Stress can play an important role in the health of your pigeon. Because pet birds are naturally very sensitive creatures, they tend not to deal with stress as easily as other types of pets, such as cats and dogs.

Being able to recognize stress in your pet bird is important to maintaining an environment in which your feathered friend can grow mentally and physically, so it’s a good idea for bird owners to learn how to manage their bird’s stress levels .

Here are some signs of a pigeon experiencing stress, namely:

1. Hair abnormalities

One of the most common physical indications of stress in domesticated birds is the appearance of stress bars in the plumage. The stress bar is a small line that runs horizontally along the stem of the bird’s feathers. While it is difficult to assess stem stress on a bird’s stationary feathers, examining molted feathers can give a quick indication of whether a bird has a problem with stressors in its environment. Stress bars can be caused by a variety of factors.

2. Aggression

Sudden bouts of aggression in a pet bird can also be a great indicator that the bird is experiencing stress in its environment. Aggressive behavior, such as excessive biting, hissing, lunging, and yelling, can manifest almost overnight when environmental triggers are involved. If you notice this type of behavior change in your pet, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues.

3. Fear or fearful behavior

If a bird that normally enjoys being touched suddenly starts to fear you or the rest of the family, then surely something in that person is triggering the stress-inducing behavior in your feathered friend. It may not even be something the person did directly to the bird, something as simple as a brightly colored shirt, a hat, or a new beard or mustache could trigger the bird’s fearful behavior.

4. Loss of appetite

If a pigeon that normally has a healthy appetite suddenly begins to show less interest in eating, it could be an indicator of stress or a health problem. A good rule of thumb to follow in a situation like this is to make an appointment with an avian veterinarian to make sure the bird isn’t sick or injured. If your feathered friend’s health checkup isn’t working, you can start trying to decipher possible stressors in your home that could be causing your bird’s loss of appetite.

5. destructive behavior

Birds that begin exhibiting destructive behavior are most likely highly stressed, and the most likely culprit in this scenario is boredom. As highly intelligent creatures, captive birds often don’t receive healthy amounts of mental stimulation, which can lead to frustration, stress, unwanted behavior, and even health problems.

If any of these signs of stress are present in your pet’s hymen, here’s how to treat them, including:

1. The right food

Different species of birds have very different nutritional requirements. Even within the same species, diet can differ due to environment.

A diet tailored to meet the needs of your pigeon species is essential. For pigeons, pelleted feed provides optimal nutrition for your bird in an easy-to-eat, easy-to-serve format. Each granule or nugget contains a healthy, baked blend of whole grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits, protein, vitamins and minerals. It is also important to offer your bird fresh vegetables and fruits according to its needs.

2. Safe Environment

The location of the cage can be very important. Some pigeons are very gregarious and need to be with the family as many days as possible. Some nervous birds need to be in a quieter room, but some are still occupied by pigeons for social interaction. Since pigeons are sometimes preyed upon by wild animals, position the cage so that one side is against the wall. This helps keep your bird protected and safe from predators.

Keep the cage away from ceiling fans, which can be seen as large predators flying by. Do not place a permanent cage in front of a window, as your bird cannot relax by looking for enemies, nor can it find shelter from direct sunlight. Be aware of the location of your aviary at night. Nighttime shadows from television or flashing lights can scare birds. Birds are also very sensitive to the behavior of “their flock”. Any disagreement between family members, even children wrestling, can be upsetting to some birds. Read the signs of a depressed cat.

3. sleep

Many species of birds need to sleep 10 to 12 hours every day, it is best to move the pigeon to a quiet and dark place to sleep. A small cage can be set up to sleep in from outside distractions, such as lights or television sounds, and left in the bird’s “bedroom.”

4. Exercise

Exercise is an important factor in relieving stress. In the wild, a bird divides its time between many activities. If a family member goes to work or school all day, offer her a spot for bird energy.

Toys should be provided and rotated regularly to provide new entertainment for the birds. Even food can be “worked” by hiding it in toys, hanging it in a cage, or offering it in a shell so your bird has to break it down first.

5. Mental stimulation

Mental is as important as exercise. This type of stimulation can be obtained from play and practice. Teach your pigeon to practice “stepping forward,” nodding, or flapping its wings on command. This will give you and your bird some bonding time, as well as giving it some much-needed mental stimulation.

6. Tdefine an approach.

If the bird is in a cage and seems very stressed, it is best in the meantime to take it out of the cage and place it in a larger area, as this will prevent it from becoming stressed again. If the bird is in the cage, move the pigeon without stressing it too much.

7. Use a box

Open the box and get as close to your pigeon as possible without disturbing it. Lay the box on its side, with the opening facing the bird.

Use your feet to guide the bird into the box, but be sure not to kick it! Once the bird is inside, lift the box up and close the lid leaving a small opening for air to enter.

8. use blankets

Spread the blanket out and hold it at the top corner, lower your hands and trace slowly. As you get closer to the bird, gently pull back the blanket and pull it over the bird. If the bird gets away, get closer and throw the blanket a little faster than before. If you don’t have a blanket, a shirt or sweater will suffice.

9. Using your hands

Form your middle and index fingers into a V shape, bending them slightly to continue with their tips. Kneel behind the bird and move your hands to the back of its head. Wrap your fingers around the bird’s neck, firm enough to hold but not suffocate. This position will prevent the bird from moving and biting you.

10. Wear gloves

Following the method above, slowly move towards the bird. Using both hands, place one on top of the bird, placing the bird on its wings face up. The other hand should be placed under the front of the bird, so that it can support the breast. Bring both hands to the bird and hold it there until you can place it in a suitable container.

11. Keep birds warm and in the dark

Stress, as in humans, can be treated by keeping the patient warm without disturbing him.

Place the pigeon and leave it in the box, in a heated room or fireplace, or place a blanket over the box as you would a sick chicken.

12. Bird Health Assessment

After approximately 12 hours, examine the bird. The bird may have suffered a decline in health due to stress, but in a good case, the bird is still doing well and improving. At this point, if the bird is still panting or appears to be under pressure, leave it for another 12 hours.

13. Bathing the birds

Birds will be more relaxed if you do it right, one way is to bathe them as a way to deal with a stressed sugar glider.

14. Drying

But don’t let them get wet, try drying them after bathing as a way to deal with the traits of a stressed cat.

15. Play

Let him play freely in a larger area to alleviate his stress symptoms, such as how to tame a kitten.

That’s all that can be said, I hope this article can be useful.