Licking

[Sherry]

I'm curious as to why Nemo (my 3 month old B&G) licks my face? I haven't brought him home yet as I am still setting up for him, so I go to the pet store and feed him his dinner. Each time he gets on me he heads right for my face and starts licking. His tough feels really strange but he so adorable I just let him do it. Sometimes he does this before I feed him and sometimes after, sometimes both. I was wondering if your birds do this and if its a baby thing or can I look forward to having my face licked for the next few decades.

 

[plax]

I'm curious as to why Nemo (my 3 month old B&G) licks my face? I haven't brought him home yet as I am still setting up for him, so I go to the pet store and feed him his dinner. Each time he gets on me he heads right for my face and starts licking. His tough feels really strange but he so adorable I just let him do it. Sometimes he does this before I feed him and sometimes after, sometimes both. I was wondering if your birds do this and if its a baby thing or can I look forward to having my face licked for the next few decades.

Parrots are VERY tongue and beak oriented creatures. They're as well quite inquisitive by nature, especially the younger ones. They simply love to explore the world with their tongues and beaks, much like a human baby might do by placing various objects into its mouth. Among other things, a parrot's tongue serves as its main touch sensor. It not only uses its tongue to tastes things, but also to determine textures and surface/substance temperatures. So it's really a normal behavior.

My guess is that Nemo's licking behavior might diminish a bit as he ages, but that it will likely always exist

 

[plax]

One additional comment: The fact that Nemo often licks your face also suggests that he feels quite content around you and may be an indication of a significant bond that he feels toward you.

 

[Sherry]

Yea!!!!!! That was what I was hoping for. It's just so funny. None of my other birds ever lick me so its a new experience.

 

[JerseyWendy]

My Niko isn't necessarily a "licker", but the only kisses he plants are the "french" ones. No matter how many times I tell him to keep his tongue to himself, he doesn't know any better - or perhaps he prefers it that way, lol.

 

[Sherry]

That's funny!

 

[tab_xo]

hahaha Fargo loves using his tongue, will sit on my hand and arm all day preening me and tonguing me, then when i give him a big kiss on his cheek he tries to give me a kiss back

 

[JJones1719]

I agree, the licking thing is the way a Macaw can sometimes show their love for you and that they enjoy your company. I wish I had a Dollar for every kiss my boys have given me over the last 5-6 years. Enjoy them while they last. Thanks Joe

 

[Sherry]

It is very sweet, it just surprised me at first. I'm so happy he seems to like me