Mirrors

[birdlvr4eva]

Is it okay to have mirrors in cages with birds because I read somewhere that with some birds they get absorbed with the bird in the mirror so they don't learn to talk. I could only get one budgie and I try to stay around him frequently (I'm still trying to bond with him) but I thought it would be a good little friend for Kiwi to just look at and talk to, although I feel bad that he doesn't have a real one. So should I keep the mirror in the cage or would you advise against it?

[softie]

Budgies with mirror do tend to become more attached to their reflection, instead of his owner, hence making it harder to train.

Many of us recommend that mirrors should not be in the cage with a single budgie, especially if he is new to his home.

[birdlvr4eva]

Okay. that may be why my bird hasn't really bonded a whole lot, I've had him for six months, do you think I could put it back in once he has bonded with me?

[softie]

Even after he has bonded with you, I would keep the mirror aside for a while.

[birdlvr4eva]

Okay Thanks

[sammy2850]

heidi completely ignores the mirror after about a mnth or two he is really interested in me and wont talk to the mirror

[misslinda]

I would advise you to take the mirror out. :)
Linda

[Meghanxx4]

Mirrors are a no-no for most birds. Its ok if its for a bird that like lost a freind/mate or some other reason like that but usually for typical budgie the answer is NO. they become overly obsessed with mirrors. If you baughta mirror you can keep it outside of the cage, it will give them something to look forward to when coming.

[BabycakesKristen]

I would also recommend that you take the mirrors out. My two budgies have some mirrors in their cages, but I'm always on the lookout for any changes in their behavior because of the mirrors being available to them. Any overly obsessive behavior should be a good indication that your budgie is not meant to have mirrors.

[Bea]

I thought it would be a good little friend for Kiwi to just look at and talk to, although I feel bad that he doesn't have a real one. So should I keep the mirror in the cage or would you advise against it?

Problem with mirrors is that they ARE NOT a little friend. Kiwi will feed, talk and play with it, and when his new best buddy won't return the gestures he will get very confused and frustrated. Mirrors are definitely not something to be left in a cage all the time. Rather than a mirror you can play music/put the radio on/leave the tv on for Kiwi when you're out. :)

[FreeAsABird]

Rather than a mirror you can play music/put the radio on/leave the tv on for Kiwi when you're out. :)

Every time I leave the house I put the radio on for Jojo - he loves it. I won't give him a mirror, mainly because I eventually want to get him a mate.

[birdlvr4eva]

thanks all, I've taken the mirror out and he's fine :)

[cattish_hottie]

If you do have a mirror, remember to give your budgie extra bonding time!:p