Do you worry about if your bird is really happy?

[charlieboy]

Sometimes I wish my bird could tell me if he is really happy. He does look happy and seems to love me but I have a tendency to overthink things, I guess. I really do try my best to keep him happy and to give him all of my love but seeing all of the amazing bird owners here makes me wonder if I should be doing more, if I really am a good bird owner. Am I the only one feeling this way?

 

[sunnysmom]

I always worry about that. I guess we can just try our best.

 

[Davi]

You're definitely not alone! I would imagine that many of us, especially here on Avian Avenue, ask ourselves this question every now and then. I think the important thing is that we keep trying to always improve their lives (with love, care, activities, diet, etc.) and appreciate their presence in ours. We can't give them happiness, so to speak, but we can help create the conditions in which their well-being and wellness can flourish. And we can take comfort in knowing that the happier they are, the happier we become

 

[d_msparkles]

I actually posted this same question last fall. Ultimately I decided that she probably doesn't have the same sense of "happy" that I do. In nature, most important to her would be to feel safe. She has a big cage, lots of toys, and a good diet. She is safe from prey, and gets social time as a bonus. So, I think she is "happy" in her parrot way. But I do worry about it a lot. I feel bad sometimes that I've chosen to have a less domesticated animal as a companion in my home. But in her case, she never lived in the wild so beyond her instincts she doesn't really know anything else.
I always figure the parronts who ask this question are the most loving homes.

 

[Ripshod]

I always make sure my birds have plenty to do. If they're busy they're happy mentally.
If they go quiet for more than a few hours there's either something wrong physically with one of them or it's time for a change. It keeps me on my toes and happy too. Isn't that what it's all about? Anyone can buy a bird, cage, food and toys and throw them together and expect a happy bird. It takes forethought to design the cage layout and activities that will keep a bird busy and mentally active.
Silence will always get my attention.

 

[AutumnRain]

Totally! I always wonder if my bird is happy, and I can't help but think about how much happier she would be if she had never been born into captivity. I try to keep things interesting for her by giving her different toys to play with, different foods to try, daily foraging opportunities, along with lots of love. That's the best I can do for her...I just hope it's enough. She seems to be happy, so I'm grateful for that. Oh, and treats and training are other ways I try to keep her mind busy and her belly happy.

 

[Fergus Mom]

I have wondered this, yes. But then I think of all the neglected birds out there that were maybe an impulse buy, or bought for children too young to assume responsibility, or bought as novelty items and then people lost interest, etc. Which makes me very sad to think of all that. Then I look at mine playing, cavorting around the room or cage chattering away and bouncing around, and think.... YEP, those are some happy birdies!

 

[charlieboy]

@sunnysmom @Davi @d_msparkles @Ripshod @AutumnRain @Fergus Mom Thank you so so much for your replies and suggestions to keep our birdies happy! I'm so glad to hear I'm not alone! Your views on the matter are also very true and they reassure me, so thank you again! I just started target training Charlie and changed a few things in his cage to keep him on his toes!

 

[Fergus Mom]

I just started target training Charlie and changed a few things in his cage to keep him on his toes!

Can't wait to hear how the target training is going!

 

[charlieboy]

Can't wait to hear how the target training is going!

I'll keep you guys updated! Right now he's not afraid of the stick but he doesn't care much for it either, not sure if he associates it with the treat yet but it's a good start!

 

[Mizzely]

I think everyone wonders about this from time to time

 

[WendyN]

Yes, all the time.

 

[conureboys]

I’m constantly thinking about this! Especially with my disabled BCC. Am I doing everything right? Am I doing enough? We all try our very best to provide the very best for our birds, and even being active on this forum to learn and grow shows that.

 

[Sylvester]

All the time.

 

[hrafn]

I wonder this of all my pets, every moment of every day.

 

[d_msparkles]

Aw, @hrafn. Based on what I’ve seen you post, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

 

[Fuzzy]

Yes, I too constantly worry about if they are happy or not.

 

[charlieboy]

We all try our very best to provide the very best for our birds, and even being active on this forum to learn and grow shows that.

I agree with you 100%! So don't worry too much you guys @hrafn @Fuzzy @Sylvester @WendyN

 

[Just-passn-thru]

You're definitely not alone! I would imagine that many of us, especially here on Avian Avenue, ask ourselves this question every now and then. I think the important thing is that we keep trying to always improve their lives (with love, care, activities, diet, etc.) and appreciate their presence in ours. We can't give them happiness, so to speak, but we can help create the conditions in which their well-being and wellness can flourish. And we can take comfort in knowing that the happier they are, the happier we become

Well said.

 

[cassiesdad]

I think everyone wonders about this from time to time

Very true. I don't think it's a bad thing, though...it's just ourselves reminding ourselves to always be thinking on how we can make our charge's lives better...