Raven's giving all his food away!

[RavensGryf]

For those who don't know my boys Raven and Griffin, they are my "odd couple". Griffin is a Ruppell's parrot (African), and Raven a BW Pionus (South American) who is twice as large as Griffin. But they are as bonded as any bird pair.

Raven will often regurgitate for Griffin and "feed" him. Never the other way around, it's always Raven feeding his little buddy Griffin. This behavior has been going on for quite a while now, and I can't seem to stop them.

Sometimes it makes me laugh because Raven will call Griffin over to him. He will say his name repeatedly in a tone as if he's calling him to come, then he feeds him after he comes. Yes, Griffin is recall trained to Raven lol. It's the funniest thing.

But here's my concern about this... I want Raven to keep his nutrition to himself! His weight is fine, but I worry that when he feeds Griffin so regularly, does he know when to stop and not give too much of his own nutrition away? This is the only time during my bird keeping life that I've had 2 birds that were this close and bonded to each other. Do you have any birds who do this? What do you think?

 

[plumsmum2005]

Thinking about this logically I can see your concern, that this could be compromising Raven's health. Are you aware if he eats more because he's doing this? Does he feed Griffin and then go for more food?

If you have a regular health check then that could help?

You could feed him and keep him in his cage for a while before letting him loose to feed his buddy?

To turn it round does Griffin eat less because Raven is feeding him? Do they actually pass that much over or is it more of a token?

Sorry, more questions than answers here lol.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Julie, when you say 'regularly', how often is that? Does he bring up large amounts of food that you can see?

I honestly wouldn't worry too much. Just feed Raven a little extra to make up for the 'returned' portions.

 

[RavensGryf]

K, Raven's last check up was a matter of months ago, his bloodwork and weight have been fine. They are in their own separate cages for well enough time to eat enough on their own. From what I observe, they both eat what I'd think is a 'normal' amount.

When I'm there with them in the evening for a few hours, I notice they don't do it every single night. Maybe half the week I'd guess if they're not doing it when I'm not looking.
On the nights I see it being done, it's maybe several times, but I discourage it and make them go back and play or whatever.

Wendy, it's not a whole lot of food from what I can tell. Looks more like going through the motions but I know there is some food coming out because Griffin looks like he's 'chewing' after. I suppose I shouldn't worry unless it seems like an excessive amount?

To be honest it grosses me out, even thought it's a natural thing for birds. I'm not sure how common it is to happen between birds who are bonded friends, and not a "true" mated pair.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Feeding each other is definitely better than trying to feed you! LOL

 

[itchyfeet]

Is it 'just' hormonal? or is it all of the time? He must keep some of the nutrients through osmosis? (I don't know what I'm talking about here!) Is there a way, if he looses condition, that you can give him a bit of breeder food top up?

 

[itchyfeet]

I'm not sure how common it is to happen between birds who are bonded friends, and not a "true" mated pair.

Lol they'd like to know who you think you are to refer to them as just 'friends' and not a true pair, and think you should pay more attention when they're playing together because you're missing out on all sorts of interesting antics!



(Tired humour, sorry )

 

[Bandespresso]

Parrots digest their food really quickly. If they have enough seperate cage time with lots of nutritious food during that time, he is getting all the good stuff he needs. I wouldn't fret about it unless it is something Raven does all day every day on everything then I would worry about him not getting enough nutrition. Nothing says true love like regurgitation :vomit-smi

 

[Scott]

I have several closely bonded non-mates, and have yet to observe regurgitation. What you describe is interesting, but as long as Raven and Griffin remain healthy with stable weight, it is probably OK.

 

[RavensGryf]

I'm not sure how common it is to happen between birds who are bonded friends, and not a "true" mated pair.

Lol they'd like to know who you think you are to refer to them as just 'friends' and not a true pair, and think you should pay more attention when they're playing together because you're missing out on all sorts of interesting antics!



(Tired humour, sorry )

Lol, tired humor is still humor , a lot better than complaining I suppose...
Well, Raven has also tried to mount his much smaller friend too. Poor Griffin, no wonder he bites Raven at times. To answer your other question, it's all year round. Teenagers

Parrots digest their food really quickly. If they have enough seperate cage time with lots of nutritious food during that time, he is getting all the good stuff he needs. I wouldn't fret about it unless it is something Raven does all day every day on everything then I would worry about him not getting enough nutrition. Nothing says true love like regurgitation :vomit-smi

Thanks Brittany . He doesn't do it everyday. Seems like most days lately, but it is not anywhere near an obsessive level. Usually just once or twice a night, and only with Griffin, never on objects or people.

I have several closely bonded non-mates, and have yet to observe regurgitation. What you describe is interesting, but as long as Raven and Griffin remain healthy with stable weight, it is probably OK.

I've also had 2 sets of other parrot friends before, and never had this. My budgie Twigs and his late partner was the only other time I've ever seen this level of closeness in birds who weren't a breeding pair (males). Although I think the behavior is more common in budgies than parrots. Their weight is normal, so I suppose I won't worry. I used to try to stop them, but they'd wait til my back was turned lol.