Breeding

[Eppie]

Well, as some of you know I have had my B&G Macaw for about 3 weeks bought as a 4 yea rold but is really 12 years old. Trying to be the best mommy ever to my "Casey" and learn as much as I can about Macaws. Well now the bird wants to be bred. How long will this last and does Casey need any extra care? I am still waiting on the DNA results to come back to see if it is a boy or a girl. "Casey" might be "Katie"

 

[Auggie's Dad]

He wants to breed?

*confused* Did he tell you this?

If he's single, and you are not sure even if it's a male, then what makes you conclude that he wants to breed?

 

[Eppie]

Called the aviary near here that breeds and sells Macaws I told them that every time anyone touches Casey he/she turns nearly upsidedown , holds her tail up and wants us to massage her back and under her wings. She is also doing this with a new saucer toy we just bought her. They say both males and females do this during breeding time. You think it is maybe the wrong info? Glad to have your help.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Ah, yes. I suppose clarification between the act and the process of breeding would be important. Birds are not Catholic if you catch my meaning. Auggie always wants to 'breed' in this sense, and he does so a few times a day.

As for how long the behavior lasts it pretty much depends on how long it takes him/her to figure out how to handle her own business. No extra care is needed unless you WANT her to breed. Also if she is a she and starts laying eggs she should get some extra calcium.

You can also curb this behavior to a degree by shortening the days - close the blinds or cover her up so she gets fewer hours of sunlight. However if you are in the northern hemisphere mother nature will be doing this for us now anyhow.

 

[Darius]

Don't encourage this behaviour try to keep scritches and pets to the head and neck area at this time or your bird will get quite frustrated and you will only prolong the situation slow down and any warm mushy foods and stick to more veggies than fruits and extend her sleep time by 10 minutes a night til she is in total darkness for 14 hours this will also help. the hormonal time can last about 3 months but you can shorten it a little by doing these things good luck and it sound like you have a girl by the way they boys will usually do a mating dance by holding there wings in a heart shape and rocking or stepping back and forth while regurgatating. the male may also masterbate on a toy or you leg or arm. like I said don't encourage this behaviour no petting under the wings down the back or anywhere near the vent area while they are in the state head and neck area only.

 

[Shmexay]

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