8 years ago, I noticed on my favorite app, that there were some really nice bird beds and hammocks available. As a bird owner, I was instantly drawn to them. Like with anything new, I decided to read up on them first. I found mixed opinions—some people said they were bad for birds, while others claimed they were fine. Despite the divided opinions, I took the leap and decided to try them out. I ended up buying four hammocks, one for each of my Quaker parrots, who are housed in separate cages.
At first, my birds were scared of the hammocks, which is normal when introducing something new to their environment. It took some time for them to adjust. However, I quickly ran into an issue: my blue Quaker chewed through one of the strings on top of the hammock. I should have anticipated this, as birds are natural chewers and can easily destroy materials. After a quick fix and hiding the material the hangers were made of, things seemed to improve. Within about four days, the birds started using the hammocks more often, and my youngest Quaker even began sleeping in it.
For the first two weeks, everything seemed fine. But then, I started noticing changes in their behavior. They began nipping at me when I went to pick them up at night to say goodnight, which was completely out of character for them. Their cage aggression and territorial behavior increased significantly, and their normal squawking became much more frequent. It was clear that they were becoming hormonal and more aggressive. My younger Quaker, who was about a year old at the time, started acting wilder by the day and was no longer as tame as they used to be.
The hammocks was the root of the problem. They were triggering hormonal behavior in my birds, making them more territorial and aggressive. This made owning and interacting with them much less enjoyable. The cozy, nest-like environment created by the hammocks was stimulating their breeding instincts, which led to these unwanted changes in their behavior. It became clear that the hammocks were doing more harm than good.
In addition to the behavioral issues, there were also safety concerns. The materials used in the hammocks, such as strings and fabrics, posed a risk of ingestion or entanglement. Birds, especially parrots, love to chew, and these materials can be dangerous if swallowed. Even with modifications, the hammocks still presented a potential hazard. This experience taught me that not all products marketed for birds are actually safe or beneficial for them.
Based on my experience, I strongly advise against getting hammocks or bird beds for your pet birds. While they may seem comfortable or cute, they can lead to hormonal imbalances, increased aggression, and safety risks. Instead, focus on providing your birds with safe, enriching alternatives like natural wood perches, swings, and foraging toys. These items can keep your birds entertained and stimulated without triggering nesting instincts or causing behavioral problems.
In conclusion, bird hammocks and beds are not a good idea for pet birds, especially for species like Quaker parrots. They can cause hormonal issues, increase aggression, and pose safety risks. My experience with my Quakers taught me that it’s better to prioritize their well-being by avoiding items that mimic nests or enclosures. By doing so, you can ensure your birds remain happy, healthy, and well-behaved companions.