Its spring! Break out the bandages!

[ShellyBorg]

For those who are having hormonal issues with you birds here is something to try.
If a parrot is not totally comfortable or the food is not right it can slow down the need/want to breed.

Cage:
Remove all shred able items, Can't make nesting liner if there is nothing to shred.
Remove sleeping tents/boxes.
Change out toys. Remove any "special" toys that you fids may like a little to much.
Move around/change out perches.
Move the cage to a new location. (every one needs a new view every once in awhile)

Food:
Cut back on warm mushy foods. This is what a mate feeds to get each other ready.
Cut back on fruit. Again lots of fruit means big healthy babies.

Remember to not pet below the shoulders at this time and give your feather friend a little room. These are highly intelligent animals and know when they are not in the mood for inter reaction. This season will pass and your best friend will have time for you again soon.

 

[Niner10Tango]

If possible, try not to pet your feathered friend at all during "that time of year".. I know it's difficult, but you have to do whats necessary.

Also, shorten the amount of daylight hours.

 

[Agapornis]

How long does the "mating season" last??? Is it different for all birds?

 

[Jtbirds]

I'd say if you need to cut back petting stick to the head only, petting the head is nothing but normal behavior, but when you get to the lowr back and or under the wings is when it is an issue!

O don't worry my mini macaw has already started and I had to remove a happy hut from her, my conure is shredding papers and lol I don't know if I'm quite ready for this season again. Plus now I'll go work with others hormonal birds, oooo joy

 

[BoomBoom]

Thanks for the info. My sun conure is a little over 1 year old. It is spring but I have not seen him turn into a scary, hormonal bird. He's been trying to regurgitate on my shoulder at night and bit nippier towards my neck, but other than that, its manageable so far.

What happens when birds are hormonal? Should I expect much worse things when he is 2 years and up? I've heard of devil bird stories but have not seen it yet with Boomer but I wonder if it's just a matter of time.

PS. I forgot to mention, he is very protective of me. He recently attacked someone who was visiting. This person, he knew very well as they helped me raise him in the beginning. He actually made him bleed and on more than one occasion, flew to his face for a bite lol. So yeah, he's had his devil bird moment. But not with me.

 

[RiosMom]

My white eared conure is in her twos and she is SO nippy and unpredictable right now. She's cage protective, was fine before out of the cage...but tonight out of the blue bit me. I calmly put her back in her cage and put her to bed, but I agree....bandages are definitely out! She was sweet last year, so hormones suck!!!!!!

 

[BoomBoom]

How old is she, RiosMom? Just curious...

 

[RiosMom]

She's just over 2.5 years. My cuddly, sweet baby is making me learn some new techniques! It was very hurtful (in more ways than one!) when she became nippy from the cage. I read Dr Heindrich's ABC behavior stuff, am applying it, but she just seems to adapt! She wants to be with me, but she got me once off guard, got a reaction and now is going for it. It all started about 2 weeks ago.

 

[MikeyTN]

Thanks for the info. My sun conure is a little over 1 year old. It is spring but I have not seen him turn into a scary, hormonal bird. He's been trying to regurgitate on my shoulder at night and bit nippier towards my neck, but other than that, its manageable so far.

What happens when birds are hormonal? Should I expect much worse things when he is 2 years and up? I've heard of devil bird stories but have not seen it yet with Boomer but I wonder if it's just a matter of time.

PS. I forgot to mention, he is very protective of me. He recently attacked someone who was visiting. This person, he knew very well as they helped me raise him in the beginning. He actually made him bleed and on more than one occasion, flew to his face for a bite lol. So yeah, he's had his devil bird moment. But not with me.

The hormone starts with the attack!!!! He feels threatened as he sees you as his mate and your friend was intruding on his territory. During full hormone season I leave them be as much as possible. Cause they either try to hump me like mad or acting crazy. During Willie's first full hormone he lasted way longer then it was supposed to be from October through February. But normal schedule this past two years. I learn to leave them be after being bitten enough times to know better.

 

[RiosMom]

I just read an article that a good wing clip can also help with spring hormone behavior. I know there is good advice and bad advice out there...any takes on this?