What IS with birds and mirrors?

[Babyblue033]

I've heard about birds being fascinated by mirrors but being a first time bird owner I had no idea what that really meant. Some Tiel books I read said tiels love mirrors, others said don't put any mirrors in their cages because they'll get overprotective of it and may get territorial. I decided not to take any chances.

The other day I showed him my wall mirror for the first time, and it was something to see. First it was adorable, with him calling and singing to his reflection, whistling some tunes that were obviously too good for our human ears I mean, I didn't even know he can whistle that well! Then when it was time to go back, instead of stepping up right away like he usually does, he bit my boyfriend! Nothing serious, but he's been nothing more than a sweet sweet bird so it was quite shocking.

I guess my question is, should I avoid showing him the mirror at all, or ocassional "meetings with himself" ok? He seems to so enjoy himself and he's the only bird in the house. On the other hand I don't want him to develope any bad habits or agressive tendencies. Thanks for reading!

[Alika]

Take it out.

Some birds will be okay with them, but it doesn't sound like your bird is one of them.

Flocking birds, like parrots, need companionship. In a situation where it's the only bird in the household, they get their companionship from you... unless there's another bird around. As far as the bird is concerned, the mirror is another cockatiel. The bond that they can create with mirrors is, in my humble opinion, unhealthy and, as you've already mentioned, it can lead to numerous unwanted behavioral problems.

There are lots of other great toys out there. Leave the mirror out.

[Monica]

I agree with Alika! Not only can mirrors cause behavior problems, in some birds it's even gone as far as destroying the birds mental health! Mirrors are not healthy, not even for a pair or more of birds, as the birds would end up spending more time with the mirror than their mate/friend. Some birds actually do fine with mirrors, however most don't, and if you want to consider letting him still visit the mirror, then you'd be far off better getting another cockatiel so that he wouldn't destroy his flocking skills.

[Tiki]

Conceited little buggers, aren't they? I don't have mirrors, but I do have some shiny toys which Koro is very attracted to.

[TooLover]

Agreed! I let my guys look in my mirror occasionally, and it is funny to watch their attitudes. However, it is bad news to leave a mirror in their cage!

[Babyblue033]

No I wasn't planning on putting any mirros in his cage, definitely don't wanna do that. I was just wondering if it would be ok to show him the mirror OCASSIONALLY, sort of like "play date"? He so enjoyed himself!

It's also that I can't help but feel a bit guilty that he's alone, and right now getting another bird (or any other pets for that matter) is out of the question I do spend a lot of time with him but it made me wonder if meeting another bird, even if it's not a REAL bird, might be good for him. I wouldn't do it of course if even an ocassional mirror date might cause any sort of stress or behavior problems, or turn my sweet sweet bird into a little monster

[basketbagley]

Mine have seen themselves occasionally in my bedroom mirror or in the bathroom and my makeup mirror. They fight to get to it. I try VERY hard to not let them around them. It's just not worth it. JMO. Mine have gotten aggressive due to the occasional mirror.

[kp_in_scott]

This just goes to show what a Diva my Angel is. She sits on a stand in front of my mirror every morning while I get ready for work. She ignores the bird in the mirror, just like she does all other birds in our home. She turns her back to it! I've tried to get a response out of her by putting her close to her reflection. She either understands the concept that it is just a mirror(she is pretty smart) or she is just acting aloof. We do not keep mirrors near our cages either.

[Jong81]

Is this discussion causing anyone else to think of Harry Potter and the Mirror of Erised?