Can Parrots Be Scared Of Thunder?

Large storms with loud sounds of lightning and thunder can make many pets agitated or anxious.

As a parrot owner, you may have noticed that during a storm the parrot may jump from one foot to another and flap its wings out of fear.

Seeing their reaction, you may wonder whether parrots are afraid of lightning or the thunder it causes.

Can Parrots Be Scared Of Thunder?

The answer to this question is yes. Parrots can often be very afraid of lightning and the sound of thunder they make and can become very anxious during storms.

Some hardy parrots are okay with thunderstorms or other loud noises, such as fireworks, and may even enjoy watching them.

Still, some other timid parrots will hear the thunder and begin to tremble, hide, or even squirm.

In this article, we will talk about why and how some parrots are afraid of thunder while others enjoy it, as well as how you can tell if your parrot is afraid, and how you can overcome their fear. What we should be done about this?

Why are some parrots not afraid of thunder?

Parrots may be conditioned to be sensitive to the loud sounds of thunder caused by approaching storms and lightning, but not all of them will care or show any reaction to it.

The loud sound of thunder will not affect them. Different species of parrots will react differently to thunder.

Many parrots ignore it completely because they are so adapted to it.

It has happened, but it’s a different story when it’s a particularly bad storm.

If your parrot does not react to thunder, it is likely due to its species.

Why are parrots scared of thunder?

Some parrots can be quite frightened by loud noises such as firecrackers and lightning.

When the weather is bad and large storms occur, they dislike the thunder that often accompanies the rain.

Their anxiety gets so bad that they crawl behind the bars of their cage or under a toy, or even try to come near you.

Sometimes they move around their cages as if they are looking for a place to hide or a place where they feel safe.

You must have often noticed that your parrot starts behaving uneasily even before the storm starts, this is because they anticipate the upcoming dangers.

And they know that thunder is about to happen even before you hear it.

There is also evidence that most parrots actually respond to wind pressure just before a storm and so seek out a suitable location well in advance of a storm.

They will start exploring within their cages, this is because, in the wild, parrots tend to hide in safe places during storms.

Most pet parrots spend most of their lives in cages indoors, yet they react instinctively to sudden changes in atmospheric pressure that occur outside.

Researchers have found that some birds have special pressure-sensitive organs in their ears that actually help them be aware of changes in atmospheric pressure.

Parrots in the wild can be badly affected by large storms, so they will take advantage of any type of early warning system that can help them prepare for potential danger.

Even though they are now in a cage at your home rather than in the wild, they may still be alert before a storm, and frightened by the loud sound of thunder.

Parrots can actually predict weather forecasts, allowing them to know in advance about severe storms and even potential tornadoes.

Do some parrots enjoy thunder?

Some parrot owners may find that when the sound of thunder does not bother them, it actually excites or calms them.

Even sudden loud noises startle them, but when they hear a storm it can help them to calm down, they become adapted to it and they will enjoy hearing the sounds of rain and thunder.

Whenever a storm hits, some parrots may become overly excited and want to go outside to relieve themselves.

If your parrot starts jumping around, chirping, singing, or dancing when he hears thunder, you should know that he is eager to enjoy the weather, watch the storm, or just want to get a little wet in the rain.

How does parrot species affect their response to thunder?

Depending on what species your parrot is and where their species comes from, their reactions to the sounds of thunder and storms can vary greatly.

The rainy season signals different things such as, more food will soon be available, and the breeding season will also begin.

For many parrot species, thunder is not dangerous but exciting.

If your parrot reacts to thunder by dancing or singing, he associates it with a storm.

For small parrots such as cockatiels and budgies, which are mostly found in semi-arid areas of Australia and love to hang around water, the sound of thunder signals that it will rain soon, providing fresh water.

These parrots will want to go out in the storm and enjoy the rain.

How do parrots show that they are stressed by thunderstorms and storms?

Hurricanes and storms can be incredibly stressful for parrots if they become frightened and nervous when someone comes inside.

Your parrot needs to be able to recognise stress, by recognising stress you can help them relieve stress and reduce the amount of stress they experience and give them a healthy and happy life Can be given.

Parrots can show stress caused by storms in many different ways. Things to watch out for include plucking feathers or scratching themselves during a storm, sudden increase in aggression, stopping eating, persistent double standards, and feeling scared or bored.

The most common physical sign of stress in parrots is stress bands on their feathers. Tension bars are small horizontal lines on each feather shaft.

Although stress bars are a good sign that your parrot is nervous during a storm, it is often difficult to identify when your bird is scared, and are only noticeable when your parrot is having fun.

Stress strips don’t tell you directly what is causing the stress in your parrot, so it’s important to seek a veterinarian if you find them on the feathers.

All of these signs should be taken very seriously, and if your parrot exhibits any of these signs you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should you do if your parrot gets scared to calm down in a storm?

If your parrot becomes nervous during a storm there are some things you can do to help them cope with the storm and stay calm.

Keep them away from windows

Even though your parrot may enjoy looking outside and getting the air, being near a window during a storm may cause additional stress, with some becoming nervous.

They can be startled by lightning, and strong gusts of wind can shake windows or even their cage.

They will be scared by the sound of thunder so keeping them away from the window can help them feel safer and less anxious during a storm.

Give them a place to hide

When frightened, parrots will respond by seeking a safe place. Out of fear, they will try to get on your shoulder or under your knees.

In their cage, you can provide a large toy for them to sit on or a large play stand for them to sit under.

Sometimes parrots are extra wary of new things and afraid to go near them, so be sure to put this in its cage before hurricane season.

Having a safe place to hide helps them stay calm and safe.

Stay close to them

Sometimes just having you close to them will help your parrot feel safe.They often look at you to understand any situation, and decide their stance based on how you react.

A calming supplement

There are a few different types of supplements that veterinarians recommend giving to parrots to make them feel better or to parrots who are anxious and nervous.

When you are considering giving them sedative supplements, you should first consult thoroughly with your veterinarian and understand the situation better before giving them.

You can calm them by adding dried chamomile and lavender to their food. Any of these supplements help calm them, and make them feel more secure when they are startled by thunder.

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