Can Parakeets Recognize Their Owners? [Or Get Attached?]

Parakeets are pets that have lots of personality. They are rewarding to take care of and are social creatures by nature. But are they able to recognize their owners? Here is what every owner wants to know!

So, can parakeets recognize their owners? When properly domesticated, parakeets can and do recognize their owners. Parakeets are intelligent and sociable creatures and love spending time with people the recognize and trust. Parakeets have been known to develop emotional bonds with their owners when ample time and correct care is given. The bonds formed between parakeet and human are often strong and enjoyed by both parties.

If you are considering getting a parakeet as a pet, it is worth taking time to understand how a parakeet forms its bond with their owner and how they show affection. Understanding this will allow you to meet your pets needs and give your parakeet the best life possible.

For current parakeet owners who are curious about whether their pet recognizes them, there are several tell-tale signs of affection that your bird may give you that indicate whether or not they do!

Continue reading to learn exactly how parakeets can get attached to their owners, how they show affection and how to gain your parakeets trust!

Do Parakeets Get Attached To Their Owners?

Owing to the fact that typically, parakeets are highly intelligent birds, it is important that they are provided with sufficient mental stimulation. Their high IQ coupled with the fact that parakeets have a strong flock instinct means that yes, parakeets do become attached to their owners.

Spending time with your parakeet will allow you to build an emotional bond with your pet as well as providing the stimulation they need. The social nature of parakeets mean that they adore spending time in the company of humans.

Some parakeet owners report that their birds have become so attached to them that they are the only person they will allow to handle them!

By providing your parakeet with toys, such as bells, mirrors and items of different sizes to intrigue them, you parakeet will begin to benefit from this mental stimulation.

In giving them these items to stimulate their minds, you will find your parakeet shows signs of happiness in your presence, associating their trusted owner with the happiness they are feeling. Parakeets, when properly cared for, build strong bonds with their owners and can become very attached.

If you are re-homing a parakeet, you will need to invest time in your relationship with your new pet, as you may not always be aware of the bird’s history. Introduce yourself slowly and remember, consistency is key.  Make your parakeet part of your daily routine and they will soon become part of your ‘flock’.

Don’t be discouraged if your re-homed parakeet does not show interest in you at first, like any relationship, building a strong bond takes time. Offer your parakeet a treat or a new toy once in a while until they start to recognise you and associate you with something that is of benefit to them.

You will find that the relationship you build with your parakeet can be a highly affectionate one – surprisingly so in how parakeets show affection to their owner!

How Do Parakeets Show Affection?

There are many different ways you parakeet might show you affection. These clever little birds will often show affection to those who show affection to them. Handfeeding your bird whilst speaking to them in a soft and calm tone of voice is a great way of encouraging this.

Parakeets are known to be vocal birds (some might even say noisy!), they sing, chirp and sometimes screech! They are talented impersonators and some species can learn to ‘speak’ simple words and phrases.

Responding to their owner’s speech is a way that some parakeets show affection.  They may also sing along (in their beautiful chirping tones!) to music that they recognise or show excitement when you are talking to them directly.

Climbing the bars of their cage to be nearer their owner is another way parakeet show love and affection to their owners. They are generally curious birds, and will respond to your interaction with them.

When establishing close personal contact with your parakeet, this will build trust in your bond. You may find that when this trust has been gained, your parakeet will show you affection by perching on your finger or sitting on your shoulder (just like a pirate, aye mate?!).

Training you bird to be handled can take time so be patient. Incentivize this contact by using treats that will allow your parakeet to understand that you mean no harm. Generally speaking, the younger the bird when you begin to socialize them, the more effective it will be.

Affection will also be shown by a parakeet when it chooses to stay perched on you rather than flying or hopping away. You may also find that your parakeet cuddles up to your neck.

If your parakeet sings to you when there are no other birds around – take that as a huge compliment! Singing in this way is a parakeet ‘flirting’ and is a sure sign of affection.

How Do You Get A Parakeet To Trust You?

Building trust with your parakeet is vital to their happiness. Trusting you, their owner, will allow your parakeet to feel calm in your presence. As they are highly sociable birds, they should be around people a lot so building trust is key.

It is best to begin building trust with your parakeet right away when you home them. Ensure that the cage you home them in is suitable: allowing easy access to food and water and the room it is in is a moderate temperature. Allow your parakeet time to get used to their new surroundings for a few days before beginning interaction.

Talk softly to your parakeet, especially when feeding them. This will show your parakeet they can trust you and will allow them to form a positive association with you.

Treats are a great way to establish trust and can also be used when starting to handle your parakeet as an incentive. These Kaytee Fiesta Papaya, Peanuts And Mango Treats from Amazon are perfect to use when beginning to coax your bird to accept a treat from your hand.

Over time, your will build trust with your pet but its so important to maintain this. Make your parakeet part of your daily routine, talk to them and provide them with toys to allow their creative and intelligent minds to be stimulated.

Finally

Parakeets are a highly rewarding pet to take care of.

Parakeets recognize their owners and can be very affectionate birds. As a parakeet owner, you will become one of their ‘flock’ so the bond you build with your parakeet will be a strong one that needs maintaining.

Talk to your parakeet, handle them gently and provide stimulation for them (toys, swings, etc) to make sure your parakeet is happy and healthy.

The happiness your parakeet feels will be shown in their affection for you as their owner.

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