Natural or "season" behavior?

[dreamin_sqaw]

In the past week or so Sammy has started a new behavior.

Now when he yells for "momma" and I sit with him in my lap he will step up on my hand, drop his head for scratches, then grab my scratching hand with his foot so that he has a foot on each of my hands. Then he leans over to get to where he is laying flat on his back still holding both hands. To keep him busy from and attempts to bite I free one hand and scratch his head more. He will relax 100% , closing his eyes, but keeps the foot I freed from wide open for me to put my finger back whenever I want. He will "nibble" on a finger if he can get it but never with force or to much pressure. If it does seem to build more pressure than I am comfortable with I will just say " ok lets get up" and flip him back up. He will let the finger go as soon as he is upright. This happens all the time. over and over. Not like it was a fluke, he actually tries to get laid down.

My question is this...........Is this normal trusting behavior from him or is this hormonal ? if normal, im very happy. He has came a long way from the cage bound bird I brought home a few months ago, but if hormonal I need to know if I should stop him attempting this new little "mommy attention trick" he has started. I don't want to encourage a hormonal behavior that could come back to bite me ( literally) by my not understanding what's going on in that cute little head of his. It just so darn cute and lovable though. lol

Sammy honestly would let me do anything to him and he will go anywhere with me . He is so different from how he was when I got him. His nails were so long he couldn't move around in the small cage he was in because they would get caught on the cage. He fought to free his feet to move. He was never taken out of his cage with the last owner. I have many, many hours invested in him and it shows. I want to keep my relationship with

him good so I came here for advise and opinions yet again..

Here's a couple pic's to help you understand what im saying too. Hard to get those pics taken.

Also, he has gotten all but 2 tail feathers gone. Is this a part of molt? or is he frustrated with hormonal issues that could cause this as well? So much to learn lol

Thanks for any inputs you may be able to give to me.

 

[MonicaMc]

Those are adorable pics! I would say you've got a rather trusting amazon and he must have been well loved at some point in his life!



The tail feathers though, I'm not sure. It could be molting, but he also looks rather scraggly, as if he's an over-preener.

 

[dreamin_sqaw]

thanks Monica
He has been well loved since coming to me. Before me he was neglected and somewhat abused. Was never removed from his cage for 1 1/2 years before I got him from the last owner., Had 1 owner before that and they neglected him as well.
He is very attached to me. I call him my feathered pit bull because he wont allow my husband near me if he is in my lap or on my shoulder. He will charge at him. literally run across my chest to run him off. I hope we can get past this.
The feather issue, well those chest feathers I think are in the middle of trying to molt. Be was almost bald there I was afraid he was picking/plucking but they are now coming back. still looks bad. I am also hoping this will correct soon. He gets soaking baths regularly and sprayed in between. Usually he showers with me. lol I have started mixing Aloe with his spray to help. Seems to be doing ok,.
He is trusting of me without a doubt.
any other advice on helping straighten out that ragged feather issue would be appreciated.
thanks so much

 

[BACON]

I've no advice on the feather issue except let time take it's course if the birds not chewing them.

One the pictures :O sooo cute. I'd say he trusts you as has be said. My bird trusts me... But never on her back. It looks adorable

 

[dreamin_sqaw]

he is my baby for sure. now he is down to just 2 tail feathers on one side. lol don't really look good but he seems to be healthy and happy. I wish I could find a good diet that would help bring his color in better and help to improve the look of the feathers... anyone know of any thing I can try?
thanks again yall!

 

[dreamin_sqaw]

one more thing, I think I have to admit defeat on the "over grooming" thing. I catch him preening sometimes and try to stop it just incase the feather issue is from preening to much. but I can not get him interested in toys enough to keep him busy. he will play ball while in my lap, catch and toss back to me, but in the cage, NOTHING! he is as stubborn as I am...lol

I change his cage around often to try to get his attention. NOPE!

 

[MonicaMc]

You might try Sunshine Factor from Harrison's.


Here are some case studies of it's use, please note some images are graphic.

birds

 

[dreamin_sqaw]

Thanks again Monica...
went to the site you suggested and Sammy has help on the way.... placed order

 

[henpecked]

I'm not sure anyone answered your original question. That's a natural behavior, rolling over on their back to play.