Birds can easily be frightened by loud noises, so thunderstorms have been known to make them quite anxious and stressed. That’s why keeping your bird calm during these events is so important. Thunderstorms can make your pet flighty, and they may also attempt to fly around the enclosure and become vocal to show that they are in distress.
We compiled a list of tips that you can apply to help keep your bird as stress-free as possible during thunderstorms so they can feel calmer during these times.
The 6 Tips to Keep Your Bird Calm During a Thunderstorm
1. Keep Your Bird Indoors
If your birds are in an aviary outdoors, it is best to bring them indoors during a thunderstorm. It will be beneficial to have a cage set up for emergencies like this so you can keep them inside where it is safe and the noise is reduced. If your bird is already indoors, make sure the cage is moved away from the windows, where the sound may be the loudest.
The rain and cloudy weather that usually comes with thunderstorms can also make your bird uncomfortable, which is why being inside will be the safest option for them. Their indoor cage should have water, food, perches, and a hideout where your bird can take shelter if they feel scared.
2. Do Not Place Them in a Dark Environment
Many people will place their birds in a dark environment by either turning off the lights or covering the cage with a blanket to try to get the bird to sleep during the storm. However, this does not always work. The loud thunderstorm will keep your bird awake, and since many domestic birds, such as parrots, do not have good night vision, they may feel even more stressed being in a dark environment.
Although they cannot see their surroundings, they will still be kept awake by the loud noises from the thunderstorm. Your bird does not have to be in a brightly lit room, but a dim light source will work, as long as they can still see.
3. Close Windows and Doors
By closing windows and doors, you will be able to reduce the noise of the thunderstorm. It is most important to keep your bird away from the windows, where the sounds of the thunder will be the loudest. Moving the cage to the quietest room in the house where it is the least busy is a good option, and avoid placing them in rooms where the sound of thunder might echo, like an empty garage.
If it is raining during the thunderstorm, the battering sound of rain against the window may stress your bird out further. Blinds and curtains should also be closed to prevent the lightning from scaring your pet.
4. Play Gentle Background Music
You do not want to keep your bird in complete silence during thunderstorms, which is why you can try playing soft background music on a low volume from a speaker. Classical music and either white or pink noise will also work to help ensure that the sounds that your bird can hear are not only the loud bangs of thunder. Music can also help these drown out. Complete silence, followed by the occasional sounds of thunder, can make birds even more stressed than if the room is filled with background noises.
5. Try Calming Supplements
With the guidance of an avian veterinarian, you can try a natural supplement that can help calm your bird down and is safe for pets. The type that you use will depend on the type of bird you have. The vet will be able to help you get the dosage correct according to your bird’s weight and size. There are calming aids available that will not cause your pet to become drowsy, depending on its ingredients. Calming supplements that you can use for your bird include the UnRuffledRx Parrot Calming Dietary Supplement.
6. Keep Your Bird Busy
Making sure your bird is kept busy during a thunderstorm can help keep their mind off of the loud noises and lightning. You can offer them a new toy or give them treats to reward them for their good behavior. Ensuring that your bird’s mind is occupied while a thunderstorm is happening can be a good distraction while keeping them enriched with the activity that they are doing.
Sitting by the cage and talking with your bird in a calming voice can also keep them busy. However, you should avoid taking them out of the cage in case lightning or thunder frightens them enough to fly away from you.
Conclusion
Thunderstorms can be scary for birds, but by using methods to keep your bird calm and reduce their stress during this time, you may find that you can make thunderstorms a bearable experience for them. The most important method is to make sure your bird is indoors during the thunderstorm so they are not exposed to the elements. Being indoors can also help reduce the sound of thunder, especially if they are in a quiet room.
Some birds eventually become used to thunderstorms, but others may need to be calmed down each time.
Featured Image Credit: Sharon McCutcheon, Unsplash
