Parakeets fluff their feathers for a number of reasons.
Parakeets are small birds in the parrot order Psittaciformes and are among the most common birds kept as pets. Although they can strongly bond with their owners, they also tend to be skittish and easily frightened. Parakeets can puff up their feathers for a number of reasons, including to warm up, as a result of illness, as part of a mating ritual or to exhibit territoriality and dominance.
Health Problems
Feather fluffing can indicate a serious health problem because parakeets fluff their feathers when they develop a variety of infections. If you own a female bird, the most serious potential illness is egg binding, a life threatening condition in which the bird's egg becomes lodged in its reproductive tract. Diarrhea, intestinal parasites and respiratory infections can also cause a bird to fluff its feathers. If your parakeet is spending the majority of its time on the floor of its cage, is not eating, is shivering or lethargic, seek immediate care from a qualified avian veterinarian.
Husbandry Problems
Some birds puff up their feathers when under chronic stress. If your bird is closely bonded to you, it may puff up its feathers when you approach as a way of seeking help. If you house more than one bird in the same enclosure, check for signs of fighting, which can cause serious stress, severe injuries and feather fluffing. If you notice that either bird has wounds, separate them immediately. Some parakeets housed in loud areas of the home may exhibit frequent feather fluffing. Move your bird to a quiet room in your house away from televisions and other pets. Place a drape over your bird's cage each night.
Behavioral Problems
If your bird only fluffs its feathers when you approach its cage, it may feel afraid of you. Ease your bird's fears by approaching the cage slowly and talking calmly and sweetly to your bird. Give your bird a treat every time you approach the cage. Parakeets may also fluff their feathers when they want to come out and play. Provide your parakeet with at least 30 minutes of play time out of its cage each day.
Mating and Territoriality
Parakeets mate for life and frequently engage in sexual displays. If your parakeet does not have a mate, it may mistake you for its mate. If you notice feather fluffing only when your parakeet sees you with other people, this could be a sign of jealousy and territoriality. Your bird may be happier with a companion. Some parakeets are particularly territorial and puff up their feathers whenever anyone approaches as a way of marking off their space. If your parakeet has a mate, it may be puffing its feathers to warn you to stay away.
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