B&G hormonal behavior - frustrating

[MattieGirl]

I would say that 9 out of 10 times that I have Mattie step up she immediately turns so that her rear is up toward me, puts her head back, makes little squeaking noises and then tries to nibble/regurgitate on my hand.

I recognize all of this as hormonal/mating behaviors - I immediately put her back on her perch/cage. When I walk by her, she lifts her foot to step up, I put my arm out and the whole thing starts all over again.

It is getting very frustrating and makes me hesitant to have her on my arm.

She is about 4 yrs old. We have had her almost 3 months.

I don't know what to do. Helpful advice, please.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Have you ever practiced trick training with her? I know a lot of people(myself included) who cue a trick when we know they are about to show breeding behavior, or are already in the act. It works great at changes their mind set to working/learning mode.

Rosie can get a little unpredictable and more aggressive during breeding season, asking her to do simple tricks immediately changes her disposition.

 

[davisn456]

Frankie is 10, and I've had her 2 months (brought her home at the end of April). She started doing this to me about 2 weeks after I had her, and just stopped last week. She still does the occasional regurgitation, but nothing near what it had been. I guess it just takes it a while to get it out of her system. It's important to only pet the head and don't touch below the shoulders when they're "in the mood". That helps discourage the behavior.

 

[henpecked]

I assume you think she wants sex? Well she might but it might not be just to lay eggs. Many new world parrot use sex as a bonding tool, just like allo feeding and preening. It's a way for a pair to strengthen/reinforce their bond with each other. I'd suggest using another method of bonding instead of one you find distasteful. If you don't like allo feeding or sex,, start preening her when she's looking for that reassurance. It's easier to replace a bad habit than to get rid of it. If she starts ,, reassure her with preening, you'll be amazed how quick she'll forget about sex. Sure it will come up again but now you know what she's really looking for. It's acceptance and reassurance that she's after. When she's older and mature and it's that hormonal time of year, preening won't work as well because she more into reproduction. After a few years you'll notice the difference and see what i'm talking about. I really should make a video. You can touch a bird "wrong" when she 's looking acceptance and she begs for sex, after preening her you can touch her the same way and not get that same reaction. Just fill her need with something you find acceptable. PS you could also substitute cuddling,playing, anything that your bird needs to feel "loved". ONE on ONE time is very important to a bonded pair. She's craving your attention, don't deny her, she doesn't understand what she's doing "wrong". Give it a try, i'm sure your relationship with Mattie will be much happier. Do you let her preen you?

 

[JerseyWendy]

I entirely agree with Ashley (Copperarabian) on the trick training.

Try and distract her, show her new things, give her new foraging toys, and do not reward her unwanted behavior in any way.

Also, don't give up on her, she WILL snap out of it - eventually.