My son's behaviour is worrying

[Fiocco]

My son is 4 years old and I am concerned about his behaviour with small animals. A few days ago a small bird fell into our garden. My son caught it and held it in his hand while my husband went indoors for a while. When he came back, my son handed back the bird to him; crushed to death. He did not seem upset about this. However, after my shocked husband demanded to know what had happened, he burst into tears and refused to answer. After various hours he finally confessed that he had put the bird under the fake turf in the garden and stamped on it with his feet because he did not like small birds.

A few weeks ago, another small bird had fallen into our garden and my son (who was playing outside) caught the bird, soaked it in cold water and locked it in the seat of his toy car. Luckily I found the shivering bird. When questioned my son replied that the bird was dirty. A few days later the bird died. My son laughed when he informed me that he and his dad had found the bird dead.

My son is very affectionate and loving most of the time. However, sometimes he seems to have no empathy and usually laughs if he sees someone hurt or crying.

I find my son's behaviour quite disturbing. Is this abnormal behaviour for a four year old? Should I be concerned?

[margypops]

Maybe ask your Doc or someone Professional as it does seem to be a behavior you would want to stop. Has he seen any other relative be crual to birds and animals, what is the approach to them of his Dad and other Family members or caregivers, kids often copy what they see others do, you may want to check it out and ask him.Maybe talk to him and explain how they are helpless and hurt like we do.