Rocky seems to think it's spring

[Siobhan]

It's fall here in Illinois but for some reason, Rocky is very romantic the last few days. I barely pick him up and the feathers get ruffled and the foot comes out to grab and squeeze my fingers. Even in this mood, he's not chomping and getting crazy like my Quaker Clyde does, but still. I do not want a romantic relationship with a cockatoo and have told him so plainly.

 

[ToMang07]

He'll win you over in time.

 

[jenphilly]

It's fall here in Illinois but for some reason, Rocky is very romantic the last few days. I barely pick him up and the feathers get ruffled and the foot comes out to grab and squeeze my fingers. Even in this mood, he's not chomping and getting crazy like my Quaker Clyde does, but still. I do not want a romantic relationship with a cockatoo and have told him so plainly.

With cockatoos you hit the lottery... they seem to follow the spring of where they live, AND still have the nature's call of spring from where they orginate. Cockatoos being hormonal twice a year is not surprising. We just had one of our overly 'eager' girls at the shelter in for Lupron shots, she was getting friendly with literally everything and anything. Thankfully she keeps a sweet temperament and does not go hormonal crazy.

When Rocky gets overly affectionate, just set him down and walk away for a bit. Nothing as punishment, just redirect him with something else, sometimes even a bath works (guess its in line like a cold shower for the guys!!)

 

[Siobhan]

I have to be very gentle in redirecting because he comes from a troubled background and we are finally making real progress in moving forward into trust. I try to get him to talk -- that sometimes works with my Quaker. I've tried putting him down but he sees that as rejection, not just of his advances, but of HIM. Last night, he was really winding up for serious wooing when the Cubs scored in the World Series, and Hubby and I both cheered, so Rocky cheered, too and that snapped him out of it. Rocky cheers really well. LOL