In love with her toys..literally!

[bill_e]

Interesting behaviour. Nike used to always want to come out of her cage from first thing in the morning to any time we walked up to her. She was also displaying significant hormonal behavior where not only would she be "wild", but she was constantly humping. Then about 2 months ago that all stopped, she was very sweet when out but getting her out of her cage was a chore and I could usually only coax her out once a day.

I had noticed that she had grown very fond of her little stainless steel pots and pans toy, constantly nestled into it and regurgitating for it. Also, in order to give her more outside time I would put her back on top of her cage and she would immediately go in and cuddle up with her pots and pans.

A week ago I removed the toy and almost instantly her behavior changed. She began coming to the front door and waiting for us and would step up out of her cage anytime we opened the door.

She's back to wanting to be with us and will sit on top of her cage for hours. She is also back to humping me but her personality has remained sweet

She's back to being the bird that she was albeit humping a lot. We try not to cuddle her and only scratch her head but that still seems to bring on the behaviour.

 

[Dinosrawr]

It's crazy how environmental factors - even toys - impact the behaviour of our birds so strongly. Good on you for being able to fix what you could though! I know I have to be careful of how I hold my conure.

Something that's always worked for me to help Avery get her mind off of it is training. It's amazing how her focus just snaps away from hormones on zeroes in on a yummy treat awaiting her at the end of a trick sequence.

 

[Notdumasilook]

I seem to recall on that Exotic Pet Vet shows... they have a med they put under the skin of birds that lessens that hormonal behavior. Kinda like birdie birth control. Anyone familiar with the pros and cons of that?

 

[wrench13]

That is pretty bizarre behavior, Bill, but then again Nike is an unusual parrot. Love the hawk heads!

 

[jenphilly]

Birds can react to anything, somethings its crazy. Removing the items that trigger the behavior is perfect.

For her masturbating on you, that is something you want to redirect. Either just place her on a playstand and walk away, or give her something to distract her, a new shredding toy or something of that sort. One thing to keep in mind with a female that is very hormonal and masturbating is that you are increasing your odds and risk of a prolapse. We have a female U2 that is a hormonal little hussy, but she remains sweet and wonderful (thankfully), but because she is so hormonal and masturbates on everyone and about anything when she gets worked up, she has been a major worry for a prolapse. So even tho your girl is remaining sweet and friendly, you still want to redirect that behavior.

Something like a shower or bath is another great way to quickly redirect the behavior. If you are seeing hormonal behavior in a female for very long periods and its significant, I would chat with your vet about options to ensure the health and safety of your girl.

 

[bill_e]

Thanks. I actually believe that Nike is a boy because as far as I know she has never laid an egg. The previously owner had her for 8 years without any egg laying. I am just used to calling her a she because that's what I called my previous bird of 40 years though it was likely a boy as well.

I do redirect though I never thought of a shower. She doesn't play much so redirection is usually just putting her down.

 

[jenphilly]

Thanks. I actually believe that Nike is a boy because as far as I know she has never laid an egg. The previously owner had her for 8 years without any egg laying. I am just used to calling her a she because that's what I called my previous bird of 40 years though it was likely a boy as well.

I do redirect though I never thought of a shower. She doesn't play much so redirection is usually just putting her down.

Okay, this is something most people react with a 'no way'... but a male can also prolapse. While so common with the girls, a male that is masturbating on everything, can also happen with the boys.

But I think you're already dealing with the behavior and everything great, so its not something I'm suggesting will happen, just one of those things to keep in the back of your mind for any really horrible hormonal bout you have or if you see anything with the cloaca area you know is wrong...

 

[Just-Passn-Thru]

Thanks. I actually believe that Nike is a boy because as far as I know she has never laid an egg. The previously owner had her for 8 years without any egg laying. I am just used to calling her a she because that's what I called my previous bird of 40 years though it was likely a boy as well.

I do redirect though I never thought of a shower. She doesn't play much so redirection is usually just putting her down.

My Rose-Breasted Cockatoo (Kiwi ) was a Female, She never laid an egg. she was my Companion for 30 years. She passed 1 Year ago This August. The only way to be certain is to have Nike tested.