds are not the most psychologically vulnerable. Depression in parrots exists and is very recurrent, even if the masters themselves are unaware of it.
The slightest change in dynamics can be enough to generate a lot of anxiety in the parrot. Sometimes, ignorance of this exuberant species causes their owners to put them in situations that are difficult to bear.
The reasons for this discomfort are numerous, as well as the symptoms and the rather limited treatments that exist.
Parrot sad
Parrots can suffer from separation anxiety, which makes them homesick and close to loved ones. If their mate dies or their master abandons them, the most direct effect will be self-destruction. They will stop feeding. Take them out of their natural environment for fear of being fatal to them.
But the reasons for their suffering are not only related to their attachment. Another common reason that can change the mental state of parrots is the traumatic events they experience suddenly. The need to suddenly take off or just hear a high-pitched noise makes them nervous. Fear causes changes in their nervous system.
Another type is related to its interaction with the exterior. If they are subjected to intense cold environments, sudden drafts or their cage is too small, they can also feel depressed and confined.
Symptoms of Depression
A simple change in his breathing can signal that your parrot needs some attention and you need to take care of it. We are talking about a mental state that denotes an advanced state of depression in parrots. This should alert the pet’s master.
Repetitive meaningless behavior and lack of appetite are obvious signs of emotional malaise. After that, he might simply refuse to eat. This can lead to very risky states of health or even death.
The most advanced symptom of an altered mental state in parrots, cockatoos, and Quaker parrots is the loss of feathers. Under a state of exacerbated sadness, these animals can pluck their feathers, and this can be considered an act of self-flagellation. Some may lose most of their plumage, which will make the situation worse.
3 psychological realities that define parrots
Parrots are remarkably intelligent and have the ability to understand a lot of things going on around them. In fact, some researchers believe that this species may even have intelligence comparable to that of a toddler.
Moreover, it is a faithful species with its companions. Once the couple has formed, it generally remains united until the death of one of the two members, even in the wild. Obviously, for them, permanence and attachment are fundamental aspects of their survival and their emotional tranquility.
All this is connected to their intuitions and their physical composition. Today, for example, we know that the parrot has a very fast metabolism. Stopping eating can cause irreparable damage in a short time.
Adopting a parrot
The greatest harm we can do to this species is to adopt it when it is too old. Many traders sell adult parrots or birds. When the parrot arrives in its new foster home, it starts to get depressed
But even when we adopt a parrot at a young age, we must be very careful and prepare a pleasant environment for it. Controlling the temperature and providing them with a large enough cage is the minimum necessary.
And the most important thing is to always pay attention to your parrot’s body language. The fact that they rehearse or sing all the time does not always mean that they are happy all the time.
Treatments for Depression in Parrots
In general, what can be done is to bring together the conditions so that the animal feels in a positive state of mind and finds pleasure. Taking them out for walks regularly is an excellent habit to stimulate their joy.
There is a lot of information on the internet about calming medications, such as Prozac, for relieving depression in parrots. However, the best reaction is to go to your veterinarian to consult the viability of these medical treatments.
Also, we may forget that the best way to prevent and cure depression in parrots is through love and affection.
How to help a depressed parrot
SOURCE: shorter