Not only people, but also parrots may suffer from emotional problems and capable of becoming depressed. In birds, this condition often leads to self-destructive behavior, lower immune responses, and an array of other problems. However, it can be difficult to identify if they are depressed, as they not always be able to express their condition. Here are few signs that show if your feathered friend may have problems:
1. Appetite change
Although it can be a symptom of several different types of issues in pet birds, one big indicator of depression is appetite loss. Because birds have such fast metabolisms, it's important to learn to recognize it very quickly if your bird stops eating. Weight loss can come quickly and be very harmful to a bird.
2. Drowsiness and fatigue
Visible signs of drowsiness and fatigue, such as increased sleep time or reduced activity, may indicate depression in a parrot.
3. Feather Plucking
When a bird starts plucking its feathers, it can quickly become a serious problem. If you start noticing bald patches on your bird, ask your veterinarian to check it out for a disease. Once you are certain that there isn't a medical issue in play, then you can try to figure out why your bird is plucking. Many birds start to pluck out of boredom or when they aren't getting enough social interaction. Therefore, scheduling more time with your bird each day may be what your pet needs most of all.
4. Decreased activity and play behavior
Depression leads to decrease in activity, a lack of interest in games and entertainment. If your parrot has become passive and uninterested in toys or activities it used to enjoy, this could be a sign of possible depression.
5. Aggressive behavior
One of the main and most easily recognizable signs of depression is a sudden change in personality. Often in parrots, this manifested itself in the form of aggression. While this behavior may be seasonal and related to hormonal imbalances, persistent uncharacteristic behavior is a sign that the bird is unhappy.
It is important to keep in mind that these signs are also may be related to other physical or psychological problems in the parrot. If you notice one or more symptoms in birds, call your veterinarian immediately. The doctor can diagnose and offer the best advice for your parrot.