If you have a pet bird, the 4th of July can be a stressful time. Between the loud noises and bright lights, fireworks can be very overwhelming for your feathered friend. Is there anything you can do to calm them down?
Rest assured, there are some things you can try! This article goes over some things you can do to help make the holiday a little less stressful for your bird.
How to Calm Your Bird During 4th of July Fireworks
1. Close and Cover the Windows
Providing your bird with a safe environment where it can retreat if they feel scared or overwhelmed is important. Close all the windows in your home and cover them with curtains or blinds. This will help to reduce the noise from the fireworks. You may also want to turn on a fan or air conditioner to help circulate air and keep the room cool.
2. Cover Your Bird’s Cage
If your bird is agitated by loud noises, you may want to consider covering its cage. This will help to muffle the noise and keep your bird calm. There are a few things you should keep in mind when covering your bird’s cage. Make sure the cover is breathable so your bird can still get fresh air. You also want to make sure the cover is lightweight so it doesn’t crush your bird’s cage. And finally, make sure the cover is secure so it doesn’t slip off and scare your bird.
3. Play Music
Classical music has been shown to have a calming effect on animals, including birds. If you start playing classical music for your bird a few days before the 4th of July, they may be less likely to become scared or stressed when the fireworks start.
Not only does music help your bird feel more grounded, but it also can cover the noise from the fireworks themselves. This is an especially good tip if you know you won’t be home at the time the fireworks are happening. You can put the music on to play before you leave and know that it will be a soothing presence for your bird while you cannot be there.
4. Buy Them a Hidey-Hole
To help your bird feel more at ease during these times, give them a place to hide in a corner of their cage. This could be something as simple as a towel draped over the top of the cage, or you could purchase a special “hidey-hole” made specifically for birds. There are many good options for hanging bird hideaways out there, see this great cloth option here, and a natural coconut option here.
5. New Toy
If your bird is finding loud noises particularly distressing, you may want to try using a new toy to provide both mental as well as physical distraction. Look for toys that are made from natural materials, as these tend to be more interesting and stimulating for birds. Make sure the toy is appropriate for your bird’s size and species, as well as being safe.
If you have a small bird, try hanging a wooden or wicker chew toy from the ceiling of its cage. Larger birds may enjoy playing with rope swings or playing with a more complex toy with many parts and textures to explore. For all birds, shredding paper is always a popular activity or you can buy a natural straw shredding toy!
Providing your bird with toys to keep them occupied during loud noises can help to reduce their stress levels and make them feel more comfortable.
6. Talk to Them Calmly
If you are calm and collected, your bird will likely be more relaxed as well. During loud noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, talk to your bird in a soft, steady voice to help them feel comfortable and secure.
Let them know that you are there for them and that everything is going to be okay. Having a familiar and reassuring presence will help to anchor your bird during loud noises or environmental disruption. Your bird can read your body language as well, use slow movements, soothing gestures, and a relaxed stance to keep your bird calm too.
Conclusion
If you want to calm your bird during the 4th of July fireworks, follow one or more of these tips: cover the windows, cover the bird’s cage, play music, give them a place to hide, and talk to them calmly. By taking these precautions, you can help your bird feel safe and sound during one of the most chaotic holidays of the year.
Featured Image credit: Silvy 78, Shutterstock
