Let us create a 3D eBook for you!
Let us create a 3d Digital eBook for you! DigyCat.com

 

The Birds and the Bees for Adults (Parrots, That Is!)


The days are getting longer, and if you have a sexually mature parrot, there may be some major sexual stuff going on - and you might not even know it!

A lot of people believe sexual behavior in adult parrots means they now need to be put in a breeding situation - not true! While there are a FEW birds who truly are not happy as pets and desperately want a mate and babies, they are very much in the minority. For most birds, it's simply a few months of mother Nature's influence, which then passes, revealing your loving companion once again. While some birds do become aggressive at this time, the majority do not. In a true breeding situation, with a bonded pair and a nest box, you will of course, see aggressive, territorial behavior, but generally not so much in single birds in our homes. Some birdies exhibit "selective aggressiveness," depending on the situation and environment.

Basically, sexual behavior starts when the number of hours of daylight begin to lengthen. It's helpful to follow the natural light cycle at this time, getting them up with the sun, and going to bed when it sets. Lots of birds become super cuddly when hormonal, wanting to snuggle more and literally lay in your lap. Touching gets "touchy", since a lot of your usual petting may now be sexually stimulating. Avoid stroking under the wings, under the tail, over the tail (or tugging on it), hands down their full body, or pressure on the back. All of this can be too stimulating, causing frustration. It's like lots of foreplay, with no culmination to follow! While sexual urges are natural, and fairly common in a lot of adult birds, it is not something to encourage.

By the same token, don't discourage or reprimand - simply ignore it, and try to avoid instigating it! Often, we're not aware of our role in the whole process, and unlike "spring fever" in adolescent birds, mature sexuality is often much more subtle, so that we may not even be aware that our birds experiencing it.

In many birds, they're either a bit more affectionate or a bit more grouchy, but not much else is obvious. Some birds exhibit no changes at all. If you do intend to get a mate and embark on the adventure of breeding parrots, please don't start too early! Many people mistake "spring fever" in immature birds as a sign of readiness for breeding, but like all kids, they're simply playacting. Breeding too young puts tremendous stress on Mom - instead of putting energy into her own body's development, it all goes into laying eggs and raising babies. You also tend to get weaker, smaller babies with less vitality.

Another trigger during this phase is anything that looks inviting for nesting - boxes, drawers, cupboards, bags, etc. - cozy protected little nooks and crannies. Avoid having those things around, and definitely don't offer a nest box! Some people do, as a place for birdies to hide, sleep or hang out, but it will make things worse. With some kids, "Happy Huts" will do the same thing - you may want to remove it for awhile.

Be careful! Watch your bird for over stimulation signals - eye pinning, tail fanning, feather puffing, blushing, posturing. You may need to change your approach in handling at this time. Use "step up/down" commands consistently, and avoid having your bird higher than your head and shoulders. You may want to use a hand held perch for bringing your bird out of his cage or off his playstand. Biting can definitely be a problem now. Make use of a "neutral room" when needed, to regain or maintain your position as flock leader.

Other factors affecting sexual behavior include humidity and temperature, as well as lighting and hours of daylight. Normally, nature pushes birds to reproduce right around the time that plants are flourishing, producing lush foliage, seed, flowers, and fruit. This ensures adequate food being available to feed the new hungry mouths!

You may get lucky, and have a parrot who slides right through "breeding season" without batting an eye. Not everyone acts out when the hormones surge! Just be prepared, keep alert, and use good judgment if problems arise. I don't advise doing major behavioral work in the spring if your bird does react negatively, although this is usually when I get a ton of calls begging for help!! Sadly, it also seems to be the time when many birds are put up for sale, as the owners are either unaware or unwilling to deal with this very natural, normal event.

If you do run into problems now, though, it's still advisable to work on behavior after things return to normal. Improving your techniques and building a stronger bond, based on trust and guidance, may help you and your parrot deal better with potential problems next year! Hang in there meanwhile, and don't entice your birdie with provocative behavior. Instead, buy some new toys, feed him more fresh veggies and healthy stuff, and enjoy the promise of new life that accompanies the beautiful season of spring!

-----------------------------------------
Your Parrot Place
Marilu Anderson, Bird Nutrition and Behavior Consultant, (503) 771-BIRD. Marilu is a regular contributor to the Your Parrot Place Newsletter. YourParrotPlace.com - Only the Best for Your Parrot!

Free eBook!
140 pages! A compilation of parrot articles from 2000-2004.
http://www.yourparrotplace.com/ebooks/ypp2004ebook.htm


MORE RESOURCES:

Pets - Google News

Canine changes; Pet owners fear licensing costs will rise after takeover - Record-Searchlight


Canine changes; Pet owners fear licensing costs will rise after takeover
Record-Searchlight
Pet licensing in Shasta County will be privatized by next year. Curtis Martin runs Wednesday with his dog Jemma on Market Street. A change in the Shasta County Animal shelter's licensing program prompted by Haven Humane Society's eventual takeover ...

and more »

Why People Don't Fix Their Pets - Patch.com


GoLocalProv

Why People Don't Fix Their Pets
Patch.com
February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and veterinarians and advocates have answers and aid for unsure pet owners. By Therra C. Gwyn Millions of kittens (and puppies) end up homeless on the streets and in shelters because of the problem of pet ...
Sex and the Kitty: Discounted pet spay/neuters during FebruaryExaminer.com
NEW: Channel 10 Leads “Help These Faces” Unwanted Pet CampaignGoLocalProv
Pets of the WeekSt. Augustine Record
Mail Tribune -Today's THV -Enterprise-Record
all 10 news articles »

Pet limit and rooster ban on Coast - Fraser Coast Chronicle


Pet limit and rooster ban on Coast
Fraser Coast Chronicle
Sunset clauses have been built into new laws governing keeping pets and poultry on the Fraser Coast to protect existing pet owners. Under the new Local Laws residents can keep two cats and two dogs. If they wish to keep more cats or dogs they will have ...

and more »

Northeast Ohio pet owners want fast FDA action on pet treats from China - Plain Dealer


Plain Dealer

Northeast Ohio pet owners want fast FDA action on pet treats from China
Plain Dealer
Sherrod Brown WASHINGTON, DC - Candace Thaxton of Westlake believes that tainted chicken jerky pet treats from China killed her 10-year-old pug, Chansey, last year and sickened the five-month-old puppy her family got to replace it.
Concerns about potentially tainted pet treatsWTAM.com
Brown, Kucinich Seek FDA Action to Protect Dogs From 'Tainted' TreatsCleveland News - Fox 8

all 4 news articles »

Baby on the way? Make time to prepare your pet - Chronicle-Telegram


Baby on the way? Make time to prepare your pet
Chronicle-Telegram
Experts say the countdown should include prep time for pets too. A baby changes everything for a pet — from how its home looks, smells and sounds to what the rules are. Low energy, friendly, social dogs are the most adaptable pets, while independent, ...

and more »

Pets and Cancer -- Pet loss, the death of a pet - Stamford Times


Pets and Cancer -- Pet loss, the death of a pet
Stamford Times
By Gerald Post, DVM, DACVIM The death of a pet can be devastating. Pets are more than just pets nowadays; they are family members, friends, and trusted companions. When they die, we experience grief and it is a very natural emotion.

and more »

Winterize Your Pet With the Royal Treatment - Huffington Post


Care2.com

Winterize Your Pet With the Royal Treatment
Huffington Post
Global warming may exist, but winter is still upon us, and our pets can feel the chill. A pet on the lap is a simple and wonderful way to lower heating bills, but what can we do to reduce their risk of illness from the tolls of winter?
Big Pets Get Bigger: Latest Survey Shows US Dog and Cat Obesity Epidemic ExpandingMarketWatch (press release)
Most American Pets are Too FatCare2.com
Confused.com guides pet owners through the minefield of pet insuranceWebWire (press release)

all 14 news articles »

MiniChip(TM) in February for Pet Dental Health Month - MarketWatch (press release)


MiniChip(TM) in February for Pet Dental Health Month
MarketWatch (press release)
OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, Feb 06, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Pethealth Inc. /quotes/zigman/39120 CA:PTZ +1.85% - With veterinary clinics and animal welfare practitioners across the country promoting Pet Dental Health month this February, Pethealth Inc.

and more »

Pet Dental Care - NTV


MyFox Washington DC

Pet Dental Care
NTV
February is National Pet Dental Care Month. At what age in our pet's life should we start to be concerned about dental care? As soon as possible while your pet is still young. Know what its teeth and mouth look like, get it accustomed to having its ...
5 Best Ways to Keep Your Pet's Teeth HealthyPaw Nation
A Bite as Healthy as Their BarkWall Street Journal

all 55 news articles »

Pet Travel Announces Partnership with Datamars - Houston Chronicle


Pet Travel Announces Partnership with Datamars
Houston Chronicle
Pet Travel has offered microchips and scanners to traveling pet owners for over 5 years. Through a recent partnership with Datamars, a global leader in pet identification, these devices will be available to vets, breeders, shelters and other businesses ...

and more »

Click here for Best Buy In-Store Pickup

StreetSideAuto.com

Looking For Royalty Free Photos for your Website, Business or Advertising?

My Life Through The Lens

Jumbuck Domain Is For Sale - $5,000 For Enquiries eMail Us

© www.Jumbuck.biz 2011

home | site map | links

eXTReMe Tracker