Are there any birds that are loyal like dogs?

[Junho]

Socially, most birds really aren't THAT different than dogs. I mean, we're not comparing plants and reptiles here. We're talking about two species who tend to live in groups, and rely on each other within their group for support.

So how come I hear multiple stories of some loyal dogs in China or wherever who would remain loyal to their owner even in death. Or about stories of dogs who become horribly depressed when they are abandoned. And yet I've never heard of a parrot that is like that, and the closest stories I've heard about parrots in this regard is a parrot becoming depressed when another parrot disappears from its life.

I've never heard of a parrot having difficulties with adopting to a new family or owner because it was sad about losing its last one. I've only heard of a parrot having difficulties because it was afraid of its new environment. It's kind of difficult to become attached to something that doesn't really love you back.

 

[chris-md]

Boy have you got a lot to learn.

Loyal is not what you need to be worried about. Sociable and bonded are the key descriptors here.

You do hear about the difficulties in transferring a parrot from one family to another. They are couched as "transition periods" or "settling in". THis period is not at all roses, and can be marred by avoidance and fear, sometimes even aggression initially. Not usually depression, but there is an adjustment period.

The relationship with a parrot is very different from dogs. Most Parrot species mate for life so many develop very strong bonds with a person. There is also more of an intelligence present in interacting with parrots. Research the "one person bird" phenomenon and you'll understand. Dogs are just affable goofs who love anyone and everyone.

 

[Terry57]

Okay...I have not posted on your previous threads that are in this same vein, but feel the need to now.

Birds absolutely love you back, you get back what you put in.
They also grieve for beloved former parronts.

Our members here love our birds, and would do anything for them. This is a place we come to share stories and knowledge about our beloved parrots and other birds, and I am unsure what answers you are really looking for with these kind of questions.

I truly wish that you would concentrate on taking care of your parrotlets, and that you could see them for the individuals they are. Please feel free to ask any questions about them, we are all more than willing to help.
But these posts denigrating parrots are not helpful, and I hope you take advantage of the knowledge here to help your relationship with your birds, rather than find reasons to not become attached to them.

 

[Junho]

Denigrating? I am merely inquiring objective observations. If I was to rant about how meritorious parrots are, that would surely be biased.

 

[Allee]

Are there any birds that are loyal like dogs? Pardon me for being blunt but what information can you possibly be hoping to gain with this question? Birds and dogs are vastly different species, it's like asking, are there any skunks that are loyal like elephants.

I'm always happy to see someone looking for knowledge, I've read through your past posts and some of the statements you've made give me the impression you should be more careful choosing your sources of information. Loyal dogs are not only found in China, they are all over the globe. Many qualities are breed specific so some breeds are inclined to be more loyal than others. Ask a soldier that has been in combat beside a K9, ask a child that relies on a service dog to get through the day, ask a police officer about his DEA partner, ask a homeless person the world has forgotten about, ask him or her about the mixed breed that's never left his side.

Birds, they have so many amazing qualities I don't know where to start. They are highly intelligent, they have the ability to talk, they are stunningly beautiful, they can fly, they appreciate everything you do for them and reward you well. They are emotional creatures, they remember individual people, they have food and toy preferences, they laugh with you and at you. They are miracles with wings. What more could you want? Ah, loyalty, I guess that's according to your perception of loyalty. They probably aren't going to save your life in mortal combat, if you fall asleep on the couch, it's doubtful they'll lick your face then walk you to your room. However, I have a bird that will wave her foot when she wants me to hold her, she will put her face under my chin and let me hold her like a football for as long as I will. I have another bird that asks for kisses in perfect English, another that calls me awful names and makes me laugh every single day. Two of my birds say Thank You every time I give them a fresh bowl of food or water. One of my birds needs a good night song and a hug before she can go to sleep. If I get hit by a semi tomorrow and they have to go to a new home, do I think they will grieve for me? You bet your ass! Do you need them to prove they love you back? Ask yourself what reasons you've given any creature to love you, just like with other humans, it's a two way street. Ya' know, not everyone likes animals, animals sense that and react in kind. There's nothing wrong with not having a desire to share your home with animals, nothing to be ashamed of. It is shameful in my opinion to keep an animal that you don't love.

 

[GraciesMom]

I'm the type of person that keeps the peace & doesn't create turmoil or encourage drama however, I feel like you need a V8 moment...

Honestly - even your thread title has me wondering why you don't just have dogs if you can't/won't appreciate parrots without comparing / expecting them to meet your dog/bird hybrid expectations?
You may very well be a caring, nice, compassionate person but you seem to have these set in stone expectations & these needs that you want a parrot to fill with no willingness to accept anything less & they are just flawed. You're coming off impatient to get the results you think you're entitled to. This is based on my observations of your posts to date.. that seemed determined to try and get someone to justify or prove your theory that parrots are unfeeling & unconnected.

I can't even understand the dog/parrot comparison so I'm just gonna move on....

I've never heard of a parrot having difficulties with adopting to a new family or owner because it was sad about losing its last one

Then you aren't doing your research - I've read numerous tragic stories about parrots withdrawing, plucking bald, mutilating themselves etc. etc. over the loss of their human companions. I've also heard stories of sad dogs that mourned & moved on to a new family.
You continue in your threads to try to shove the totality of parrots (& dogs) into what your truth or experience has been rather than recognizing that there many, many, many other realities.

Has it occurred to you that you get back what you put in... that "loving you back" requires that you actually show love, trust, commitment, respect? and not for just 5 minutes?

Parrots can develop very deep, connected bonds that stretch a bit farther than "where's my next treat?" That is of course depending on what you've done to earn that.... it doesn't come pre-programmed & it isn't given away for free. And if you manage to get a parrot that is perfect from the get go - if you don't put into it .. guess what you'll have? A parrot that will land in one of our homes as a rescue so we can put the time, effort & love in that you didn't.

Maybe you're right .... surely Gracie doesn't appear to miss me when I leave her.. or appear happy when I return in this video?
@2:27 she hears my voice & sees me @ the front office door & @ 2:29 she LAUGHS because she's happy I am back.
She also turns around & no longer watches the door since she knows I'm back... her tone & demeanor changes when she realizes I've returned.
[ame="https://youtu.be/4X05J3DBRvY"]Be right back[/ame]

Hmmm... you sure she isn't loving me back here?
[ame="https://youtu.be/myOyUpuPNDI"]Head Scritches[/ame]

@ 2:33 in this video I'm pretty sure her climbing up to cuddle with me is some sign of affection?
[ame="https://youtu.be/446xdn5GCnQ"]More Scritches & Cuddle time[/ame]

Is this what you meant by loyalty & love from a parrot?
Sorry to disappoint you.. I didn't pop her out of an Easy Bake Oven using a special deluxe parrot mix. I did like most folks on the forum do every day - I worked hard to build a trusting relationship with an amazing parrot & I keep it going by doing the same. I had/have no expectations.

While the above video's are endearing and sweet - she actually loves & is loyal to me too much, she is too bonded which isn't balanced for her so we've been working on her confidence & independence too. I don't want her to stress or be anxious when I'm away or await my return. I don't want her to not be able to settle down & roast in her cage because she'd rather cuddle up with me. Again - these things take time, patience & a gentle hand.

Do I think Gracie would miss me & grieve if I was no longer in her life? You betcha

Read thru the forum there are literally hundreds and hundreds of success stories...

 

[Flboy]

Denigrating? I am merely inquiring objective observations. If I was to rant about how meritorious parrots are, that would surely be biased.

Sorry, at this point, I feel you are not worth educating(troll)!
Your posts are so inflammatory, if not intended, wow, you really have hidden talents!
I say this from experience, I am an IBM hit man! I do much of what you are doing as my designated job! Without losing my cool, I really don't know how to reply to your 'stuff'!
Again, as said, if not intentional inflammation, you have hidden talents, well, maybe not hidden enough(pun),....;
Sorry for rant, just ended a paid 33 hour opportunity with a very demanding client!-think mouse, central Florida!

hmm, thought, based on your words,
"Socially, most birds really aren't THAT different than dogs. I mean, we're not comparing plants and reptiles here. We're talking about two species who tend to live in groups, and rely on each other within their group for support."---
Should you get married, is her nickname lassie?

 

[Christinenc2000]

It's kind of difficult to become attached to something that doesn't really love you back.

A picture is worth 1000 words !

 

[plumsmum2005]

It's kind of difficult to become attached to something that doesn't really love you back.

A picture is worth 1000 words !

WRONG Christine there are not enough words! x

 

[plumsmum2005]

Or even adding to the above find a really good home for your birds, one where they will know love, get a dog and join a dog forum and torment them to death!"

 

[SailBoat]

Unlike the members that have responded above, I'm a mean, grumpy old man that is known to have been mean hearted and told that I'm just a bit too cold in some of my statements.

In some small part of my cold dead heart, I am heartbroken that people here, who I know to be among the most caring and loving individuals that have come together as this group; 'The Parrot Forums' and without concern for their time provide caring and heart warming advise to those who are little more than Ghosts in return. Even a cold heart like me is moved by their willingness to come right on back and address yet another Ghost's questions, time and time again! Even the meanest bone in my body is warmed by what I have seen.

Now, if a dead heart like me can be warmed by these folks, maybe you should consider the World you have built around you and ask: If it is really what you wanted? I can tell you for certain, because I am older than dirt, that you will at some point regret what you have built. I hope it will not be too late!

 

[Terry57]

Unlike the members that have responded above, I'm a mean, grumpy old man that is known to have been mean hearted and told that I'm just a bit too cold in some of my statements.

In some small part of my cold dead heart, I am heartbroken that people here, who I know to be among the most caring and loving individuals that have come together as this group; 'The Parrot Forums' and without concern for their time provide caring and heart warming advise to those who are little more than Ghosts in return. Even a cold heart like me is moved by their willingness to come right on back and address yet another Ghost's questions, time and time again! Even the meanest bone in my body is warmed by what I have seen.

Now, if a dead heart like me can be warmed by these folks, maybe you should consider the World you have built around you and ask: If it is really what you wanted? I can tell you for certain, because I am older than dirt, that you will at some point regret what you have built. I hope it will not be too late!

Absolutely wonderful post and illustrates what I love most about this forum.
I see no cold, dead heart in sight here, just a heart full of caring.

 

[OutlawedSpirit]

I apologize, but I think this is just ridiculous. Are birds loyal like dogs? Of course not. I have birds and dogs, and quite frankly, dogs are dumber than rocks when compared to birds.

If you want a pet that will blindly run into a burning building to save you, get a dog.

If you want a pet that will choose to love you like they are your child, then get a bird. A bird is not going to blindly follow you just because you throw food at them and let them sleep in your bed. You have to earn their trust and prove you are worthy to follow. And they will test that. Every. Single. Day. They have to. They are a prey animal. They have to be able to trust you with their life. And as long as you prove you can protect them, they will put their life in your hands.

So no, my bird will not run into a burning building to save someone, but she would enter one with me if I asked her to. I don't want a servant, I want a partner.

 

[Kiwibird]

loy·al
ˈloi(ə)l/
adjective
giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution.

Here are 2 of the most loyal, by definition, creatures you are ever likely to encounter.

Lucy (the DYH) took a liking to me as a newborn. Lucy is a wild caught bird, ripped from her natural home in the rainforest as a several year old adult, survived the brutal import and quarantine process of the 1970s and had no reason whatsoever to ever be loyal to any human. I was sick a lot as a child and this bird had to be forcefully removed from my side every night as she was so fiercely protective. This bird, who hates being touched, allowed me to pet her when I was ill because she knew the comfort it brought me. She sang to me too her beautiful, melodic bird songs. This bird sacrificed all the things a bird enjoys doing (toys, interacting with the other birds, even eating during the day) to comfort me through my many illnesses. She never asked for anything in return. This bird never bit, never even nipped hard when I was a child and made mistakes with her. This bird unremittingly defended me as best a 500 gram creature could from those in my life who brought me harm. This bird followed me everywhere, always watching, always making certain I was ok. And when I did grow up and leave home, she went through a severe depression for about a year. Lost a lot of weight, just sat in my old room all day. My mom was scared she was going to die of a broken heart. Her vet wanted to put her on antidepressants. To this day, she knows when I am on the phone, she knows my voice, she still goes looking for me in my old room and when I return home to visit she does whatever her little bird self can do to make me never leave her again. It breaks my heart every time I have to say goodbye to her again. Lucy has been, truly, the best friend I've ever had in life.

Then there is my boy Kiwi. He is a rescue and never knew love before we brought him home. We fought this bird tooth and nail to earn his trust, acceptance and respect. Again, another bird with absolutely no reason to ever like a human, much less be loyal to one. But we accepted him into our 'flock' and showed him unconditional love despite his faults. He recognizes that and this bird is also loyal to a fault. If you are sick, depressed, upset, he is right there to comfort you and will not leave your side. If he feels there is danger, he takes it upon himself to alert you and do what he can to defend. I would venture to say, he would lay down his own life to defend us. Of course a parrot is not the size or strength of a dog, but their size does not mean they would not defend to the death in any way possible. We do not take vacations or trips without him anymore because of how depressed and upset he gets. He wants nothing more in this world than to be with us, he does everything in his power to comfort and defend us, if that is not loyalty from an animal, I do not know what is.

 

[ToMang07]

Well, here is a common sight when I leave in the morning to go to work.

Here is a pic of Willow after I came home from trip where I was gone for a few days.

And here is a pic from this morning where I was enjoying some "cuddle" time before work.

It all depends on the animal. I know dogs you can't pet, cats you can't hold, and birds stuck to you like velcro.

 

[Allee]

Unlike the members that have responded above, I'm a mean, grumpy old man that is known to have been mean hearted and told that I'm just a bit too cold in some of my statements.

In some small part of my cold dead heart, I am heartbroken that people here, who I know to be among the most caring and loving individuals that have come together as this group; 'The Parrot Forums' and without concern for their time provide caring and heart warming advise to those who are little more than Ghosts in return. Even a cold heart like me is moved by their willingness to come right on back and address yet another Ghost's questions, time and time again! Even the meanest bone in my body is warmed by what I have seen.

Now, if a dead heart like me can be warmed by these folks, maybe you should consider the World you have built around you and ask: If it is really what you wanted? I can tell you for certain, because I am older than dirt, that you will at some point regret what you have built. I hope it will not be too late!

Absolutely wonderful post and illustrates what I love most about this forum.
I see no cold, dead heart in sight here, just a heart full of caring.

Sailboat, thank you for noticing and thank you for the kind words, as Terry said, you are a very caring soul and it shows. We have an amazing group of wise, wonderful people here. I think that's why so many of us keep coming back.

Thanks to everyone who turned this thread around and made it about, love, loyalty, companionship and unbreakable bonds.

 

[ChrisDooley]

While the question might indicate a complete misunderstanding with an entire group of birds, I still feel the need to make a response.

Have you ever met that 1 person who has the world's best dog? You know? The dog that goes everywhere? It is super well trained and loyal. It exhibits social graces, can handle being in public, at a restaurant, or walking through a store.

I sometimes wonder about the "chicken and the egg" dilemma in regards to that dog. Was the dog super good in the first place, so the owner started including it in everything? Or did the owner just start taking the dog everywhere which caused the dog to be the incredible dog it is today?

I have decided that its probably both. So in response, I have started taking my birds places. Anywhere that is bird friendly. Places with outdoor seating or that allow pets inside. So now, people are impressed at how well my birds behave in public. How did you train that? I simply started doing it. Birds will rise to the occasion.

So if you want a bird to behave like a dog, start treating it just like you would treat a loyal dog. You will be amazed.

Chris Dooley

 

[BIRDIGIRL]

Hi Junho before responding to this I did a search of your other posts one of which I just this morning replied to and it struck me that though you have birds around you you've never really had a bird befriend you yet...but it will happen one day and when it does you will stop asking questions like you have just asked. You will then know that a parrots trust and love and companionship is something more than loyalty and something new and wonderful each day of your life as your bond with your parrot grows ...on that day your eyes will be opened to a whole new way of seeing your birds and you will begin to bond with birds some of whom for all of their lives with you have been waiting for the bond between you to grow . I have to smile when I look at your questions and I imagine if your parrotlet were to post here instead of you he would type something like this:
" Dear fellow parrots I have a human who appears to have issues from his past life. The human doesnt relate well when I make it known that I would like to be friends with him and instead of taking the inch I give him he disrespects my space and tries to take a mile instead...this is very frustrating so I try to teach him with my beak by biting him when he lunges at me. Why are hunans so violent? Why do they need to control us so much? Why cant they just be part of the flock and respect its rules . I am considering clipping the hands of my human so he cant grab me. Its for his own safety to keep him from getting bitten by other parrots who might not understand and injure him when he tries to lunge at them . Fellow parrots what am I doing wrong I have tried and tried to befriend this human whom I want to keep as I dont want to rehome him but Im failing because he just doesnt seem to see me as an intelligent being with feelings and emotions and needs ...how can I teach him that I have emotions and feelings and that I want a companion not a prison cell with a prison guard who feeds me and cleans my cage and says hello now and then peers at me wondering if I will ever talk back .... humans can be very hard to handle..."
Listen to your bird Junho and begin to devellop a new relationship with your birds...you dont tame a bird by grabbing it or clipping its wings you respect their space view them as intelligent beings and earn their trust and devellop a bond with them over time which one day will lead to a friendship beteen you and your bird that will by far exceed any imaginable joy and indeed surpass in its depth of love many of the human friendships in your life.
You will however need to change your mindset if you are ever going to experience this joy ...Go and see your birds in a whole new light you might be surprised what you find

 

[Terry57]

Hi Junho before responding to this I did a search of your other posts one of which I just this morning replied to and it struck me that though you have birds around you you've never really had a bird befriend you yet...but it will happen one day and when it does you will stop asking questions like you have just asked. You will then know that a parrots trust and love and companionship is something more than loyalty and something new and wonderful each day of your life as your bond with your parrot grows ...on that day your eyes will be opened to a whole new way of seeing your birds and you will begin to bond with birds some of whom for all of their lives with you have been waiting for the bond between you to grow . I have to smile when I look at your questions and I imagine if your parrotlet were to post here instead of you he would type something like this:
" Dear fellow parrots I have a human who appears to have issues from his past life. The human doesnt relate well when I make it known that I would like to be friends with him and instead of taking the inch I give him he disrespects my space and tries to take a mile instead...this is very frustrating so I try to teach him with my beak by biting him when he lunges at me. Why are hunans so violent? Why do they need to control us so much? Why cant they just be part of the flock and respect its rules . I am considering clipping the hands of my human so he cant grab me. Its for his own safety to keep him from getting bitten by other parrots who might not understand and injure him when he tries to lunge at them . Fellow parrots what am I doing wrong I have tried and tried to befriend this human whom I want to keep as I dont want to rehome him but Im failing because he just doesnt seem to see me as an intelligent being with feelings and emotions and needs ...how can I teach him that I have emotions and feelings and that I want a companion not a prison cell with a prison guard who feeds me and cleans my cage and says hello now and then peers at me wondering if I will ever talk back .... humans can be very hard to handle..."
Listen to your bird Junho and begin to devellop a new relationship with your birds...you dont tame a bird by grabbing it or clipping its wings you respect their space view them as intelligent beings and earn their trust and devellop a bond with them over time which one day will lead to a friendship beteen you and your bird that will by far exceed any imaginable joy and indeed surpass in its depth of love many of the human friendships in your life.
You will however need to change your mindset if you are ever going to experience this joy ...Go and see your birds in a whole new light you might be surprised what you find

What a perfect way to look at it. Extremely well said.

 

[Allee]

Hi Junho before responding to this I did a search of your other posts one of which I just this morning replied to and it struck me that though you have birds around you you've never really had a bird befriend you yet...but it will happen one day and when it does you will stop asking questions like you have just asked. You will then know that a parrots trust and love and companionship is something more than loyalty and something new and wonderful each day of your life as your bond with your parrot grows ...on that day your eyes will be opened to a whole new way of seeing your birds and you will begin to bond with birds some of whom for all of their lives with you have been waiting for the bond between you to grow . I have to smile when I look at your questions and I imagine if your parrotlet were to post here instead of you he would type something like this:
" Dear fellow parrots I have a human who appears to have issues from his past life. The human doesnt relate well when I make it known that I would like to be friends with him and instead of taking the inch I give him he disrespects my space and tries to take a mile instead...this is very frustrating so I try to teach him with my beak by biting him when he lunges at me. Why are hunans so violent? Why do they need to control us so much? Why cant they just be part of the flock and respect its rules . I am considering clipping the hands of my human so he cant grab me. Its for his own safety to keep him from getting bitten by other parrots who might not understand and injure him when he tries to lunge at them . Fellow parrots what am I doing wrong I have tried and tried to befriend this human whom I want to keep as I dont want to rehome him but Im failing because he just doesnt seem to see me as an intelligent being with feelings and emotions and needs ...how can I teach him that I have emotions and feelings and that I want a companion not a prison cell with a prison guard who feeds me and cleans my cage and says hello now and then peers at me wondering if I will ever talk back .... humans can be very hard to handle..."
Listen to your bird Junho and begin to devellop a new relationship with your birds...you dont tame a bird by grabbing it or clipping its wings you respect their space view them as intelligent beings and earn their trust and devellop a bond with them over time which one day will lead to a friendship beteen you and your bird that will by far exceed any imaginable joy and indeed surpass in its depth of love many of the human friendships in your life.
You will however need to change your mindset if you are ever going to experience this joy ...Go and see your birds in a whole new light you might be surprised what you find

So heartfelt and beautifully said. Thank you for your wisdom and compassion, BIRDIGIRL.