Why Does My Parrot Turn His Back to Me?

Are you trying to figure out your parrot’s body language? 

Parrots sometimes turn their back on you–and even give you the infamous ‘stink eye.’

While this is funny to watch, it can be very confusing for new parrot parents. 

Birds, too, show gestures and emotions. 

If your parrot has its back turned to you.

Some experts believe that parrots turn their back on you when they are annoyed with you. 

In this blog post, we will answer the question, “why does my parrot turn his back on me?and go over why your parrot is acting strange. 

We’ll cover the following topics

  • How to tell if your parrot likes you?
  • How to tell if your bird is stressed

Sound good?

Keep reading to learn more! 

Body Language 101: How Do You Tell If Your Parrot Likes You?

If your parrot turns their back to you it can be upsetting

Do they like you? Or are they not happy with you

It can get confusing

Let’s first look at how you can tell if your parrot likes you (hopefully he does!)

They Preen Themselves

Preening is a fancy way of saying cleaning.

Parrots preen themselves to keep parasites, dust, etc., off their feathers and keep them in proper flying condition. 

Parrots only preen themselves when they feel relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings. 

So, if your parrot is preening itself when you’re around, you know it likes you! 

They Like Cuddles 

Parrots are affectionate creatures and like to cuddle with people they’re closely bonded with.

If your parrots nuzzle against your hand or climb on your body, you should be assured that you’re in their good books. 

They Hang Themselves Upside Down

Hanging upside down is a normal behavior in parrots.

They do this for various reasons, even when drinking, sleeping, eating, playing, etc.

Parrots only do this around the people they are comfortable with. 

They Mouth You

If your parrot mouths you, it is a sign that it wants to play with you and likes you. 

They Call You And Mimic You 

If your parrot looks for you and calls you when you’re around, it is a sign that it likes you and enjoys your company.

Parrots also mimic the people they like as a way of trying to fit in with them.

They Maintain Eye Contact With You 

Parrots will shy away from making eye contact when they feel nervous around you or are threatened or frightened in any way.

Parrots only make eye contact with you when they are comfortable around you. 

They Sing, Talk To, And Listen To You 

If your parrot likes it interacts with you, it is a sign that it enjoys your company and likes you. 

They Grind Their Beaks 

A parrot will grind its beak when it is in a relaxed state. If your featured friend does that around you, they are comfortable in your presence. 

They Have a Relaxed Body Posture 

A relaxed body posture suggests that your parrot feels comfortable around you and they like you. 

They Wag Their Tail

Some parrots wag their tails like dogs do when they like being around you.

It’s really cute! 

How Do You Tell If Your Parrot Is Stressed?

There are several reasons why your parrot may be experiencing stress.

In this section of the article, we will go over some signs of stress in parrots: 

  • Boredom 
  • Signs of fear 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Feather plucking and self-mutilation 
  • Repeating the same behavior 
  • Stress bars on the feathers 
  • Aggression  

How Do Parrots Show Affection? Take a Look

Let’s take a quick look at some ways in which parrots show affection to their loved ones. 

  • They give you cuddles and kisses. 
  • They fluff their feathers and wags their tails when you’re around. 
  • They like to sleep on you. 
  • Your parrot signs, coos, and purrs when around you. 
  • The bird regurgitates its food for you. 
  • They preen themselves when you’re around. 
  • They fly right to you. 

How You Can Get Your Parrot To Like You

The way to get your parrot to like you is to show your parrot love and affection

I’m sure they will show love back to you

Here’s 6 cute ways to show your parrot love

1. Let your bird make the first move 

Don’t force your parrot to like you. Let them make the first move

Let your birdie get used to you

Make yourself available and be around your parrot so he gets used to you

Maybe after a while, they will feel comfortable approaching you and being next to you

2. Share a Meal 

In the wild parrots would share a meal

So if you share a meal with your parrot, it’s like saying to your parrot I am part of your flock

Make sure you offer something healthy and not junk

I have plenty of articles on what parrots can eat so make sure to browse the website and check them out

3. Talk To Your Parrot In a Soft Way 

Talk to your parrot often as this is their way of communicating with you

Talk in a soft tone and tell your parrot how much you love him

4. Give Your Parrot Treats 

Who doesn’t love treats!

Your parrot will love you for giving them treats

Just make sure you don’t overdo it

Maybe you can bribe your parrot by offering a treat once they’ve come close to you or sitting on your shoulder

5. Spend Time With Your Parrot 

Giving your parrot a big bird cage and plenty of toys is a good thing of course

But spending time is something very important

This is how you will build a special bond with your birdie by giving your time

Try to schedule a time everyday where it’s just you and your parrot

6. Grooming Sessions 

If your parrot allows it, groom your bird

Scratch the back of his head

This is a great way of bonding too

Wrapping It Up 

Did you find the answer to your question? 

Parrots turn their back on you for several reasons. According to experts, these include the following: 

  • When they’re annoyed at you. 
  • They think you can’t see them if they can’t see you. 
  • They want to concentrate on what they’re doing. 

It’s important you take time out to bond with your parrot and build that relationship

If you’re struggling on how you can keep your parrot entertained then check out my article – How to keep parrots entertained

Why do you think your parrot turns his back on you? 

Also, I’d love to know any cute things you do with your parrot to build that bond with your parrot

Let me know in the comments below!

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