Do Birds Get Sad When Their Eggs Break? (Shocking Facts)


Birds are egg-laying creatures that reproduce through the egg-laying process. However, these eggs can face challenges like breaking, leading to their death. So, do birds get sad when their eggs break?

Yes, birds get sad when their eggs break. Birds are emotional creatures who are affected by the things to which they are attached. Once a bird notices any cracks in its eggs, it becomes stressed and pushes away the eggs from its nest. The bird knows broken eggs cannot hatch and will not want to waste its energy sitting on them.

Moreover, the bird can even abandon the entire nest. It perceives the nest as not a safe place to have its nestlings. Usually, egg breaking is due to nest disturbances from humans or predators. Birds become so sensitive that they even stop laying eggs.

A sad bird will always have dull eyes, reduced activities, less vocalization, and a loss of appetite. These may happen for a while, like 2 to 5 days, till it gets over it. Birds quickly move on with their lives but tend to be extra cautious the next time. If you have pet birds laying eggs, ensure you collect eggs daily to prevent egg breakage.

Do Birds Know If Their Eggs Are Dead?

Yes, birds know if their eggs are dead, hence ending up abandoning them before they sit on them. Dead eggs can be due to cracks that lead to bacterial infection, making the egg unsuitable for hatching.

Moreover, unfertilized eggs are dead, and birds can depict them, pushing them away from their clutch. This means birds are susceptible and can know the viability of their eggs without taking any examination tests.

Are Birds Emotionally Attached to Their Eggs?

Yes, birds are emotionally attached to their eggs, especially when sitting on them for the incubation phase.

Birds tend to become more protective of their eggs since they aspire to become parents after they hatch into precocious nestlings.

Some birds even hide their eggs when they realize disturbances and insecurities to avoid losing them.

Do Birds Get Sad When They Lose Their Eggs?

Birds get sad when they lose their eggs, especially when we’re sitting on them. These creatures get attached to their eggs and become even more protective of them during intrusion.

However, predators can still threaten their eggs, especially when their nests are not hidden enough. Birds become depressed after losing their eggs but will later overcome the sadness and move on with their lives.

Do Birds Get Sad When Their Nest Is Destroyed?

Yes. Birds get sad when their nest is destroyed. Birds used to their nests get frustrated and fly away to find another safe place to build their nests.

Birds grow fond of their environment, air, buildings, and the company of other birds in their nests, which makes them sad when they lose them. It is, therefore, advisable not to destroy birds’ nests, as it can stress out birds, leading to depression.

What Do Birds Do When Their Nest Is Destroyed?

Birds get frustrated and fly away to build their nests in a different place. Birds fly away due to fear of security and other disturbances like noise and an inconducive environment.

Various birds will renest in the same area, especially with no predators. Birds use their feathers, dry leaves, and grass to rebuild their nests. They prefer areas with shade to avoid direct exposure to sunlight and heavy rains.  

How Do Birds Show Sadness?

Birds show sadness in the following ten ways:

1. Loss of appetite.

2. Drooped wings.

3. Fluffed up feathers.

4. Changes in their vocalization.

5. Plucking their feathers.

6. Dull eyes.

7. Lethargy.

8. Aggressiveness.

9. Solitude

10. Loud squawks and screams.

What Do Birds Do When Depressed?

Depressed birds are generally overwhelmed by their emotions and resort to self-harm. They pluck their feathers as a way of taking out their stress. Moreover, they eat less or sometimes never eat any food. They also separate themselves from the rest of the flock.

Depressed birds should be well taken care of by gently talking to them, buying new toys to cheer them up and eating healthy treats to spice up their standard diet.

Do Birds Mourn the Loss of a Baby?

Yes, birds mourn the loss of a baby. They show signs of grieving, such as drooped wings, fluffed-up feathers, dull eyes, and a loss of appetite. They seem to be searching for something in their nest and hence they will be seen being restless.

Grieving for birds only lasts a few days before they overcome the loss and move on with their lives. Birds move on by taking on new mates for the breeding season.

How to Take Care of a Sad Bird

As a bird owner, you are responsible for taking good care of your bird whenever it feels sad and depressed.

Here are five tips to use to take care of a tragic bird:

1. Shower Your Bird with Attention

A sad bird needs a friend to help it through its emotions. Sadness can also be a result of loneliness. Giving your bird suitable attention will help it out. Try talking to it gently and playing with it to make it distracted. Your bird will be happier when you show kindness through difficult moments.

2. Ensure Its Cage Is in the Right Position

Things like direct sunlight, darkness, cold, and loud noise upset a sad bird. It is essential to check the position of your bird’s cage to ensure it is very comfortable. A serene environment enables your bird to overcome sadness within a short while.

3. Offer Its Favorite Treat

Like humans, birds love sweet treats as they cheer them up. Besides, treats are offered occasionally; hence, your bird will be excited to nibble its favorite treat after a long time. Ensure you provide a healthy treat to your bird to raise its spirits and benefit from its nutrients.

4. Clean Its Cage

A dirty cage can be so depressing for your birds. These pets are very hygienic and prefer a clean environment over a dirty one. Cleaning the pen, feeders, and waterers will be the best way to care for your sad bird. Hygiene makes your bird’s environment appealing, hence soothing it even more.

5. Exercising

Let your bird out of its cage to feel the freedom and experience the fresh air. Let your bird exercise its wings, body, and feet. This will stimulate its mind; hence, it is the best distraction that kills sadness and loneliness.

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