by Patty and Flock » Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:30 pm
There are some parrots who do really well with mirrors and others who don't. I don't think that I have ever known a cockatiel who doesn't have a thing for mirrors. My two, who are housed together and VERY bonded, each have a mirror that they sit in front of whistling and admiring their beauty. My quaker, who doesn't like a mirror in her cage, will often sneak into the cockatiel's cage to use theirs while they are out at play. My goffins cockatoo cuddles up to her mirror and often falls asleep leaning against it. If your parrot has ample out of cage time and socialization, an "obsession" with a mirror is not an issue. It is a thing of comfort and enjoyment to them.
There are birds, however, that get aggressive or afraid when they see their reflection and it is important to pay attention to that possibility. Before you put a mirror into their cage, take them to a mirror in the house and gauge their reaction to it. If their body language is even slightly defensive, don't put a mirror into the cage. Their cage should be a place of peace and safety.
Remember to select a mirror that is safe for your species of parrot. While mirrors installed into the toys that are sold in pet stores are fine for small birds like parakeets and cockatiels, select a stainless steel mirror for any bird conure sized or larger.