鹦鹉压力与缓解:如何保持鹦鹉心理健康
Section 1: How to Identify Stress in Parrots
Just like other birds, the higher the level of cortisol in a parrot's body, the greater the stress it is under. Typically, when a parrot faces threats from predators, or when its habitat is damaged or polluted, it will produce more cortisol. Additionally, research suggests that birds under prolonged stress tend to have thinner feathers. Some researchers believe that the condition of a bird's feathers can be used to gauge its cortisol levels, thereby assessing its stress levels.
Section 2: Causes of Stress in Parrots
Here are several factors that can lead to stress in parrots:
Insufficient care from their owner, which can lead to the bird feeling neglected and sad.
Unmet physical or emotional needs, such as a lack of clean water or food.
Bodily harm from humans or other sources, though owners generally avoid harming their own birds, they might react aggressively when the bird misbehaves.
Being startled, a common occurrence when the bird is disciplined or not heeding commands.
Bullying, as some owners may resort to sterilization to avoid麻烦, which can be harmful to the bird.
Being coerced, such as being forced to eat when full, which can cause significant psychological stress.
Excessive attention.
Being startled or bullied by other animals or predators, such as cats, dogs, or even nocturnal creatures like rats and owls.
Living in a poor environment without adequate protection.