Many people enjoy holding and petting birds, as their soft feathers and light bodies make them pleasing to handle. However, not all birds like being held or touched by humans. A bird’s personality and natural instincts determine whether it enjoys human contact or prefers to be left alone.
Birds That Enjoy Being Held
Certain bird species are more likely to appreciate and accept human touch and handling. These birds tend to be highly social, intelligent, and affectionate in nature. Some examples of birds that often enjoy being held include:
- Parrots – Parrots are extremely smart and social birds. When properly tamed and trained, parrots form strong bonds with their owners and most love snuggling and scratching. However, each parrot has its own personality, so preferences may vary.
- Cockatiels – Smaller cousins of parrots, cockatiels are typically mellow, gentle birds. They are easily tamed and may happily sit on their owner’s shoulder or lap.
- Pigeons – Believe it or not, pigeons can be quite affectionate pets. Properly socialized doves and pigeons will snuggle with their owners.
- Finches – Finches are tiny birds with sweet, curious personalities. Once hand-tamed, many finches will perch happily on a finger or hand.
- Softbills – Softbills is a term for a group of small passerine birds with primarily soft food diets, like nectar and fruit. Examples are figbirds, waxbills, and avadavats. These sociable birds will often allow gentle handling.
The key to getting any bird comfortable with handling is early socialization and forming trust between bird and owner. But some birds are simply more inclined towards human touch and interaction than others based on their natural temperaments.
Birds That Prefer Not to Be Held
While the birds above often enjoy human touch, many bird species are better off not being handled or restrained by humans. These birds exhibit more independent personalities and may become frightened, stressed, or even aggressive when handled.
- Budgerigars – Budgies are feisty little parakeets that may dislike being held as it goes against their independent nature. They may tolerate petting but do not enjoy restraint.
- Canaries – Canaries are sweet singers, but their delicate bones and fragile skin make handling risky. Most canaries prefer an admire-but-don’t-touch relationship.
- Finches – While some finch species like handling, others like zebra finches may be stressed by restraint and handling.
- Softbills – Although softbills can be hand-tamed, frequent handling goes against their active, high-energy personalities.
- Chickens – Backyard chickens can make friendly pets, but most object strongly to being picked up and held due to their skittish prey animal instincts.
- Wild bird species – Handling un-tamed wild birds like sparrows or starlings will cause immense stress and could result in injury to the bird.
Additionally, there are some individual pet birds of any species that simply do not enjoy excessive handling based on their personal preference. It’s important for owners to respect a bird’s body language indicators that communicate its comfort level with touch.
How to Tell if Your Bird Likes Being Held
Since all birds have unique personalities, how do you know if an individual bird enjoys being held? Here are signs that indicate your feathered friend is comfortable with handling:
- Puffs up feathers and gets fluffy – Birds fluff when they’re calm and content. Fluffed feathers mean a bird is relaxed.
- Closes eyes during handling – Just like humans, closed eyes signal comfort and pleasure.
- Doesn’t attempt to bite or flee – A bird that dislikes handling will try to escape or bite.
- Makes happy chirping noises – Chirps, trills and whistles are signs of a happy, relaxed bird.
- Snuggles into your hand or lap – Leaning into touches shows your bird craves your affection.
With patience and positive reinforcement over time, many birds can become comfortable with human touch and holding. The key is respecting the bird’s body language and not forcing interactions.
Tips for Safely Holding Your Bird
If your bird enjoys being handled, there are some best practices to make the experience safe and positive:
- Use both hands to fully support the bird’s body, don’t grab just the legs or wings.
- Cradle the bird to your chest or lap, don’t suspend it precariously in the air.
- Ensure good grip strength – don’t drop the bird!
- Watch for signs of stress like escape attempts or frightened posture.
- Never squeeze or restrict the bird’s movements.
- A bird should never be held against its will. Put the bird down if it resists.
- Handle young birds frequently so they become comfortable with touch.
- Reward calm, relaxed behavior with treats to reinforce it.
- Stay seated when handling larger parrots to prevent falls.
With common sense precautions, handling can be an enjoyable way for you and your feathered best friend to bond and get closer. So if your bird happily hops into your hands, go ahead and give it some scritches!
FAQs about Birds and Handling
Why do some birds like being petted but not held?
Every bird has unique preferences. Some birds may adore scratches and rubs but dislike feeling restrained or suspended in the air via handling. Owners should respect these differences in preference and stick to touch that their bird clearly enjoys.
Do mother birds hold their babies?
Parent birds do not actually hold or cradle their chicks, as their claws are not adapted for this. However, mother birds do clamber onto the nest to brood, shelter and warm their hatchlings. Close contact facilitates parent-chick bonding and protects vulnerable chicks.
Can holding a bird too much make it mean?
Yes, handling a bird against its wishes or too frequently can cause the bird to become aggressive, bite or act out. Birds are not toys to be constantly picked up for human amusement. Respect the bird’s boundaries and handle minimally if it seems to dislike touch.
Are bird harnesses safe?
Bird walking harnesses can allow safe handling of a bird outdoors. Make sure to buy an escape-proof harness that properly fits the bird’s body. Properly fit, the harness does not “hold” the bird but allows it to perch freely on the hand.
Can my bird get sick if I kiss it?
It’s generally not a good idea to smooch pet birds. Humans carry bacteria and illnesses that can make birds sick. Avoid kissing and snuggling birds against your face and mouth.
The Bottom Line
Whether a bird enjoys handling depends on its personality, early socialization, species tendencies, and individual quirks. With patience and care, many birds can grow to accept and enjoy human touch. But forcing contact on a bird that displays signs of dislike or stress should always be avoided. Get to know your bird’s unique preferences, and respect them!
If you want a feathery cuddle buddy, choose a highly social species known to enjoy human bonds. Provide it with affectionate handling starting young. But let your bird’s comfort dictate how much touch it receives. With understanding and respect, a beautiful bond can form between birb and bird lover!