What do you do to help a bird that's terrified of rain?
Charlotte is a pathetic ball of nerves and anxiety right now and has been since yesterday morning on account of the fact that it's been raining for two days. It doesn't rain often here, but I've noticed this behavior every time it rains. I feel so bad for her. She's already on anti-anxiety meds and I can't increase her dosage. She doesn't like to be approached at all when she's this upset, so I can't even comfort her. I'm at a loss at what to do.
Help!
Fear of Rain would not be associated with a natural fear. So, there is some kind of driver at work here. But, first lets target on what she is fearing /reacting too.
A Companion Parrot, which is inside, is not feeling the rain upon them, so how does she know it raining? I am guessing that she is hearing the rain as it contacts the roof or side of your home, correct?
So, based on this being something that she is hearing, what is it exactly? Is it the sound of rain on the side (also windows and doors) or the roof of your home. There are additional sounds associated with rail like thunder and/or high winds. Or, is it the full combination of the sounds?
Since Parrots can tie so tightly with our emotions, if you have a fear of rain or its associated sounds, it is possible that she is reacting to your emotions regarding rain. This is more common than we would want to believe or admit too. If so you are not alone, since most Humans are on edge during heavy storms.
The most common source of just the sound of rain is our roofs. Their standard design creates a open area above the ceiling of the home, which amplifies the sound into the living area below. This amplifing effect can be greatly reduced by adding insulation above the ceiling areas. Different types of insulation will have different affects depending on the type of roof (metal really adds to the level of the sound). So, if this is a direction you wish to consider talk to the contractor about the differences and what insulation will best fit your needs.
Rain storms with heavy winds, which drive it against the house as is storms with thunder are the hardest to minimize the sound!
The recommendations regarding providing a 'white noise' in the form of other sounds i.e. Radio, TV, etc... will clearly help.
Take the time to note the different levels of the sound that rain is heard in the different rooms of your home. It is very possible that some rooms have louder levels than others. If true consider moving her to a room that is less effected.
