https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/health-and-wellness/top-7-things-birds-find-scary
*Your bird’s health goes beyond feathers. The Bird Health & Wellness Education Hub offers guidance on signs of illness, grooming basics, avian vet visits, and environmental safety - so you can give your bird a long, happy, and healthy life.
Chewy editorial team shares that living with pet birds means not only providing daily care but also understanding what might frighten them and how to help them feel safe.
As natural prey animals, birds can be startled by things we often consider harmless - such as shadows of wild birds flying overhead, balloons, unfamiliar people, or even common household pets.
Loud noises like sirens or construction, new toys suddenly appearing in their cages, and changes in their environment like darkness or different colored cage covers can cause visible distress.
Bird owners have also reported that some birds show fear toward strollers, sunglasses, vacuums, and even certain food items.
Each bird is unique, and what spooks one may not faze another.
However, typical signs of fear include alarm cries, flapping wings, crouching, or even talking when scared.
Owners note behaviors such as parrots screaming at the sight of a crow or hiding at the sound of a fire engine.
Even birds living for years with other pets may still react nervously when those pets come too close.
Creating a comforting and predictable environment, using night lights for those fearful of the dark, and introducing new toys or changes gradually can help reduce anxiety.
Understanding these triggers is essential for maintaining a bird’s emotional well being.
