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Behavior of Pet Birds

ByLaurie Hess, DVM, DABVP, The MSD Veterinary Manual
Reviewed/Revised Apr 2025

Do Pet Birds Have Behavior Problems?

Birds are social and can get lonely if they don’t get enough attention. If they're not stimulated enough, they can develop behavior problems like biting, screaming, or pulling out their feathers. Boredom is a big reason for these unwanted behaviors, so it's important to provide ways for birds to stay active and interested.

To keep your bird entertained, you can play music or leave a TV on nearby. You can also hide small pieces of food around the cage for them to find. Regularly spending time with your bird, especially for training, helps keep them happy.

Giving your bird enough sleep is also important. Birds often sleep when their owners do, but they also need naps. If you have more than one pet bird, talk to your vet to find out if your birds should live together or separately, because some birds prefer their own space.

Keeping these things in mind will help your bird lead a healthy and happy life!

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