Depression in pet birds is more common than you might think. Check for the signs that mean your bird is not in its usual cheerful mood. Many symptoms of depression also could point to an illness, so it is a good idea to visit the avian veterinarian for a checkup. Learn the small changes that can bring back those happy chirps

Causes of Bird Depression

Depression in pet birds has a number of causes, both mental and physical. Any illness or recovery from being sick and result in the bird being less chipper. The mental and psychological stresses that can lead your bird to be blue include a change in cage position, boredom, the death of a partner, or the loss of a favorite toy.

Symptoms

You should know your bird's usual level of activity and sociability. Any change can be a sign that the bird is under stress or becoming depressed. Symptoms of a depressed bird can include:

Fluffed-up feathers

Loss of appetite

Change in droppings

Irritability

Feather-plucking

Aggression

Change in vocalizations

Constant head bobbing

Stress bars on the feathers

Note any signs that your bird could be sick physically rather than just blue. In addition to the above, which can also be seen in many illnesses, look for red, inflamed, or runny cere or eyes, open-mouthed breathing, and tail bobbing.

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What to Do

If you notice your bird showing any of these symptoms, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your avian vet for a full check-up. If the vet finds no medical reason for your bird's symptoms, depression could be the cause.

You may try these steps to help your bird come out of the blues: